Page 9 of One Golden Ring
And like a champ, my girl went with it.
My girl.
My mind is already jumping to fill in all the blanks of this pretend relationship. I need to get this under control.
At least Darcy doesn’t seem too upset with me.
Yet.
She’s chatting up Grandpa now, her hand lightly touching his shoulder as she laughs at what he’s saying. It’s the first time they’ve ever met, and somehow the two of them look like they’re old friends.
I can’t let myself see it as a sign though. Darcy is just like that—everyone loves her. And how could they not? She has a way of putting even the most uncomfortable people at ease. I swear she would tame a wild lion if anyone ever released one in my office, especially if that lion didn’t have an appointment.
I knew she had all the skills I lack from the moment she spotted an issue with my tangled schedule about five minutes into her interview. And when I asked her if she could start that same day, she replied with those words that have become like some kind of magic spell over the past few years, letting me know that whatever the issue is, no matter how big or how small, Darcy Keller has it under control.
It’s not a problem.
But after all that’s happened tonight, I’m wondering if I’ve finally come up with a problem that’s too much for even Darcy’s magic touch.
“We should go,” I say, realizing too late that my voice is too loud and I probably sound angry.
“Of course,” Darcy says instantly, beaming at me. “Iforgot how much driving you did today. You should have seen it, Michael. A fox chased a rabbit right onto the road and Derek managed to keep from hitting them and even stopped us sliding off the mountain when we hit an icy patch. It was incredible.”
“He did, did he?” Grandpa asks, his eyes twinkling.
A surge of pride goes through me, even though anyone who’s spent any time here in the winter should know the basics of how to steer through a skid.
She feels safe with me,my caveman brain points out.
I also just like hearing her say my name. It sounds so much better coming from her than Mr. Lockwood.
“Let’s go,” I bark out, needing to get someplace where my fantasy about dating my assistant isn’t being acted out.
“I’ll see you both tomorrow,” Grandpa says. “Why don’t you two plan to come up for brunch?”
“Sounds good,” I tell him.
“Ohhh, brunch,” Darcy breathes.
The girl loves her sweets. She thinks I don’t know she has a desk drawer full of secret treats, but I know almost everything about her.
Grandpa pulls her in for a hug and her eyes close, like she’s trying to memorize it.
My stomach twists and I look away until it’s my turn to embrace the old man.
I remember when he was as strong as an ox. Now he feels too thin in my arms. But he’s still got a spine of steel, and he still smells like Old Spice. And if I didn’t know better, I’d almost think he could still hoist me right uponto his shoulders for a better view of the annual Christmas concert.
“Thank you for coming,” he murmurs in my ear. “And for bringing your girl. I like her a lot.”
When we pull apart he pats my cheek once and I get this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. There can’t be a world without Michael Lockwood in it. I love my parents, but Grandpa Michael is special. He’s always been the member of the family who understands me best.
“Come on, Derek,” Darcy says in a warm sweet voice that’s so different from the one she uses in the office.
When I turn, she’s got her hand out, reaching for mine. I know it’s only for show but it’s a great touch, and I’m impressed with her as always. But even if it’s just pretend, it stillfeelslike she’s offering me real comfort.
I wrap my fingers around her small hand and something settles in my heart.
Easy,I remind myself.This is just for Grandpa Michael.
