Eve’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she bent over to give the old man a hug. Darius still couldn’t believe how quickly she’d won him over. It gave Darius hope that she might be able to forgive him of his past.
“Sir, I’m glad that you and Eve have been able to see each other again, because we have to leave tomorrow.”
She straightened and turned to frown at Darius. He pulled Eve to her feet and whispered, “I won’t risk your safety.”
“I’m sure it was an accident.” She kept her voice low, sending her grandfather a quick glance.
Even in the dim light, Darius could see the pleading in her eyes. She might hate him for pulling the trump card, but he had to make sure she was safe.
“If you don’t come with me, I’ll call your father and tell him what happened.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“What are you whispering about?” Mr. Stewart said in a querulous voice.
“We’re really looking forward to having dinner with you tonight,” she said.
“Mr. Stewart should get some rest so he can join you,” Alan said disapprovingly.
Eve kissed her grandfather on the cheek again and left the room. Once the door had closed, she spun on them.
“You do realize how old he is, don’t you?” she asked, sweeping her arms to the side. “He could die before I get back here.”
“Eve—”
Once again Joe stepped beside her.
“Something is seriously not right here, and today proved that you could be in danger. If we were to risk telling your grandfather about what happened this afternoon, do you think he’d want you to stay?”
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Eve shook her head. “I’m not trying to be unreasonable, but I’ve just met him.”
“And I’ve just foundyouagain.” Darius’s voice cracked. When Joe stepped back, giving them some privacy, Darius pulled her into his arms. He hadn’t meant to declare himself, not until he’d had a chance to talk to Melanie, but the words came out on their own. “I love you, Eve.”
“I’ve always loved you.” She reached up and cupped his cheeks, her eyes glistening, and pressed her lips to his.
Darius’s heart soared. For the first time since they’d met up again, he let himself truly hope for a future with her. Pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss, wanting to taste her, breathe her, hold her forever.
Joe coughed and muttered, “Company coming.”
They broke apart. Eve patted her hair while Darius straightened his shirt.
Graham appeared at the bottom of the half flight of stairs. He watched them.
“Are you coming or going?” he asked.
“We’re just leaving. Alan said Granddad needed to rest.” Eve started to move ahead but stopped. “Do you know of any photos of our father’s together?”
A flash of pain washed across the cousin’s face, and he swallowed.
“Aye. I have one in my bedroom.”
“May I see it?”
Graham only hesitated for a second before giving a nod. He moved ahead and led them to the opposite end of the floor. He pulled out a key, unlocked the door, and slipped inside. He didn’t invite them in.
“You all right?” Darius asked, putting an arm around Eve’s shoulders.
“Yes. I just hate this family divide. My father would never admit it, but it’s been hard on him being alone. My mother has a large and loving family, and they’ve welcomed him. But it really drives it home at important events when you’re the only one without any family around you.”
