Page 81 of Holding You

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“Where is Susie headed for the weekend?” Colt asks as we step inside.

Declan closes the door and comes to stand by me.

I sidestep to give us some distance.

Declan widens his stance and crosses his arms.

“My parents are driving up from Wind Valley. They should be here any moment.”

“Are they staying here?”

Declan nods.

“Then why are Max and I leaving?” Colt shifts his gaze to mine. “Why don’t I get a room at the lodge and stay here for the weekend? Max can still stay with me, but during the day, we can be here or by the water so the kids can play. We both know that would be a more enjoyable weekend for him.”

I smirk at Colt.

“What are you trying to get out of?”

“Nothing.”

His quick answer isn’t convincing.

“Honestly,” I start. “Max would love that, but it’s your call. They both already know they won’t spend the weekend together.”

“Do you think your parents would mind?” Colt asks Declan.

He doesn’t reply right away. Instead, he’s watching Colt, clearly thinking over his answer.

Finally, he says, “I think they would like that.”

Then he clears his throat, “Excuse me.”

He moves for the stairs and jogs down.

“Do you think I offended him?” Colt asks.

I shrug. “No. He would tell you. I don’t know what just happened. Do you want to stay for dinner?” I ask and then wave him toward the kitchen.

“Yeah, just let me step outside to call the lodge.”

Once he’s outside, I glance back at the stairs. My feet move toward it as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Something just happened that upset Declan, and I want to know what it was.

I need to know.

I take one step down and pause.

We don't exactly have that type of relationship, though. So the chances of him telling me what’s on his mind are slim.

Still, I’ve never seen him like that.

I take another step, ready to push past our history and see how I can help him, but both kids come running up the steps.

“Am I really staying here?” Max asks and his eyes light up.

“We sure are,” Colt says, walking back into the house. “As soon as Susie’s grandparents are here, let’s make a plan.”

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