Page 87 of Waves of Hope

“I know. Believe me, it isn’t any easier to be the son she says she likes,” said Austin. His nostrils flared. “Granny Liz can’t stand how my mother has treated both Shane and me. Pretty sick.”

“Yes, Shane is concerned about her mental health and wants her to get professional help. But then I guess that’s nothing new.”

Austin released a long sigh. “No. She has to learn that she can’t treat Shane that way.”

Charlotte gave him a steady look. “Absolutely not.”

Austin gave her a quick hug. “Glad you’re on the team.”

She hugged him back. “Me, too.”

###

Later, after Charlotte and Dylan had switched paintings around and completed the last of the wall repair patching, they went into the kitchen for a cold drink.

They were sipping beers when Shane came in. “That looks refreshing. Have an extra?”

Charlotte smiled at him. “For you, yes. They’re in the refrigerator. Help yourself.”

He gave her a quick kiss. “Thanks.”

“Hey, man,” said Dylan. “Congrats on you and Charlie being together.”

Shane grinned and gave her a look that made her want to grab his hand and find an empty guestroom to use. “Yeah, we’re happy about it.” He gave Dylan a playful punch on his shoulder. “What have you got cooked up for this evening? Austin said you guys were going out.”

“He’s got some friends he wants me to meet,” said Dylan.

Charlotte smiled at him. “Have fun.”

After Dylan left, Charlotte said to Shane, “I have to make some notes in the office. Want to come?”

“Sure. Do you have some time before you need to help with cocktail hour?” Shane asked with a hint of a leer on his face.

“Yes, what did you have in mind?”

“Well, I know your cousins are out on the boat with Eric and Jake. That leaves an empty house …” his voice trailed off.

She put her hands on her hips playfully. “And what do you have in mind? Are you suggesting that we, you know…?”

He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “Hmmm…That’s not a bad idea. I go back to the office on Monday and won’t be seeing that much of you.”

“Well …I’ll have to think about it,” she murmured as he swept her into his arms.

She rested her head against his chest, hearing the rapid beat of his heart. This was a new side to Shane, and she liked it.

###

Much later, she was taking a shower when Livy and Brooke returned to Gran’s house. Charlotte sighed with relief. Shane had left moments before, and though they’d chosen to be dating exclusively, Charlotte didn’t want anyone to think that their relationship was only sexual. It was much deeper than that.

She got out of the shower, dressed, and went to see what they were up to.

In the kitchen, Brooke and Livy, looking hot from the sun, were talking and laughing.

“Oh, Charlie, you should have been there. We went snorkeling, and a dolphin came close. It was fabulous,” said Brooke.

“That isn’t the only thing Brooke liked,” said Livy. “I have a feeling our financials are going to be very much in balance by the time Brooke and Jake go over them together.”

“What about you and Eric?” retorted Brooke. “You two seemed close.”

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