Page 52 of Lucky in Love
“Never say never,” Brody said, bumping his knee into hers.
She manufactured a smile. “So, um, how committed to this bit are you? She wants us to have brunch with her and Pops.”
“Do you want me to go?”
“I don’t want to burden you. You’ve helped me enough already. But she doesn’t know I’ve purchased the cabins yet. And when she finds out she’s not inheriting them, things might get…tense.”
“And if I’m there, maybe she’ll behave?”
“One can dream. I’d owe you big time. I’ll give you two nights free.”
“You still owe me for carrying you out of the woods.”
“Fine,” she said. “A free week for all services previously rendered and for whatever happens today.”
“Deal. But just so you know, I’d have done it for nothing.” He winked again, which reminded her of the kiss.
“Why’d you kiss me? Was that really necessary?”
“Hey. When I commit, I go all in. And if you were really my girlfriend, wouldn’t I kiss you good morning?”
“I suppose.” She stood. “I’m gonna run home and clean up. Brunch is at ten.”
“I’ll come get you at ten till? Or are we picking up Pops?”
Alex’s heart melted a little over the casual way he referred to her grandpa. “That’s a good idea. Nine forty-five?”
He nodded.
“Thanks, Brody. I promise I’m not usually so crazy.”
“Uh-huh.” He smiled, and she laughed.
“Okay, fine, I’m completely nuts, but I do appreciate you playing along today.”
In the truck, on the way to the restaurant, Alex filled Pops in on the ruse.
“Hopefully, it won’t come up,” she said. “But in case it does, I told Mom that Brody and I are dating.”
“She poked the bear, huh?”
“I’m weak,” Alex said.
“And proud, and stubborn, and ornery,” Pops said.
“Hey!” Alex slapped him playfully on the arm before turning serious again. “You know she’s probably here for money. I didn’t say anything about buying the cabins.”
“Yeah, I assumed that too. Is that why Brody’s here?”
Alex chuckled. “Am I that predictable?”
“I’ll tell her about the sale,” Pops said. “I hope you’re gettin’ something good out of this, Brody. Brunch with my daughter is not for the faint of heart.”
“We worked out a deal,” Brody said. “I’ll try to keep everyone on their best behavior.”
At the restaurant, they met Blossom and Wesley in the lobby. When shown to a table, Brody pulled out Alex’s chair for her. She hid her pleasant surprise and slid into the seat.
While perusing the menu, he surprised her again when he grabbed her hand and absentmindedly stroked her thumb as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She shot him a sidelong glance, but didn’t protest.
