Page 45 of Sweet Spot
Lincoln
“It’s lovelyto meet you, dear. I’m Milly, Lincoln’s grandmother.”
“I was just telling Gram that we had dinner plans and can’t stay.” I place a hand at Keira’s back and then remove it, flex it and try to rid the burning sensation working up my arm. I’m about to crawl out of my skin with all the ways this is fucked up.
I brought a client to my grandmother’s house, which is unprofessional enough without all the ways my body is reacting to said client—none of which are the least bit professional. And now she’s a door away from seeing the blind date Gram has waiting for me. I should have known. The woman never gives up.
Gram seems to really like Keira, or maybe she just likes that I willingly brought a woman over. Gram was never supposed to know. I was just gonna slip inside, tell her something came up with a client, and then Keira and I’d be on our way. I should have called.
“We have dinner together every week. He’s a good boy.”
“That’s sweet.” Keira smirks at me, obviously loving every second of my discomfort.
Ha! If Keira knew the thoughts going through my head, she wouldn’t be calling me sweet. I scan the length of her. Her little golf skirts are going to be the death of me.
Gram nods. “I made tamales tonight. It’s Lincoln’s favorite, and I’ve invited my friend Jenny and her granddaughter.”
“That sounds delicious,” Keira says and presses a hand against her stomach, the movement lifting her shirt to show off the smooth skin just below her belly button. “I’m starving.”
I can see the wheels turning under Gram’s big hair.
“We can’t. Keira has to get back to Valley.” And away from me before I screw up and touch her again.
Keira shrugs. “It’s okay. It’s been a while since I’ve had a real home-cooked meal.”
“Well, let’s get you inside. The more the merrier. There are chips and guacamole you can snack on while I finish dinner.” Gram herds Keira inside, and I shove my hands into my pockets so I don’t rip the hair out of my scalp. Or touch her.
Keira turns her head as they enter the front door and smiles at me, sweet and playful. Gram continues inside, but Keira waits for me to come unglued from my spot.
“Come on.” She rolls her eyes, steps to me, and takes my hand, pulling me along.
Her small fingers wrap around mine and squeeze before she leaves me in the entryway and heads toward Gram in the kitchen. She washes her hands and then snags a handful of chips.
I move to the dining room to say hello to Jenny, who’s one of Gram’s friends I actually remember; though, I’ve never met her granddaughter Whitney. I apologize to them both, fumbling over what exactly I’m apologizing for since I had no clue, but I did just bring another chick to a blind date, so saying something seems like the right thing to do.
“I’m sorry about this. Gram must have mixed up the dates.” She definitely didn’t mix up the dates, and anyone who knows her, knows she’s still whip-smart. “Keira is a client, and she has an important tournament coming up this weekend.”
“Your grandmother said you’re a golf coach. Is that right?” Whitney asks.
I give her and Jenny a brief overview of the company. As I talk, my gaze randomly falls to Keira. She hasn’t left Gram’s side in the kitchen, and more surprising is that Gram hasn’t shooed her out. That might be because she wants to keep Keira and Whitney apart, so her matchmaking wasn’t in vain, but they’re both smiling an awful lot.
I do my best to entertain Jenny and Whitney while only allowing myself small glances at Keira. Making conversation has always come easy to me. I’m not as charismatic as Kenton, but I like people and I’m generally good at making them feel at ease and welcome. It’s part of the reason I travel so much. I’m more persuasive in person.
It’s nice out, so Gram and Keira set the table on the back patio, and we all sit to eat.
“Anyone want more wine?” Gram asks, bringing bottles of red and white to the table.
I prefer beer, but since I know there isn’t any in the fridge, I take the red and refill Jenny and Whitney’s glasses before giving myself a small pour. I’d like to guzzle the entire bottle to make this less awkward, but since I’m driving Keira, I won’t.
“Would you like some wine, dear?” Gram asks Keira, she’s the only one without a wine glass in front of her. “There are more glasses inside. Lincoln, why don’t you grab her a glass.”
Keira holds up a hand. “Oh, no thanks. I have to drive back to Valley tonight.” She takes a bite of her tamale and groans. “This is so good.”
Gram smiles while I watch on amused. Keira has totally bewitched her. If Pop were here, he’d be smitten too...just as soon as he saw her hit a golf ball, anyway.
“Lincoln was saying you have a big tournament this weekend.” Whitney passes a platter to me but speaks to Keira.
Keira glances at me while nodding. “Yeah, that’s right.” She squirms in her seat, pushes some food around her plate, and takes a drink of water, clearly uncomfortable with being in the spotlight. Put a golf club in her hand and she’d be giving them a show, but without one, she’s less sure of herself.
