Page 55 of The Keeper

He’s apparently thoughtful and scored some points with her and made her smile like that. I swallowed my jealousy down with more scotch.

“What charity is it?” I managed to ask without sounding too predatory. I think.

Victoria fidgeted with her wine glass. “Charlotte used to volunteer at a small animal shelter where we grew up. We’d have bake sales to help raise money for them. So, now since she…I still donate money every year. And when I have time, I go help them socialize puppies for adoption.”

“You can always tell a person’s character by how well they treat animals,” Bennet commented. “My nieces love dogs. I think it’s great you and your sister are so involved with animal welfare.”

I put my hand on hers and squeezed. “How often do you go?”

“Not as often as I’d like. Maybe once every few months. That’s why I always make sure I send them a sizable donation every year. They’re such good people.”

“Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?” Cade added. “Doing something that benefits someone else? Ah, I see the look of shock Queen Victoria.” He laughed. “Just ask these two. I’m all about donating my time and efforts to worthwhile causes.”

“He’s not lying,” I confirmed. “The man is a muppet but he loves giving back.”

“Let me guess.” Victoria flashed a playful smile at Cade. “Children’s charities so you can be among your peers?”

“Mate, if you don’t marry her, I will.” Cade laughed with Hannah and Bennet.

Victoria looked at me with an exasperated grin that simultaneously relaxed me and made me laugh. Good to know I wasn’t the only one rattled by his comment.

“Nobody’s getting married, Cade,” she drawled and rolled her eyes. “But thank you for the offer.”

“Hate to break it to you boys,” Hannah said, “but Victoria and I made a pact to get married if we’re still single when we’re sixty, so basically, we’re already engaged.” She looked across the table at Victoria and winked.

Cade lifted his hands in resignation and smirked. “I’m not going to comment for fear of being tied up and flogged by one of those two.”

“Wise move.” Bennet turned and looked at me. “Are you still refurbishing that old house out on Station Road?”

“Yeah but the rain slowed down some progress,” I answered, grateful for the change in subject. “I did manage to gut the bathroom though. I broke through the closet wall to make it bigger.”

“Some family out there in need of a place to live will appreciate it, even though they’ll never get to thank you personally. It still floors me that you prefer to stay anonymous with all the great work you’ve done for the community.”

“It’s just wood, nails and sweat. I don’t need anyone to pat me on the back.”

I felt Victoria’s inquisitive stare before her question came out. “Is it with the charity that wanted to buy my family’s house?”

Bennet regarded her curiously. “What house?”

She hesitated before answering. “The summer cottage we used in Briarcliff Village when I was younger. That’s actually why I’m here in England.”

“Why would they being making offers in Briarcliff Village?” Bennet sat up straight. “Doesn’t make any sense.”

“That’s my mother for you,” she muttered. “It doesn’t matter now. I told them I wasn’t interested.”

Victoria’s subtle change in demeanor wasn’t noticed by anyone else at the table but me. The topic of her family’s house affected her deeply.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah.” She seemed distant. A strong urge to wrap her in my arms, take her somewhere secluded and get lost in one another overcame me. She smiled when her green eyes connected with mine. “How many houses have you helped to renovate?”

“Good question.” I thought for a few seconds. “A dozen at least. I try to work on one or two every year if I can.” I shrugged. “It really is no big deal. I like doing it.”

I also liked the way she kept her gaze focused on me and how she leaned into the chair in this graceful, mesmerizing way. Like watching a queen prepare to receive her subjects. I felt the smallest surge of possessive pride that I’d seen this radiant, well put together woman in a much more vulnerable state yesterday.

“I told you it’s not a bad trait to have,” she tapped the toe of her shoe against my foot. “I should have you fix up my family’s cottage.”

I chuckled, ignoring the thing happening in my chest again. “Why would you want me to?”

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