Page 62 of Tangled with the Tight End

The secondI step inside Lips & Hips, my gaze darts around the room, searching for her, but she’s not behind the register or mingling with the customers. Which means she’s in the kitchen. My heart thuds in my chest. I’d love to see her splayed wide for me amongst a bunch of cupcakes and frosting.

Behind me, the door shuts, and the chimes signal a new guest has entered the store. I glance behind me. “Grandma?”

My grandmother, Lilliana, my mom’s mother walks toward me. “Hello, Gabriel.” Her eyes twinkle as she opens her arms.

I step into her, envelop the older woman with the Texas twang into my arms, and inhale her scent–coconut with a hint of pineapple. “What’re you doing here?” I gently squeeze her and step back.

She grins. “I came to see my two grandsons.” She unbuttons her knee-length coat. “Your mother was overjoyed when Marco called her and shared the good news. So, I’ve come to see this girl you’re dating. She sent me on my way to watch Gino so you and this woman can have more private time together.”

I shake my head. Leave it to my mom. She’s in the middle of the ocean and still orchestrating my love life.

“Come on over and have a seat.” I lead her to an empty table, but there’s still no sight of Norah in the room. After I scoot the chair back under the table, I join her. “It’s good to see you, but you don’t have to watch Gino.”

“Yes.” Her eyes narrow into slits. “Yes, I do. Your mother has high hopes for this one, and I met her by accident this morning. She didn’t know who I was and offered to help me get to my car.”

One corner of my mouth arches upward. “And you let her?”

“Why not? It’s not often that you meet a beautiful girl who’s kind and helpful to a complete stranger.” One of her eyebrows arches upward. “Her eyes glowed when she talked about you.”

“I’m glad.” I lean back into my seat and smile. She’s happy. Even when I’m not around her, I still make her happy, and she’s kind to strangers. Elderly strangers who play games for fun. What more could I ask for? Absolutely nothing.

“Did you tell her who you were?”

“Who my family was? Yes? Who I am? No.” She laughs as one of Norah’s staff takes our orders. The chimes of the door opening and closing continues behind us. We order drinks and nothing else. As my grandmother’s gaze travels the room, she places her hands on the table. “This place is nice. I like it. I should invest.”

No, my grandmother is not the wife of a rancher. She’s the spouse of an investment banker. A wealthy investment banker in Texas. He’s her second husband. A man she met after my grandfather passed.

But she’s been with him since I was in grade school, so I barely remember my grandfather. Silas was the man. Not only did he know finance, but he also played quarterback in high school and college when he was a kid. He taught me how to invest my allowance, and how to catch a perfect spiral.

“What do you think of the town?”

The waitress brings our drinks. “Actually, I love this town. It’s perfect. Small, majestic views. Quaint shops. It’s a wonderful tourist attraction.”

I tap my fingertips on the table. “Marco and I are thinking about opening a restaurant here. What do you think?”

“It’s a great idea.” She tilts her head as the door jingles and clanks shut, but I don’t look. My grandmother’s keen eyes have me invested in her take on the town. “So, this is serious between you and the girl?”

“I think so.” My heart skips a beat. “Check that. I know so.”

I glance over at the register as if I sense her presence, only to find Norah laughing as Sawyer says something to her. Seriously? My hands ball into fists. Can’t the guy ever take a hint?

“Excuse me for a moment.” I slip out of my seat and march around the nearest table, stalking toward the cash register.

Norah’s eyes catch mine, and she smiles. For a second, I forget to breathe. That smile is just for me, and it’s beautiful. As I continue to stride forward, her smile falters, and she bites her bottom lip. The second she realizes my intent, her eyes widen. “Sawyer.”

“Yes?” He rakes a hand through his hair.

“Um….” Her eyes never leave mine.

Sawyer spins on his heel and flinches when he sees me. He raises his hands, palms facing outward. “We’re friends, nothing else.”

I lay my arm over Norah’s shoulders and haul her tightly to my side. “I know that, but do you?”

“Yes.” His head moves up and down. “I wouldn’t have asked her, even in jest, if I knew the two of you were together.”

He’s not a small man, but he’s not decked out in muscles, either. And to my 6’ 5” height, he’s nearly a head shorter. I believe him. I don’t think he’s dumb enough to intentionally mess with me.

“Gabriel.” Norah straightens and gives me a look. “Be nice.”

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