She tried to stay busy cleaning up breakfast and covering the pie, but now she sat next to Pops so she could watch too.
“We need to talk about the house, Pops.”
He ran his hand along the polished wood table.“It’s gotten to be a lot to manage for my old bones,” her grandfather said with a sigh.
“That’s easily fixed.I can hire an estate manager and someone to come in and clean and shop for you once a week?”
Pops just nodded and took a sip from his cup.
“I guess I assumed Dad or Uncle Mike would be helping out?”
“No, they’re too busy.I don’t really like the idea of a stranger in the house, but I suppose it is the best solution.”
“Why don’t I just start by interviewing some people and we’ll see if we can find someone we trust?In the meantime I’m staying.”
Pops smiled.“I read your last book in a day.It’s truly remarkable how your creative mind can spin such magical tales.”
Shelby blushed.Her grandfather was the only person in her family and probably all of Sandy Point who knew about her writing.
“Well, it’s probably your fault.After all those stories you used to tell me about pirates and hunting for buried treasure when you were young.”
Pops laughed.“Some of those stories were true.I just never found any treasure.”
“Well in my stories you always do.”
He reached out and patted her hand.“I know, and I love you for it.I just wish I could brag on you more.My award-winning author granddaughter.”
“And who would you be telling?No one around here is reading my middle-grade adventure stories.”
“Oh, you might be surprised.I bet the librarian and several teachers have been recommending your books to students without even realizing you’re the author.”
“Maybe.”
“I hate to disrupt your life in Atlanta, but I have to admit I’m happy to have you here.Maybe you can find some inspiration for that next series you’ve been trying to map out.”Pops nodded to the huge men out on the deck.
She smiled.“Sure, maybe the Hardy brothers meet the gorgeous Hart brothers, three boys who grow up orphans and have to fend for themselves?”
Her grandfather made a show of sitting back and turning to give her a side-eye glance.“Sounds like a good start.Now what would their adventures be?”
“I’m not sure.That’s where I’ve been getting stuck.I think I’ve been with the first series for so long—ten books.It’s been really hard to find a new storyline.”
“You’ll find it.I bet this visit home is just what you needed.Or maybe it’s the girls of Sandy Point who need an adventure next?”Pops smirked and his big blue eyes crinkled at the sides, but she was surprised to see he looked tired already.
“Why don’t I get you set up in your favorite chair or the library?”
“I vote the library today.Best room in the house.”
“Agreed.Your library is probably my favorite room in the entire world,” Shelby said.
“Well, Shelby Bell, it is certainly yours anytime you want to claim it.”
She smiled, helping her grandfather stand.“I’ll share it with you today.”
When she looked outside, she caught Wes’s eyes on her and her stomach filled with the flutters of what felt like a million butterflies.She almost couldn’t believe now that she’d spent a night in bed with him.His gaze felt like it saw right through her and she would swear he knew exactly what she was thinking.
“I believe you said the gorgeous Hart brothers, and one is still single,” Pops said, then squeezed her hand and started to shuffle off.
“I’ll bring your tea.In just a minute.”
