Page 48 of Mr. July

“Not one word.”

“I can’t believe you! Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Why would I, when watching the two of you is much more fun.” Her eyes were a bit glassy. Her color high.

“Are you drunk?” I had never seen Gran like this.

“Maybe. These boys make me forget my age. They made me some cold fruity drink. It was hot. I kept getting refills. He is an Adonis. And sweet, funny… all the things Wade never was.”

I hung my head, picking at the ends of the beach blanket I sat on. “It’ll never happen. Can never happen.”

“And why is that? He hasn’t taken his eyes off you.” My back was to him, but I still felt his stare.

“Not here.”

Gran looked around. “Then where?”

“I can’t trust you. You might be on the side of my enemy and you’ve been drinking.”

Gran rolled her eyes. “As if I’d choose anyone over my gal. I was the first one to hold you.”

I looked over both my shoulders before leaning in. “It was his house. I stayed here that weekend in February. I felt so stupid when he invited me in just now.”

“Oh dear.” Gran pursed her lips, clutched for her pearls she had left at home while pondering what I just said. She waved a hand in the air. “These things have a way of working themselves out.”

“Doubtful. How can I face him in court?”

“Now, my Ryan has never shied away from the truth or an honest fight. Do you still think he wronged you?”

“Maybe we wronged each other.”

“Then right it. A kiss wouldn’t hurt either.”

I slapped her on the shin. “Where’s this Hunter guy? And I’m getting you bottled water.”

“Oh, he’s around here somewhere. Probably flirting with the paralegals.”

“Hi. I’m Charlie. Chase’s older twin sister.” I turned, finding the stunning girl from earlier. She wasted no time sitting down next to me wanting to know just about everything about my life… down to my blood type. I was hesitant to tell her much, but she was so nice, joyous, with a warm smile and warmer eyes. Someone got Gran the bottle of water she needed. I found myself opening up as she shared story after story about Chase. Each funnier than the last.

Hours went by. Someone passed me a glass of wine. Then another. The party slowly packed up and moved back to the house. “I should go.”

“The night’s still early,” Chase came up behind me. “Did my sister scare you off?”

“Hardly. She’s wonderful.”

“She is.” His eyes smiled as he found his twins’ across the sand. She was helping clean up. “Stay,” he tugged my hand. “Just for a little while?”

I was tempted. Oh, so tempted. But what was the point starting something I knew we couldn’t finish. He was so charming, but I knew his other side. The ruthless one. I shivered knowing he’d pursue me with the same ruthlessness that he went after me as his renter.

“Kismet seems tired.”

“She can stay, too.”

“She gets nervous in new places.”

“She doesn’t look nervous to me. You, however, seem a bit on edge.”

My breath hitched. He was so close. He could kiss me if he wanted. But he didn’t. “Come on. A lot of people overindulged tonight. I’ll walk you to your car.”

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