Page 12 of Hooked
Tayla had no doubt. Jeremy would be one of those lovers she laughed with. He’d tease her in the best way. He’d make her laugh as much as he’d make her moan. Everything about the electricity between them told her she would not regret pursuing a relationship with this man.
Except…
His eyes narrowed. “What are you afraid of, Miss McKinnon?”
“Nothing.” She leaned over, kissed his cheek quickly, and cleared her throat. “I better go help Emmie with those book club sign-ups.”
She escaped before she started seeing forever in his eyes.
What was she afraid of?
Oh, just everything.
She walked to the back room where Jeremy’s grandfather was teaching a group of kids how to play chess. His bowler hat was adorable and yet completely dashing. If Jeremy aged as well as his grandfather, whatever lucky girl he eventually married would be very happy.
“Miss Tayla.” He gave her a nod. “Young people, this is one very smart lady. How much you wanna bet she knows how to play chess?”
“You’re not supposed to bet us, Mr. Allen,” one kid piped up. “Jeremy said you can’t take any money off us tonight.”
“No bets,” Tayla said. “And of course I play chess, but backgammon is my game.” She offered Gus a wink. “I’m a numbers girl.”
Gus turned to the kids around him. “You all got the basics?” When they murmured agreement, he said, “Set up games and I’ll come around and check what you got going after I get a drink.” He grabbed his cane, walked over, and offered Tayla his arm. “How you doing tonight, young lady?”
“Better now that I have dashing male company.” She walked with him toward the table where lemonade and iced tea were set up. “Gus, when are you going to ask me to dinner?”
He chuckled. “I told you it’s not fair of me to lead you on when I’m still in love with another woman.”
“I had to try.”
“How about that grandson of mine?” Gus asked. “You gonna give him a chance?”
“A chance at what?” She poured two cups of lemonade and handed one to Gus.
“To take you out. I see you two making eyes at each other.”
She put a hand on her chest. “Have I said no?”
“That fool boy hasn’t even asked you out, has he?”
She smiled. “We’re friends, Gus. We hang out all the time.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.”
Tayla sighed. “You know it’s complicated.”
“What’s complicated?” Gus frowned. “You like a girl. You like a boy. You ask them out for dinner. Or to the movies. Or—”
“Netflix and chill?” Tayla interjected.
Gus gave her a suspicious look. “I have a feeling I don’t really know what that is, judging by that innocent look on your face. You young people make it more complicated than it needs to be with your phones with little pictures. How you supposed to have a conversation with a woman like that?”
“You’re old school,” Tayla said. “I like it.”
“Do you?” Gus looked at her from the corner of his eye.
“Don’t give me that look.” She couldn’t stop the laugh. “And don’t start messing with his head, Gus. We’re doing just fine.”And I don’t really know if I’m staying in this town, so don’t get attached.“Besides, we’re really different. I’m not into all the outdoors stuff. He and Emmie were talking about archery earlier.” She shook her head. “I don’t even know.”
“Nothing wrong with having different interests. That’s what keeps things interesting.”
