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“How thrilling.”
“Hey—you don’t move to Rock Bay for the drama. Actually, people just don’t move to Rock Bay.” I brought up my mom’s number and hit dial. “You’re an enigma, Brantley Cooper.”
He smirked. “Speak for yourself, Ms. Handywoman.”
I laughed right as Mom answered.
“Yes?” she said. “Do I need to rescue you?”
“Not exactly. I’m at Brantley Cooper’s and have the worst blister on my foot. Can you pick me up?”
Silence, and then, “Why are you at your client’s house?”
“Long story,” I said. “Please?”
“I want a full run-down of the date and why the hell you’re at Brantley Cooper’s. Then you’ve got yourself a deal.”
I sighed. “Fine, fine. Deal.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.” She hung up, killing the line with a click.
Brantley, with four grocery bags in his hands, stared at me. “You just called someone to drive you three blocks?”
“Uh, yes. But that’s my mom’s job.”
“Lord, I hope my kids don’t say that in twenty years.”
I grinned. “She only wants to know about my date.”
He laughed and nodded toward the trunk. “Well? If you’re waiting, make yourself useful and carry some of this in.”
“Uh.” I looked at my shoes. “I’m not exactly equipped for grocery carrying.”
Shaking his head as he passed me, he said, “Stand there and look pretty, then. But this is basically the corner of the street, and there’s every chance someone might get confused.”
“Damn you!” I tucked my clutch inside the truck and grabbed a bag.
That’s right. A bag. Just one.
I wasn’t going to take this crap sitting down.
When I walked into the kitchen with my one bag, he blinked at me several times. “My God,” he muttered, probably to himself. “I don’t even know what to say to you.”
I put the bag down, smirked, and folded my arms over my chest. “You asked me to help. You never said I had to carry more than one bag.”
His lips twitched. He pursed them, but the restrained laughter shone in his eyes. Those goddamn beautiful, bright, expressive eyes.
Shit, what was wrong with me?
“You are something else, Kali. That’s for damn sure.” He tugged on a bit of my hair as he walked past me.
I followed him outside. “Of course, I’m something else. I wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if I was the same as everyone else, would I?”
“I’ve never met anyone as confident as you,” he said honestly. “I don’t know if it’s arrogant or refreshing.”
I shrugged as the familiar rumble of my mom’s car sounded around the corner. I grabbed my clutch. “If I don’t believe in myself, is anyone else going to?”
“That’s a very good point.”
Our eyes met, and we shared a smile.
A smile that made a shiver dance its way down my spine.
“Hi!” Mom got out of her car.
Oh, no.
“Hi,” Brantley said, turning around. “You must be Kali’s mom.”
Mom beamed. “Portia Hancock. You have to be Brantley Cooper.” She held out her hand.
“It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Hancock.” He took her offered hand, but instead of shaking it, kissed it.
Mom raised her eyebrows in an “ooh, hello,” kind of way.
“Call me Portia,” she replied. “Mrs. Hancock is my mother-in-law.”
“And doesn’t everyone know it,” I muttered.
Mom laughed. “I hope Kali isn’t bothering you, Mr. Cooper.”
“Brantley, please. Or Brant if you like—I’m not picky. And no, she’s not bothering me at all.” He slid his gaze to me with a sly smile. “In fact, I think I saved her ass tonight.”
I rolled my eyes. “My very own superhero. Why does Eli need Batman when he’s got you?”
Mom looked between us questioningly, but Brantley only laughed meeting my gaze fully.
“I don’t have a mask or a cape. Or a Batmobile, for that point,” he replied. “When you figure that out…”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” I said dryly, stepping forward. “Mom? Shall we go?”
“Yes,” she said slowly, taking her gaze from me to Brantley. “It was lovely to meet you, Brantley. I’m sure I’ll see you around soon.” She gave him her most dazzling smile, which wasn’t hard considering she was one of the most beautiful people I knew, and turned to the car.
“I’ll see you on Monday,” I said quietly. “Did the twins pick their bedroom colors?”
He nodded. “I’ll text you their selections.”
“Thank you. I want to get that bought on Monday.”
“No problem. I’ll send it tomorrow.” He pulled a grocery bag out of the trunk. “I’ll see you Monday, Kali.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, smiling and nodding. “Oh, and Brant?”
He smirked, turning back to look at me. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for saving me tonight.”
His laugh was like all the best chocolates—rich and smooth and oh-so-satisfying. “You’re more than welcome, ma’am.” He finished with a wink, and walked inside.
I sighed, turning around.
Mom sat in the car, windows down, and stared at me. “Get in and tell me everything. Now.”
Chapter Ten
Rolling my eyes, I did exactly as she’d said. I recapped the date in record time, and when I got done, she groaned and said all the appropriate things as she pulled into my driveway.
