Page 56 of Meet Me at the Grand

“Ooo, yes, please.” She turned her attention back to the massive bonfire that was the center of the gathering where at least forty or fifty townspeople had gathered. After they’d made up and decided to meet tomorrow to hash out their new joint plan for the hotel, Dani had taken Liam around and introduced him to most of them. Some he knew already, but whether they’d met before or not, each one welcomed him with a smile. Peggy Martinez had even patted him on the cheek and called him a “dear boy,” and Stuart “Mac” MacBride—a grizzly bear of a man—had given his hand a squeeze with his big beefy paw and no words. And many others smiled and nodded, accepting him with friendliness in their gazes.

And he couldn’t forget how most of the residents had looked between him and Dani with curiosity and expectation.

Now Liam walked his trash to the large garbage can near the Jonathons’ front stoop, then trudged up the steps and swung open the door to the house, where he was greeted with warmth and chatter. He made his way into the kitchen only to find Elise Jonathon and Nancy Hart—Cody’s mom, who he’d met before dinner—along with a few other women. They all straightened and stopped speaking immediately, a few of them looking away from him. Hmm. Subtle, they were not.

“Ladies.” He nodded as he moved toward the hot chocolate station, where someone had set up small mason jars filled with various accompaniments, from toppings like crushed peppermint, marshmallows, chocolate chips, truffles, and coarse sea salt to caramel sauce, dark chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

“Liam, we were just talking about you,” Elise said. “Nothing bad, I promise.”

“That’s a relief to hear.” And rather surprising, actually. What was so interesting about him? When he’d first arrived, he’d felt like a fish out of water in his three-piece suit and big-city ways. But apparently nearly two weeks in Jonathon Island was all it took to bring out the casual in him, to become one of them. Because here he stood in his boots and jeans, even more comfortable than he’d imagined. He rather liked it too.

The other women resumed talking, though not about him. Their voices buzzed through the kitchen like a bunch of bees working away, but Elise joined him at the cocoa station.

“This is a superb party, Elise.” Liam reached for two Styrofoam cups, placed them side by side, and filled them with cocoa from a Crockpot. It smelled divine. “Thanks again for having me.”

“Of course. I’m thrilled you could come.”

“Nowhere I’d rather be.” He added a dash of sea salt to his own cup, placed a lid on it, then paused. Dani liked things sweet, but which toppings were her favorite?

“Trying to decide what to add to my niece’s cup?”

He glanced at this woman, who wore a red sweatshirt, a knowing look on her face. Ah. Maybe that’s what the women had been discussing. Not him, per se. But him and their favorite small-town tourism director.

Were his feelings for Dani so obvious to everyone? Or were they simply being nosy and making assumptions because the two of them were both single and working together?

Clearing his throat, he pointed to the chocolate chips. “She’d want some of those, right?”

“I’d think so.”

He sprinkled some into her drink. “And marshmallows?”

Elise took a dish rag from the sink and started tidying up the area around the bowls, where sprinkles had spilled, likely by one of the many children he’d seen running around the property. “I’ve never known her to drink cocoa without them. Might want to add some peppermint too.”

“Thanks.” Adding a dash of peppermint, he then placed a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of Dani’s cocoa. “That oughta do it.”

“I do believe it will.” Elise swiped the counter where some hot chocolate had spilled. “I notice yours is very savory while hers is very sweet.”

“Good observation.” He chuckled and stuck a lid on Dani’s hot chocolate, then took a sip from his own.

“I think the two are a good balance, don’t you think?” Elise smiled, something secretive in it, and looked at Liam with expectation.

Ah. “We aren’t talking about the cocoa anymore, are we?”

Elise winked. “You always were a smart one, Liam. Even as a little guy.”

“I sometimes forget you knew me as a child. That you and Mom were friends.” Settling back against the counter, he took another sip from his drink. “A lot of those memories are gone for me, unfortunately. And Dad doesn’t really talk about them.”

“That’s understandable, given all you’ve lost.” Elise set the rag down and turned to face Liam. “We didn’t see you often, but I always knew you’d grow into quite the catch. And from what I’ve seen, from what Seb has told me, I think your mother would be very proud of you.”

Not what he’d expected, and a lump formed in his throat. “Thanks, Elise.”

“And I know I’m biased, but my niece is quite the catch too.”

He smiled. “And your point?”

“Just that your mom would want you to be happy.” Elise squeezed his shoulder. “And if Dani makes you happy—better yet, if she makes you want to be an even better man than you already are—then don’t be afraid to pursue her.”

Aw, man. But what could he say? “You’re right. Your niece is a catch. I’d be blind not to see that. And I’m not afraid to pursue her for my sake. More for hers.” He frowned. “I’m not sure what I can really offer her.”

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