Page 73 of Echoes at Driftwood Cottage

“For making me forget about all this stuff, even for a few hours, helped.”

Mamie laid a hand over hers. “I want you to know that I’m here for you. No matter what the outcome. Whatever you need, I’m willing to help.” She leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone but Daniel is my favorite grandchild.”

Rowan roared with laughter. “Your secret is safe with me.”

After getting Mamie settled in his guest bedroom, Daniel insisted on walking Rowan home. As they took their time walking down the alleyway, the night air felt cool against their skin. The only sound was their footsteps echoing on the pavement.

“Business always picks up once summer starts,” Daniel blurted out, breaking the silence. “Lines out the door.”

“Are you thinking of hiring more people?”

“That depends. Are you planning to serve ice cream to the masses or try to pick up more clients?”

She frowned. “You’re suggesting I should be spending this time trying to grow my business.”

“That’s what I’d do. I feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

Rowan lifted her shoulders. “So what if I get a kick out of making ice cream and serving it to the masses? It makes me happy. And to be honest, with everything that’s happening, I’m not in any mood to pursue new clients. Don’t you like the job I’m doing?”

“No complaints out of me. You do seem to be having fun. It’s probably because you’re outgoing and personable.”

“I’m a people-person. This sounds like my two-week review. So, could you verify that I’m doing a good job?”

“What’s not to like? You make going to work every day more enjoyable. And tonight you even hit it off with my grandmother. You seem fond of her.”

“She’s wonderful. I can see how the Cardiff and Albritton genes came together to get you. She’s a very good storyteller. And she adores you.”

Daniel chuckled. “It’s because she sees a lot of John, my grandfather in me. They were quite the pair back in their day, a love story for the ages.”

“What happened to him?”

“Ten years ago, he suffered a massive heart attack while they were touring Southern France. He died before they could get him to the hospital. He was seventy-eight. She was sixty-two. She’s felt guilty ever since because she was the one who had persuaded him to take the trip, to travel, to see something of the world other than California. She hasn’t been anywhere since. Getting her here tonight was a very big deal.”

“That’s why you didn’t think she’d come.”

From one of the neighboring houses, they heard music coming from an open window—Elvis Presley’s baritone crying out about falling in love, his soulful voice capturing the night.

“Mrs. Catz is a big fan of romantic tunes,” Daniel pointed out. “She likes to turn the volume up on her record player this time of night and crank up the oldies. You’ll get used to her routine.” On impulse, he reached out to take her hand. “Dance with me.”

“Here? Now?”

“Why not? Make the most of a full moon and a starry night. How can you hear that voice and those lyrics and not want to fall in love?”

Rowan smiled and turned in his arms. Swaying to the music, her thoughts kept drifting to the way his body felt pressed against hers. She felt the heat rising in her cheeks. She tried to keep her mind focused on the song, but the way Daniel’s hand felt in hers seemed more powerful than the rhythm of the music. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck. His touch seemed electric. A rush of emotions kicked in.

Rowan’s breath hitched as she looked up at him. She could see the desire in his eyes, and it made her feel wanted. “It’s obvious we have this thing happening between us.”

“I know.”

“Just listen for a minute, okay? I need to say this. I had a great time tonight because I enjoy being around you. I think I might be falling for you, Daniel, seriously falling.”

Daniel’s blue eyes sparkled as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. “I’m pretty sure I’m already there,” he murmured against her cheek. “The question is what are we going to do about it.”

The song changed to a more upbeat tune, but it was Elvis still crooning about love. Daniel kept his arms locked around her as he whispered, “Let me stay tonight.”

“I’d like that. But what about your grandmother?”

“We’ll surprise her in the morning, the two of us making her breakfast. How does that sound?”

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