Page 61 of Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

He wanted to tell her many things, but he had no clue where to even start. He needed to use this chance alone with her before the opportunity slipped like water through his fingers. He reached for her hand. “Skylar—”

“What is he doing here?” Her eyes widened.

He followed her gaze and suppressed a grimace. Dressed in an immaculate black suit and shiny leather shoes again, unusual attire for their small town, Grant was leaning on the hood of his swanky car, parked at the curb near her grandmother’s cottage. A ridiculously gigantic bouquet of burgundy roses blossomed in his hands.

Just great.

“I’d love to know, as well,” Dallas grumbled.

“I guess we’re about to find out.” At least, she didn’t look excited to see the guy, so that was something.

She pulled up to the driveway. Grant’s face split into a wide grin when she leaped out of the car. His grin became a bit strained when Dallas unfolded his frame from her tight passenger seat.

“Skylar! You look gorgeous. These flowers are for you.” Grant didn’t pay any attention to Dallas.

Dallas would’ve been fine with it if all the smarmy guy’s attention wasn’t directed at her. His gut tightened. What could he say? Yes, he was officially jealous.

“Thank you.” Skylar moved forward, her expression neutral. “I believe you’ve met Dallas.”

“Hello, Grant.” Dallas didn’t offer his hand.

“Hello.” Grant looked at him as if he were an obstacle to circumvent.

Skylar continued, “I appreciate the flowers, but you shouldn’t have.”

Undeterred, Grant handed her the bouquet that emanated a sweet aroma. “They pale compared to your beauty.”

Seriously? Dallas cringed as he followed her to the porch. How exactly could burgundy roses pale?

She hesitated, then accepted the flowers. “According to that logic, I’d be the color of beetroot then.”

Bingo. Dallas attempted to suppress a grin but didn’t try too much. And roses weren’t her favorite flowers.

“I just meant to say how exquisitely beautiful you are.” Okay, so the guy just didn’t give up. He didn’t even ask whether there was any news about his father.

She climbed the porch and then turned around, her hazel eyes as unreadable as before. “I’m sorry. But Dallas and I are stopping by only for a moment, and then we have to leave.”

Huh. She didn’t reveal any new information. Was she cautious around Grant? Maybe even immune to his charm? Dallas perked up. A man could hope.

“Some other time, then.” Meanwhile, Grant was laying it on thick. “You’re too outstanding for this small town. You deserve to be in a much better setting. I wish I could take you to some place worthy of you. But they do have great restaurants in Charleston. How about a rain check?”

“Thank you.” Skylar’s lips curved up a tad. “I appreciate the offer, but I like my hometown just fine. Especially my aunt’s restaurant which I considergreat.” With that, she disappeared inside the house.

Grant wasn’t invited. Ha! Dallas hurried up the steps.

“Where are you going?” Grant muttered.

“I have an open invitation to be here at any time.” Dallas closed the door from the inside.

He still wished Grant were a suspect, but they seemed to have a more valid one. And his brother Barrett had confirmed Grant had been in LA when Earl had disappeared.

It still didn’t mean Grant couldn’t have hired someone, right?

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