Page 71 of So Right
“Isn’t it?” Gram said. “He hired a decorator. Can you believe that?”
George laughed as he came from the left, where a massive island separated the kitchen from the great room. “I spent my entire life in the military. What the hell did I know about decorating a house?” He grinned at Kelsey. “What can I get you to drink?”
“I think she needs a margarita,” Gram said. “She’s had a bad day.”
George’s brow furrowed. “That’s no good. Come on in and sit down at the bar. I’ll whip up something tasty.” He winked at her and went into the large gourmet kitchen.
Kelsey looked around in disbelief as she made her way to one of the cushy leather barstools. “George, I still can’t believe you live here, like this. I never would’ve guessed this place belonged to a retired marine.”
“I think that’s exactly what Ruby said.” He looked at Gram. “You want a margarita too, sweetheart?”
Sweetheart? Kelsey perked up. She knew they were spending a lot of time together but wasn’t sure how serious their relationship had gotten. She should’ve paid closer attention at the wine dinner last night. Except she’d been too wrapped up in Luke.
And there went her mood again.
George poured three margaritas. “I don’t blend ’em here at Casa Wilson. I can’t remember which you prefer, Kelsey.”
“I don’t have a preference. On the rocks is fine by me.”
“Excellent.” He finished and handed one to Kelsey and then one to Gram, who’d sat down beside her. Then he picked up the third and offered a toast. “To getting to spend an evening with two of the most beautiful women in the world. I’m a lucky old bastard.” There was a twinkle in his eye as he sipped his margarita.
Kelsey took a long drink and set the glass back on the granite countertop. “George, you make a mean margarita.”
“Thank you, and it’s my pleasure. Now tell us about your lousy day.”
Oh man, did she really want to? She didn’t see a way to avoid it, so she told them about the jerk at the library.
George shook his head. “I run into guys like that around here from time to time. Like you, I have no trouble setting them straight. Well done, Kelsey, I’d say your family did a good job raising you.” He tossed a warm smile at Gram.
Kelsey preferred to steer the topic away from herself. “So, it, uh, looks like you two are pretty cozy. Do you need a chaperone?”
Gram and George laughed, and Kelsey smiled as she took another sip of her drink.
“I think we’re a little past chaperones, dear,” Gram said. “But yes, I think cozy is a nice description. Rather like you and Luke.” She arched her brows at Kelsey as her lips curved up. “Except you’ve done us one better since you’re living together. I hope you’re not rushing into anything. Especially after what you went through with Noah.”
So much for trying to deflect the conversation away from her. Kelsey glanced at George to see his reaction. How much had Gram told him about Noah?
“Rest easy, Kelsey. Your secrets are safe with me. I’m a professional—used to work for the CIA.”
Kelsey’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
George nodded. “I’d rather you kept that to yourself. It’s not something I advertise. For perhaps obvious reasons.”
Kelsey could think of several, first and foremost being his safety—and the safety of those around him. “Do I need to worry about Gram being with you?”
He chuckled again, a low, warm sound. “Nah. That was a long time ago now. I’m an old bartender. Nobody cares about me.”
Gram gave him a loving—yes, loving—look. “Icare.”
“I know.” He blew her a kiss.
Kelsey took another drink of her margarita and marveled at how adorable they were and how thrilled she was to see Gram so happy. She was also quite pleased that the conversation had turned again.
But that was short-lived.
“Back to you and Luke,” Gram said, turning toward Kelsey on the stool. “Are you taking things slow?”
She considered answering yes and just leaving it at that. However, she’d realized after Gram had come to town that she didn’t like being alone. Noah had isolated her from family and friends, and it had taken her far too long to realize that she missed having people in her life.
