Page 19 of Summer Love

"How long do you think it would take to finish?"

"Two weeks if I can rope my brothers in."

"Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that—" Elena began, and when I gave her a look, she changed course. "If it will get it done faster for Grams, we'd be appreciative."

Grams looked from me to Elena, chortling. "Well, I couldn't be happier about this arrangement. I get my porch and a few weeks of eye candy."

"Grams—" Elena choked out, her cheeks red. Then she said to me, "I'm so sorry."

I chuckled. "I don't mind. I know what people say about us."

"The most eligible bachelors on the island. You must be so proud of that moniker," Grams said, scrutinizing him.

"I have to admit, I'm not that excited about it. I don't need or want that kind of attention."

"You're not going out to the bars every night, are you?" Grams asked.

"Grams—"

"I'm too exhausted at night to go out most of the time. Unless my brothers want to get together. But I don't think I''ll meet the right person in a bar. I think she'll just fall into my life when I least expect it." I felt Elena's gaze on the side of my face.

"I like this one," Grams said to Elena, who looked like she wanted to disappear entirely.

"Well, I'm going to continue with my run, and I'll get that estimate to you as soon as possible."

"Thanks, Hudson," Grams said, her tone filled with amusement.

I took off at a jog, wishing I could hear what they were saying now. I bet Grams was giving Elena a hard time, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. It was rare for me to smile and even less likely when I was running. But there was something about Elena and her grandmother that softened my heart.

They had a unique connection, and Grams was a trip. I'd restore her cottage so she could retain her memories. She deserved that when she was still mourning the loss of her husband.

I calculated the estimate in my head using general numbers since I hadn't actually measured. Then I gave her the family discount. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to just charge for materials. I wanted to do this for Elena and her grandmother.

Elena had given up her career in Boston to come home and take care of her grandmother. I wanted to do anything I could to make their lives easier and brighter.

I hadn't thought much about meeting a woman, but when her Grams mentioned going out to the bars, it was natural to say that I wouldn't meet my future wife there. Those women wanted a night with a Kingston, nothing more. We were bragging rights. And sure, maybe a few wanted us to wife them up, but that had never been my style. I wasn't in a hurry for anything.

I liked having a project to concentrate on, and this was something to keep my mind occupied. If I felt uncomfortable with Elena following me around at work, then she would feel the same while I worked in her home.

I had a feeling Grams would keep things fun, and I'd get a glimpse into their lives. Turnabout was fair play.

Satisfied I'd done the right thing, I turned around and ran back toward Elena's cottage and my house. This time, they weren't on the beach. I wondered if they were talking about me and were excited about having a new and improved porch.

At home, I showered and got to work on the estimate. When I was satisfied with it, I sent it to Elena. Dad didn't know that I wasn't charging for labor, not when I was the only employee working on it. There'd be times I'd need help, and I could always get a brother or two who'd be willing to assist.

* * *

The next morning, I grabbed coffees and packed extra waters and a sandwich for Elena. When I pulled up to the house we were working on, her red car was already parked at the curb. I stopped at her driver's side door, and she smiled before getting out.

"You got coffee?"

"I don't normally but thought you might like some."

"That would be great. Thanks. I overslept this morning and barely had time to throw together breakfast for me and Grams."

"How's she doing?"

"Good. She's mainly independent. I just like to help out when I'm there."

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