“He wants to know what’s wrong with you and Ellie,” Jenna said point-blank.
“Huh?” Cade looked confused.
Grant sighed and wiped a hand down his face. “Jenna, I said this was private.”
“I’m family. Nothing is private with family.” She stood her ground.
“Yeah,” Simon said, standing next to her, his arms crossed over his chest. “Cade’s family.”
“Who are you?” Grant asked, looking him over.
“Simon Bragg, Grant Weston.” Cade introduced them. “Simon is Jenna’s boyfriend. Simon, Grant is my brother.”
“You’re the West Wind. Awesome.” His grin took up his whole face.
Jenna could almost feel Simon vibrating with enthusiasm. Boys.
Cade grinned as well. “Yeah, he is. I taught him how to hit.”
“You did not,” Grant argued. “I taught myself.”
“Gave him his first glove and ball, too.”
Grant sighed. “You threw your glove at my head and tackled me for daring to try it on. And then you beamed me with the ball right in the leg. You were a monster.”
“Oh please. I tickled you until you said uncle, then I gave the glove and the ball to you. I only threw the ball at you because you told Alma Briarson I had a crush on her.”
“Which you did.”
“You didn’t have to tell her that.”
“They sound a lot like Mitch and Deacon,” Jenna murmured to Simon.
“Yeah.” He chuckled. “Except they’re not cursing as much.”
Jenna said loudly, “Excuse me. Simon has practice tonight, and I have the SATs to study for. Uncle Cade, are you getting a divorce or what?”
Just then the front door opened, and Ellie and Alex entered. “Honey, I’m home,” Ellie announced.
Alex spotted his uncle and ran on tiny legs. “Uncle Grant!” He raced into Grant’s arms and giggled while his uncle caught him in a big hug and whirled him around. Then Grant tossed Alex at Cade, who caught him easily, and gave Ellie a big kiss and a hug.
“They don’t look like they’re having problems,” Simon said under his breath.
Cade shot him a frown.
Ellie laughingly kissed Grant’s cheek. “Wow. I hadn’t realized you’d be in town so soon. I thought you were only coming for Christmas.” She looked from Grant to Simon and Jenna. “Hey, you two. What are you doing here?”
“I—”
Before Jenna could get another word out, Grant practically leaped the distance between them and tugged her and Simon toward the door.
Chapter 4
Grant smiled. “We were just going, and Cade promised to help me out with something. I’ll talk to you soon, Ellie.” He maneuvered Jenna, Simon, and Cade outside, closing the door firmly behind him.
Then he pushed and pulled them as a group far away from the front door.
Cade stalked toward his truck, looking like a larger, meaner version of Grant. Same light hair and light eyes, his with a fierce gleam. “Okay, Grant. What the hell is going on?”
