Page 51 of What We Keep
“Hey, hey, lovebirds,” he called in return. “I didn’t know you were coming into town.”
“I didn’t know I was coming into town either,” I answered as he stopped beside us.
“I had to go to the hardware store.” He thumbed over his shoulder.
The hardware store was on the opposite side of the street. “You crossed all the way over here to spy on us?” I eyed him skeptically.
He chuckled. “No. I just came over because I saw you parking here. Next thing I know, you’re kissing.” He gestured back and forth between us.
Elsa’s cheeks were so red, I could feel the embarrassment emanating from her.
“I like Elsa a lot,” I said.
“Okay, so we’re not keeping this a secret anymore?” Jude prompted.
“Was it a secret?” Elsa’s voice squeaked a little on that last word.
“Not between us. We all suspected,” Jude said. “Haven can hardly stop looking at you. Man should be embarrassed.”
My brother’s gaze softened when Elsa let out a frayed sigh. “Oh, don’t you worry. We’re all thrilled you’re here. Haven’s in a much better mood. Please keep rescuing us from his cranky ass.”
Elsa giggled, and the sound itself called to my soul and my heart. Elsa made everything better.
“What are you doing at the hardware store?” I asked Jude.
“I’m picking up some lumber for the rescue program.”
“You’re over there a lot,” Elsa observed.
Jude narrowed his eyes at her. “How would you know?”
She rested one hand on a hip, looking sassy. Of course, sassy Elsa sent another shot of blood straight to my cock. I let out a breath and willed my body to cool down.
“Until this week, I was out at the resort all the time. It’s none of my business, but you seem a little defensive about it,” she pointed out with her brows arched high.
Jude rolled his eyes.
“His best friend works there,” I commented.
“Oh, do I know him?” Elsa asked.
“It’s Kendall Castille,” Jude said. “She moved here in high school, so you probably didn’t meet her. And I’m younger than you. You and Haven are the oldies.”
“I’m not old,” Elsa protested, and Jude chuckled.
“What are you doing in town?” He swung his attention to me.
I didn’t miss the fact that Jude was playing it way too cool about his bestie. I filed that detail away. “Picking up pizza. Mom’s been busy all day with Chloe, who she loves, by the way. That website you made is awesome.”
Elsa beamed, and I just wanted to catch her smile and hold it in my heart forever. “Thank you.”
“Mom asked me to pick up pizza,” I added.
“Good deal. Well, I’ll be home in about an hour. Don’t eat it all,” Jude said.
“First, I need to try to jump-start Elsa’s car.” We both glanced over. She’d parked with her car practically kissing the building between two other cars.
“Sweetheart, we’re going to have to tow that car back to even get to the battery. And I didn’t bring my come-along for that,” I explained.
