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They ended the call, and Tinsley returned to the dining room.
“What’s the matter, Tins?” Kiley asked. “You look like you just lost a puppy.”
Her face must have given her away, but not for the reasons they thought. She wasn’t sad about not seeing Palmer. She was sad about having to put off breaking up with him. “Nothing’s wrong. Hey, Daddy, can we use the lake house for a couple of days? I think Kiley and I need to get away from Dallas for a bit.”
He looked at her over the brim of his coffee cup. “Sure. I don’t see why not. Will Palmer be joining you?”
“Um, no. He’s got more business in Austin. He won’t be back for a few more days.”
“Well, then. It’s the perfect time for you and Kiley to have some girl time. Go ahead. Have fun. I’ll call and have Juanita make sure everything is in order, and stock the fridge with some basics for you.”
Tinsley got out of her chair and hugged his neck. “Thank you, Daddy. I love you.”
“I love you, too, baby girl. Now go pack a bag. And Grady, you’re to accompany the girls.”
“Yes, sir.” His eyes shifted from JD to her.
She tugged on Kiley’s hand. “Come on. Help me pack, then we’ll go pick up some things at your house on the way.”
***
It was a little over a two-hour drive west of Dallas to the exclusive conclave on Possum Lake. They used Grady’s truck, since he had a crew cab with room for all of them, plus their bags.
Grady was glad to see the lake house was in a gated community. It gave some element of added security, although if someone wanted access to the property, it was waterfront and therefore had access from the water by anyone who had a boat.
He pulled down the drive, amazed at the massive structure. It was done in a Mediterranean style with a red-tiled roof. “How big is this place?”
“Four levels, seven bedrooms, a wine cellar, multiple terraces. The view is amazing. Come on.”
They climbed out, and Grady retrieved the bags while Tinsley unlocked the door and shut off the security system. He followed them inside.
The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. Where the estate was classic southern in style, right down to the décor, the lake house had a definite Texas vibe with chocolate leather furniture, cowhide rugs and throw pillows, high ceilings with big beams, stucco walls and fireplaces, and terra-cotta tiled floors.
Grady set the bags down and followed the girls onto the stone terrace that overlooked the lake. The house sat on high ground, giving them a panoramic view of the water. “Now that’s a view.”
“It is lovely, isn’t it?” Tinsley leaned on her hands on the waist-high stone wall.
Off to the right was a fireplace, with seating under a grape arbor. She strolled toward it, and Grady followed.
“My parents designed this area after a little restaurant in Italy on the island of Capri where they honeymooned. I’ve always thought that was so romantic.”
“Have you ever been there? Capri?”
“No. Italy is one place I’ve never been. I’ve always thought I would save it for when I found the right man. It’s such a romantic country.”
Kiley strode inside. “I’m going to the cellar to get us some wine. Then we’re going to drink our sorrows away.”
After she disappeared, Tinsley looked at him, stepping closer. “I may have had an ulterior motive in coming here.”
Grady grinned, glancing at where her hands settled on his abs through his shirt. “Really? And what was that, exactly?”
“Time alone with you.”
“I see. And if Palmer hadn’t been staying out of town for three days?”
“Maybe this is fate, giving us this chance.”
Grady studied her beautiful blue eyes,seriously considering if he could trust in what she was saying. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe she wanted to spend time with him, it was that he wasn’t sure if he could trust she’d give up Palmer if it came to that. “Do you believe in fate, Miss Wyatt?”
