Page 64 of Mess With Me

Is that why he’s so conservative with his smiles? Because of their untold power?

“I could get used to that,” I say to Chester, even though my eyes are on Griffin, that fluttering going even harder as his gaze doesn’t leave mine.

I may not be coming onto him, but I’m still enjoying flirting. Just to see how he’ll react.

“But Chester.” I turn to the older man. “Please, no need to get down on your knees next time. You can show your deference to me while standing.”

Chester grins dopily as I plop myself down in the chair next to Griffin’s.

I only realize he’s bent down and lifted my coffee out of the way a moment later when I gasp, remembering it, and look for where I had to have knocked it over.

“You want to just toss it on the porch boards and get it over with?” he says.

Chester hoots. “Listen to Mr. Neat ’n Tidy over here.”

“Right?” I say. “Mr. Perfect’s probably never spilled a thing in his life.”

“You should see him inside my place. Last time he came over to patch up my ceiling, I swear he grew a new ulcer.”

“I keep telling you that you need to let me redo your roof, Chester.”

“It’s on the list. After the deck you gone and wrecked with your big clodhopper.”

“I nearly broke my leg!” To me, Griffin says, “His back deck’s rotted through.” He points a finger at Chester. “You’re banned from going back there, remember?”

Chester waves a hand dismissively. “There are plenty of good boards. Anyhow, home repair is not the reason for my visit. Neither was shootin’ the breeze with our friend Griffin here, but a lady needs her beauty sleep.”

“Do tell,” I say, sipping my coffee.

“Well, I know it’s customary to ask how you slept in the morning, but my most pressing concern is letting you know I’ve given some thought to your offer of marriage.”

I freeze with the coffee cup halfway back to the chair. “Oh?”

“While it gives me great pains to admit it, I’m afraid to say my heart belongs to another.”

“Really?” I’m rapt, dying to know who this other party is.

“Another few, if I’m being perfectly honest.”

I screw up my face as I glance ata Griffin, confused.

Chester sighs dreamily. “Yep. Lucille, Ball, Celine, Dion, Nina, Simone, Patsy, and Cline. Oh, and Bilbo Baggins.”

I throw back my head and laugh. He’s talking about his chickens.

“They’re awful jealous,” Chester sighs. Then he breaks out in a cackle.

Even Griffin lowers his face. His shoulders shake slightly.

God, I thought a little smile from him sent me—but to see him laugh?

“It’s a real shame,” Chester says. “Anyhow, I think you and Griffin ought to get hitched.”

Next to me, Griffin has just taken a sip of coffee, and he coughs, barely managing not to choke.

“Is that right?” I ask, reaching over and clapping Griffin’s back.

“Yep. Two of you look pretty cute together. I’m a mite jealous.”

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