Page 52 of A Dream for Daphne

“And hoping you weren’t on the naughty list,” Easton said, laughing.

“That about sums it up. We had dinner on July Fourth. That was the day in the store. Then again on Friday and a daylong date on Saturday. I just talked to her a few minutes ago.”

“Sounds like things are going well,” Easton said. “Considering how it started.”

“I like her a lot. You know what I’ve gone through. She’s seen that side of me. She has no problem with it. She’s a little skittish about things and feels out of her element. She’s more basic like us. Likes to get outside and do things. Said she’d rather see a man sweat than sit at a desk.”

“I agree,” Laurel said, walking in the back door. “Good thing I got a look at Easton all hot and sweaty before I found out he sat behind a computer all day.”

Easton reached for Laurel and pulled her close. “You love every part of me.”

“I do,” Laurel said. “And what are we talking about?”

“Abe found a woman he’s been dating.”

He looked at his cousin and gave him the stare to keep part of the conversation to himself. Not that he didn’t trust Laurel, but the next bit of information would give it away as to why.

“That’s great,” Laurel said. “Maybe we can all get together sometime. I’d love to meet her.”

“You have,” he said.

“Huh?” Easton asked.

“Who is it?” Laurel asked.

“Daphne Allen. Aster’s sister that just moved here.”

“Poppy’s new nanny?” Laurel said. “She’s a sweetheart. Oh my. I can totally see you two together. Does Aster know?”

“I doubt it,” he said. “We’ve only been on three dates. I’m sure she’ll tell her brother at some point.”

Laurel put her hand in front of her mouth and talked through her fingers. “It won’t come from me.”

“Thanks,” he said.

“And this is why you wanted to cook dinner?” Easton asked. “To tell us this?”

“That and because I’m in the mood for steak and figured it’s the least I can do once you smelled the smoke floating toward your house.”

“You do grill good,” Laurel said. “Have you grilled for Daphne yet?”

“That’s how I won her over,” he said. “My cooking ability.”

“Now we know you’re joking,” Laurel said, laughing. “But I’m happy for you. I can’t wait to see her again.”

Neither could he.

18

A GUY IN YOUR LIFE

“Come down to cool off?” Poppy asked when Daphne arrived at the private dock and beach on the McGill Estate.

She had her suit on under her little sundress and had walked down for that reason. She’d planned on turning around when she got closer and saw Poppy here. No reason to intrude on their family time.

But Poppy had noticed her walking and waved her hand to come over.

“I’m just out for a walk,” she said.

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