AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He was unhappy at first, but I reassured him that I wasn’t looking to replace her. That I wanted both of us—me and him, I mean—to be ready before I moved on. It was the best talk we’ve had in a while.”
“I’m really happy to hear that.”
Toby rang the doorbell, and Nana immediately opened the door.
“Well, there you are!” she exclaimed as if she was actually surprised when she’d probably been spying on us the whole time. “And look at all these wonderful smiling faces.”
She ushered us in, and my palms broke out in a sweat as nerves overtook me. I was not the type of guy who faked anything, especially in front of my nana. We weren’t lying, just playing along with her matchmaking rather than fighting it, but it still made me nervous. What if I couldn’t pull it off?
I glanced at Hunter, who’d cleaned up nice in a pair of ass-hugging jeans and a button-down shirt and leather jacket. So hot.
Okay, so maybe faking it wouldn’t be my problem. Maybe reining in the lust in front of my nana and Toby would be. I bit down on my lip and looked away, but I caught Nana watching me with a gleam in her eye.
I’d played right into her matchmaking hands, but at least that was a good thing tonight.
“I hope you like roasted chicken with all the fixin’s, because it’s just about to come out of the oven. I even made my sweet potato biscuits!”
“I love those!” Toby said. “My grandma makes them too.”
“Where do you think she got the recipe?”
“Nana, don’t brag,” I said.
She pulled a face. “What’s the fun of being a great cook if you don’t get to brag about it a little?”
Hunter chuckled. “Seems fair. You put the work into the meal, you deserve some recognition for it.”
“Darn tootin’,” she said. “Come give Nana a hug now. I need some loving.”
I moved in to hug her, but she bypassed me to wrap Toby in her arms, rocking him side to side. “Aw, you’re just the cutest, but you need to put some more meat on those bones, kiddo. Eat up good tonight. Have seconds.”
Toby certainly ate up the attention. “I’ll have thirds!”
“Let’s not go too wild,” Hunter said dryly. “I don’t want to have to roll you home.”
“Don’t listen to him. Eat until you pop!” Nana encouraged.
I shook my head and exchanged a look with Hunter. “She’s in grandma mode. Nothing will stop her now.”
He chuckled and accepted a brief hug and back pat from her as well. “You could probably do with a good meal too. A big guy like you needs more than takeout.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Hunter said politely. “I really should get that stove in at home and get us all into better habits.”
“Yes, you should,” she agreed. “Now, I know you might not be much of a cook, but there’s plenty of folks around here who can help you.” Her smile widened. “Clark knows most of my recipes. Maybe he could give you a few tips.”
Hunter glanced at me, eyes full of amusement. “Is that right, Clark? You really are a man of many talents.”
I felt my cheeks heat, powerless to stop the blush. “I get by, I guess.”
“Aw, look at how bashful he is,” Nana crowed. “My Clarkie is too shy; that’s his problem. Don’t let him hide his wonderful self from you.”
“Oh, I see enough,” Hunter said. “He’s been great with Toby.”
“Yeah.” Toby nodded. “He’s awesome!”
I pressed my hands to my blazing face, unable to stand all the compliments flying my way, even knowing half of it was for show. “So, what’s left to do? Do you need any help, Nana?”
“Yes,” Hunter said, “put us to work.”
