Page 64 of Summer Love

"We'll have to see what happens," Hudson said noncommittally "Now, would you like to get your hands dirty?"

"I always do," I said with a grin.

Shep looked at his brother with a curious expression on his face. I forgot that no one else knew what happened last night. Were we keeping it a secret? It was probably for the best since Hudson was the subject of my most eligible bachelor article.

"I'm installing another flower box over here." He led me away from Shepard and then lowered his voice. "I'm glad you could come this morning."

"I'm here to protect you from Grams and her friends. So far, I'm not doing a great job."

A slow, relaxed smile moved over his face. "No one can keep Grams in line. That's what makes her so appealing."

"You haven't seen anything yet," I warned him before he showed me how to secure the pieces of wood together to create the box.

ChapterFifteen

ELENA

We worked until our lunchtime. The director of the senior center, Phyllis, came out to say they'd made sandwiches for us. We grabbed wrapped sandwiches and glasses of lemonade, sitting with Grams and her friends in the cafe.

I sat down next to Grams, and Hudson next to me.

"This is Hudson Kingston. He's renovating my porch," Grams told her friends.

Blaire leaned forward. "Why, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Blaire."

Hudson smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Blaire."

"And this is Edith and Mabel." I gestured to each woman.

Hudson inclined his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"I believe the pleasure's all ours," Mabel said delightedly.

I shot Grams a look, but she was grinning from ear to ear. She was enjoying this.

"We've heard so much about you," Blaire added.

I'd thought Grams's friends were a hoot, but now I was worried about what craziness was going to come out of their mouths.

"I hope it was all good," Hudson said lightly.

"Absolutely. You're handsome, just like she said."

Hudson blanched, and I just patted his thigh to say,I told you so.

We unwrapped our sandwiches, and I took a bite as Mabel pinned her gaze on Hudson. "What intentions do you have with Sofia's granddaughter?"

I started coughing, and Hudson slammed my back. I took a generous sip of the lemonade, but my throat still felt scratchy. I couldn't believe she'd said that. When I finally recovered, I said, "There's nothing going on?—"

But Hudson interrupted me, touching my thigh to stop me from speaking. "It's fairly simple. I like Elena. She's an amazing woman."

The women sighed.

"Oh, to be young again," Mabel mumbled.

"And in love," Blaire added.

I frowned. "Oh, we never said anything about love."

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