‘I’ll do anything I can to help, remember?’
‘I know. You’ve made a good start with Theo.’ Griff’s hair was tied back today, so it was easy to spot the tips of his ears turn bright pink.
‘Maybe.’ He lifted his broad shoulders in a shrug, tightening the sleeves of his faded green T-shirt to show off his muscles.
Lyndsey made a beeline for the fridge, grateful for the blast of cool air bathing her hot face. She lifted out the jug of lemonade and set it on the counter while she fetched three glasses.
‘By the way, I found out why Theo fought with that kid at school,’ he murmured.
‘Oh my God, what was it?’
‘I can’t say too much without breaking his confidence, but a word in Deke’s ear might be in order. He needs to make it clear to the boy that it wasn’t Theo’s fault his mother left. If Deke could bolster the kid up a bit and give him a bit more praise for being who he is, rather than who he isn’t. You get the idea?’
‘I do.’ Lyndsey nodded thoughtfully. ‘We can help with that, too.’
‘We sure can.’
‘Look, I’m really sorry I haven’t—’
‘Hey, we had an agreement, remember?’
‘Becca and I are doing better.’ She rattled off a quick rundown of the progress they’d made, around the house and in their relationship.
‘It sure looks a hundred times better in here.’ Griff glanced admiringly around the kitchen.
‘Thanks.’ Lyndsey gathered up her courage. ‘I think the timing’s as right for us as it’s ever going to be . . . do you want to try again?’
‘Are we talkin’ friendly neighborliness, or . . . more?’
Lyndsey met his blazing eyes and melted like ice cream on a hot day.
‘Cookies?’ Theo bounded into the kitchen like an exuberant puppy. He’d changed into the black and gold Cornish T-shirt with the ‘One and All’ motto on that she’d given him when she arrived, which, at the time, he’d tossed to one side. ‘Want me to go away again?’ He smirked at them.
‘No!’ she and Griff chimed simultaneously, and next thing all three of them were laughing.
The sound of a car crunching over the gravel drew her over to the kitchen window on the side of the house where they usually parked. ‘Becca’s back.’ Lyndsey turned to Theo. ‘How about you help her in with the shopping bags?’ From the corner of her eye, she caught a fleeting glance zip between Griff and Theo. The boy shrugged, nodded and ambled out the back door.
‘What was all that about?’
‘We talked.’
‘Thank you.’
‘He’s a good kid.’ Griff’s voice turned husky. ‘How about a date tonight?’
‘Only if you fancy keeping me awake until two o’clock tomorrow morning?’ Lyndsey quickly explained. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not serious.’
‘Why not? It’s not a problem, except for this.’ Griff held up his bandaged hand. ‘I’m not too adept on the cooking front at the moment, but there are still pizzas in the freezer.’
‘I’ll make us something. It’ll be simple.’ The warning made him smile.
‘Perfect. See you later.’ Griff brushed a soft kiss on her cheek. ‘It’s been a long week. I missed you.’
‘Missed you, too.’
‘That’s enough snogging in my kitchen.’ Becca breezed in. ‘Theo tells me there’s cold lemonade on offer and cookies.’ He trailed in behind her, carrying the shopping bags.
‘Absolutely. I’ll get another glass.’
