Page 23 of Summer Love

"Let's get out of here, shower, and grab a drink. I could use one."

I'd been going to bed early all week, but tonight, I was looking forward to an evening out even if I was sore. I was tired of being dusty and dirty all the time. I wanted to dress up and style my hair in something other than a braid.

I helped him clean up, knowing the drill at this point, and waited for him to lock up.

"I can pick you up in an hour?"

"That's not necessary."

"I'm picking you up. Besides, I want to say hi to Grams. Talking to Grams is the highlight of my day," he said as we walked toward our vehicles.

I raised a brow, not sure he was being genuine. "Are you serious?"

A smile spread over his face. "She's one of a kind."

"I'll see you soon," I said as I slipped into my car and drove toward Grams cottage. I wasn't sure what to think because he'd been more distant over the week, but then he'd touched me before Ralph interrupted.

But he'd never noticed me before. Why would it be any different now?

At home, I whipped up dinner for Grams, then jumped in the shower. When I came downstairs in a summery dress and sandals with my hair curled, Grams said, "Do you have a date?"

"I'm going out with Hudson and his brothers for the article."

Grams nodded. "Right."

I tipped my head to the side. "You don't believe me?"

Before she could answer, there was a knock at the front door. "That must be Hudson."

"He's picking you up for your nondate?" Grams asked pointedly.

"Yes." I moved toward the door, my heart rate picking up with each step. I opened the door to find him on my porch in jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

"Come on in. Grams wants to say hi."

Grams struggled to get up, but Hudson said, "Don't get up. I'll come to you." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "How was your day?"

"It just got a lot better. I heard you're taking my girl out tonight." Grams beamed up at him.

"That's right. My brothers will be there too." Then he glanced at me. "I hope you didn't eat. I thought we could grab dinner and drinks."

"That sounds good."

Grams shooed us away. "Go. This girl hasn't been out much since she's been home. Show her a good time."

"I most definitely will. Maybe I can take you out sometime."

She waved a hand at us. "Oh, I'd love that. Now go. I have shows I want to watch before I fall asleep in my chair."

"Don't stay up too late," I said as I kissed her cheek.

"You're welcome to stay out all night."

"Grams." I rolled my eyes as I joined Hudson by the door.

"You can stay out all night, huh?"

"Stop." Outside, I said, "She wants me to be happy, and she thinks a good man can do that."

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