Page 16 of Anchored

I grin and catch up to them, putting my hand on her lower back as we get in line for a hot dog. “I’m flattered you’ve been checking me out, moonbeam.”

I’m referring to last night of course, when we both saw more of each other than we should have. It pleases me to no end that she appreciates my physique. I work hard to stay in shape.

Maple’s cheeks flame red, but she doesn’t comment. Instead, she launches into ordering as we step up to the table. Tyler Poole flashes Maple a flirty smile that has me grinding my molars. Tyler owns the Oar and Anchor Tavern and is a longtime friend of mine.

“Two hot dogs coming up!” Tyler snags two hot dogs off the spinning wheels in his hot dog contraption and places them in buns before wrapping them in foil and handing them over. “Hey, Holt. I didn’t bring any chicken Caesar salads today.”

“No worries. I’ll take two dogs.”

Tyler’s eyebrows hit his hairline over my order of junk food. I frown and he bursts out laughing. “Okay, okay. Two dogs coming up.”

I push Maple’s hand away from the tiny purse she hung over the handles of the wheelchair and hand over a twenty-dollar bill to Tyler. I take my dogs, fix them up with ketchup and relish, then follow Maple to the main boat-loading area. There’s a long dock that’s perfect for taking in sunsets. Today it’s perfect for catching a breeze off the lake and cooling off.

We park Grandma Gracie by a bench under a shade structure the city put in a few years ago and Maple makes sure she’s set with her hot dog. She and I sit on the bench and we all stare out at the water in companionable silence as we eat. Gracie’s done first, which is a good sign. Patients with healthy appetites worry us less.

“Does Holt like dogs, honey?”

Maple looks at me, her mouth full of hot dog. I answer for her. “I sure do. I have a little Yorkie, in fact.”

Gracie seems pleased. “Oh, that’s wonderful. My Maple’s quite the veterinarian.”

I glance at Maple. I didn’t know she’s a veterinarian. Maybe that’s why Mookie instantly loved her. Maple stuffs the last bite of hot dog in her mouth and brushes her hands off, no comment about her profession.

“Why don’t you leave me here in the shade and show Holt around the dock? He’s probably never seen it.”

Maple hops off the bench and takes the trash from Gracie’s lap before kissing her on the cheek. “Okay, Grandma. Be right back.”

Maple slides her hand into mine and throws out our trash before we walk down the wooden planks, casually strolling the dock I know like the back of my hand.

“I’m not actually a veterinarian,” she mutters suddenly.

My footsteps falter. “Okay.” When she doesn’t go on, I continue. “Want to tell me about that sometime?”

She waves her free hand in the air like there’s a pesky fly dive-bombing her face. “It’s a whole family thing that I don’t really want to get into.”

We get to the end of the dock and I turn her toward me. A lock of her long hair flutters in the breeze. “Hey. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

Maple cringes. “Yeah, but you’re such a nice guy, offering to be my fake fiancé just to keep Grandma calm.”

Maple doesn’t know me that well yet. Sure, I can be a nice guy, but I’ve got plenty of flaws. Believe me, my ex-wife made sure I knew about each and every one of them. I shake my head, squeezing her fingers.

“I like Gracie. I like you. I’m happy to help out. Still doesn’t mean you owe me anything.” When she still doesn’t look convinced, I decide to change the subject. “How about we get Gracie back to her condo before she starts snoozing in the wheelchair?”

Maple instantly looks back at her grandma, eyes filling with concern. I hate to see her sad and worried. The good-guy part of me feels like it’s my responsibility to make things better for her. “We probably should. Sorry to cut your day short.”

I grin, brain already a step or two ahead of her. “Oh, the day’s not over yet. Not if you don’t want it to be.”

Maple’s head snaps back in my direction. “What did you have in mind,baby.”

ChapterSeven

Maple

I do not know what came over me, but I just couldn’t stand seeing Macy giving me that look again. The one that said she thought she was better than me. I probably sounded like an idiot flirting with Holt, and probably made this living situation even more uncomfortable for him.

Get messy with you, baby??

Jesus. I hadn’t even been day drinking when that slipped out. And then Grandma Gracie went and called me a veterinarian when I’m a glorified canine whisperer for celebrity dog owners who have money to burn on stupid shit like pet counseling. Holt McGrath is going to think I’m an absolute psycho.

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