Page 72 of Summer Love

"He likes to tease her like a little sister."

"Yeah, but she's our employee and a good one at that. I don't want to lose her." Mom and Luna had done a good job, but Kinsley had automated our entire system. The files were now color coded. She'd made our lives infinitely easier. "And she's good with the clients."

"Shep's probably messing with her to get to you."

"Will you guys ever grow up, or are we destined to act like kids for the rest of our lives?" I asked him lightly.

"Kids, I think," and we both erupted into laughter. It was nice to spend more time with family where I could let loose and not worry about my responsibilities.

Elena's gaze snagged on us, and she smiled. I tipped my head in her direction by way of greeting, but she broke away from the girls dancing and came over to us. "You two should come dance with us."

"I'm not much into dancing," I said.

She cocked her head, looking at me curiously. "Then what was last night? You danced with me then."

I inclined my head. "I suppose I did."

She curled her hand around mine and tugged me over to the group. I looked back at Brady, but he just shrugged.

Elena held onto my hand and spun in front of me. Then she came closer as a slower song started. "You and Brady looked serious over there."

"He's worried about Dalton."

"You are too," she observed.

"I am."

"Do you ever let go of the family responsibilities?" Elena asked, and I wasn't sure if this was the journalist asking.

"I don't think I do."

"We were supposed to have a good time and not worry about Dalton, the business, or my article."

"I can do that."

She smiled, and it lit up her entire face. We swayed to the music together for a while before the other girls pulled us closer to them. Elena talked and laughed, and I enjoyed being present in the moment.

Around eleven, everyone started breaking off and heading home. When Dad said he'd take care of the fire, we said our goodbyes.

"Where to?" I asked her as we idled in the driveway. I really wanted her to come home with me.

Elena chewed her lip. "If I don't go home with you, Grams will have something to say about it in the morning."

"I have a feeling she'll have something to say no matter what we do."

"You've got that right," Elena said with a smile.

"My place it is then." I backed up and drove toward my house. I couldn't help but think about what the night would bring. Would we spend it on the deck? Or should I take her straight to bed? My heart rate picked up in anticipation of having her to myself.

At home, I unlocked the door and pushed it open for her.

My heart was pounding hard as I closed the door. She looked at me with wide-eyed expectation, and I couldn't resist cupping her cheek with my hands and pressing her against the paneled door. "I want you more than yesterday. How is that possible?"

I couldn't seem to get my fill of her. Being with her only made me want her more. That was different than any other relationship I'd ever been in. It seemed like the relationship sizzled the more time we spent together. There was always some reason why the other person would annoy me, or I'd realize they weren't the one for me.

But Elena fit into my life perfectly.

She swallowed hard and then said, "I feel the same way."

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