Page 16 of Summer Love

"I heard the Kingston boys are regulars at the bars around here these days."

He opened the driver's side door. "Not this Kingston. Now if that's all you needed, I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

I'd gotten a lot done today. I'd gotten to know Hudson on a deeper level, but there was still so much he was hiding. "See you tomorrow."

He waited while I got in my car and backed out. With a wave, I drove away. I was looking forward to my nightly walk with Grams.

At the cottage, I placed my things on the entry table and searched for her. She was outside on the patio.

"Grams, it's not safe out here. Remember?" My heart rate spiked whenever I saw her lounging out here.

"I used to spend all my time in this chair."

"It's on the top of my priority list to get this redone for you. But until we get it done, you can't sit out here." I didn't trust the boards not to collapse or the roof not to cave in.

"Oh, all right." She got up slowly.

"Have you eaten?" I asked her as I assisted her into the house.

"Not yet."

I waited until she was settled in her chair. "Let me get you something to eat, and then we can go on our walk."

I whipped up some pasta and sauce, knowing she wouldn't eat much. When we sat down at the small two-person table in the kitchen, Grams asked, "How was your day?"

I wrinkled my nose. "It was hot and sweaty. I need to jump in the shower again."

"What did you do?"

"I helped put up drywall." I kept my tone neutral.

"He's letting you actually work alongside of him?" Grams said excitedly.

I shrugged. "It's the best way to get to know him."

Grams leaned in close. "What did he tell you? Is he single?"

"He said he was."

"I heard those Kingston boys have quite a social life. I would think you'd be shadowing him all hours of the day and night."

"He said he doesn't enjoy going out much. He either spends time at home or with his family."

"Hmm."

"You think he's lying?" I asked her, twirling the pasta on my fork.

"I think I remember something about him being different. More settled than the others. He would be a good catch for you."

I rolled my eyes. "You know I'm not looking for love."

"But you had a crush on him when you were kids."

I pointed my fork at her. "You know that doesn't mean anything. No one gets the guy they crushed on in high school."

"It's a good indication of where your heart was and might still be."

I wouldn't admit that I was still attracted to Hudson. I didn't need her thinking something would happen that wouldn't.

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