Page 11 of Stitch & Steel
“You’re stayin’ for supper, of course,” she declared, not even glancing up.
I opened my mouth, but she cut me off with a look that could stop traffic.
“Don’t even try to weasel out of it, Logan. I got cornbread, and there’s sweet potatoes roasting already. It’s fate.”
I scratched the back of my neck. “I’d love to, really. But I gotta be up early.”
Bella looked up. “Early?”
“Five a.m.,” I said, sliding my chair back. “Fishing trip.”
Her eyes went wide. “Five a.m.?!”
I grinned. “Yup.”
“That’s not a date!” she snapped automatically.
Gran gasped and clapped her hands together. “Oh, Ilovefishing dates!”
“It’snot—” Bella started, but I cut her a look.
I leaned over, bracing my hands on the table. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I bring the coffee.”
She narrowed her eyes.
I winked. “That’s when the fish bite.”
She opened her mouth?—
“And so do I,” I added with a slow, wicked smile.
Bella nearly dropped her glass.
Gran fanned herself with a dishtowel. “Oh my,” she said. “You boys never change.”
Bella’s whole face was flushed now. “He’s leaving,” she muttered. “Right now.”
I took my time standing, draining the last of my iced tea. “Five a.m., Grace. Be ready.”
She stalked to the door, flung it open. “Out.”
I didn’t argue. Just laughed—low and husky—and tipped my head to Gran on the way out.
“Thank you for the tea, ma’am.”
“Anytime, sugar.”
The screen slammed behind me.
Just as my boots hit the gravel, I heard the deadbolt click into place behind me.
Five
BELLA
I did not do mornings.
Especially not five a.m. mornings.
