Page 63 of Summer Love

"I'm going to get dressed. Then we can go." I hurried to my room to find some clothes for gardening and then attempted to tame my hair. I finally settled on the signature braid I used for working with Hudson.

It was a hot one today, so my hair would be frizzy from the humidity anyway. Downstairs, Grams was waiting for me.

We got into my car and drove the short distance to the senior center.

When we arrived, two red Kingston Construction trucks were parked in the lot, and a few men were working on the lawn in front of the building.

"They're working hard," Grams said with satisfaction.

My heart beat faster. I wondered if things would be different this morning, now that Hudson had a chance to think about last night. Would he treat what we'd shared as a one-night stand or, even worse, regret it all together?

Breakfast soothed some of my fears, but I didn't quite trust the tenuous bond we'd formed. Although it didn't feel that tenuous when we were together.

We made our way up the walk, pausing near the first box that Shep was in the process of assembling.

Grams paused nearby. "Looks good, young man."

Shep came over to us and lifted her hand, kissing the back of it. "Good morning, gorgeous."

Grams blushed. "You're a charming one."

Shep flashed me a rogue smile. "Thank you, I think."

Grams waved a hand at him. "You know exactly how you affect women, and you use it to your advantage."

I covered the laugh that threatened to erupt.

"I'll just get back to it," Shep said, moving back over to his work area.

Hudson approached and leaned in to kiss Grams on the cheek. "Good morning."

Grams smiled knowingly. "Good morning to you too. I heard you had quite the night."

"Grams," I said as my cheeks turned red. When Hudson looked at me with a raised brow, I said, "I didn't tell her anything."

"It doesn't take a detective to figure out what's going on when you come home in yesterday's clothes."

Hudson sobered. "Ma'am, I like your granddaughter."

Grams scoffed. "It took you long enough to make a move."

"Grams—" I couldn't control her errant mouth.

"I'm going to say hello to my friends." Grams moved away.

My heart sunk. She was definitely going to tell her friends, the biggest gossips in town, what happened last night.

Hudson moved close and lowered his voice. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, she just enjoys teasing everyone."

Hudson grinned. "She's sweet."

I shook my head. "When Grams gets an idea in her head, she does everything in her power to make it happen."

"Oh, yeah? And what idea does she have in her head about us?"

"That we're meant to be together." I wished I could recall those words as soon as they left my mouth. That was way too serious for the morning after.

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