Page 35 of Gwen's Delta
“When did you last hear from Arthur?” Gramps asked before taking another bite.
“He emailed on Saturday. Wanted to let me know they were going off with a new guide to look for something amazing. Do you think it’s what the man was asking about?”
“They went off their itinerary?” Gramps looked as surprised as Gwen had been.
It wasn’t like them to just disappear. They had changed their schedule on some trips but were usually specific about when and where.
“Yes. I thought it was strange. I wrote back, but I haven’t heard from him. Depending on where they went, Dad might not have a signal.”
Gwen caught the look her grandparents shared, and she didn’t like it. Her unease grew, and the quiche no longer seemed appealing.
“Anything you want to share?” Gwen watched them closely, looking for Grams’ tell.
“What do you mean?” Grams asked.
“I saw your look. What aren’t you telling me?”
“You know what we know. I’ll email him after lunch. Maybe he’ll answer me,” Gramps said.
“Okay. Let me know if you hear anything.”
“Of course, Gwenie-bee.” He patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they’re fine. They’ve been doing this for a very long time. They know how to take care of themselves.”
“Almost thirty years, but things aren’t as safe as they used to be.”
“Sweets, things were never safe in the Middle East,” Grams said. “We had issues back when we started the store. It’s just something you have to deal with if you visit.”
“I didn’t realize you were adrenaline junkies like Mom and Dad.” Gwen had never considered her grandparents were just like her parents.
“Grams was hot stuff when we were younger,” Gramps said and waggled his thick, white eyebrows.
“What do you mean when we were younger? I’m still hot stuff.” Grams leaned over and kissed him.
They were still so in love after almost sixty years. Between the fairy tales and growing up with them, it was no wonder she’d had dreams of a knight in shining armor.
Gwen rose from the table. “Okay, that’s my cue to go back to work. We’re lucky the store stayed quiet.”
“But you didn’t tell me about your date yet.” Grams actually sounded whiny.
“I promise I’ll tell you everything later. Okay?”
After dropping a kiss on each of their heads, Gwen walked through the bookstore to unlock the front door. They were usually closed from twelve to one for lunch, but they’d been so busy, Gramps hadn’t locked the door until almost one. The bookstore didn’t get a ton of foot traffic, so they’d never changed the practice. But as she approached the locked door, it surprised her that someone waited outside. Another first for Camelot Rare Books.
“We’re having a lot of firsts today. Maybe it’s a full moon?” she murmured to herself as she flipped the sign and unlocked the door.
Her breath caught as the man turned around and flashed her an amazing smile. Surprise stopped her in her tracks.
Luke pushed the door open to step inside. “Hi, princess. I couldn’t wait for tonight. I hope it’s okay…”
“Yes. Sure, c’mon in.”
The sexy badass was the last person she’d expected to see. Gwen didn’t know whether to jump up and down or throw herself into his arms for a scorching kiss. The kiss would have won out if she’d been anywhere but the bookstore.
“Are you sure? You don’t look too sure,” Luke said.
“I’m just surprised. It’s been a crazy day, busiest Monday we’ve ever had, and I might be a little tired. But seeing you is the best surprise.” Gwen grinned.
“Busy is great, right? I guess I had a hand in the tired part. I kept you up late on the phone.”
