Tommy swiveled to look at her, his mouth dropping open. “Grandma, you’re not that old.”
“Oh, I’m old. I don’t move things, that’s for sure.”
“You don’t?” Chloe asked as she stopped at the end of the hallway that led to the offices.
At that moment, Lincoln appeared from the other entrance to the kitchen, clearly having heard the same comment.
“Since when don’t you move things, Mom? You’ve always been so proud that you’re staying strong. You’ve got your garden, you’ve been helping get the resort ready…”
I happened to notice Lincoln’s gaze slide to Chloe really quick—lingering a few beats too long. But now definitely wasn’t the time to point that out.
My mother ignored everyone, her pointed gaze locked on me. “Cole, would you please go help Adele move her things in?”
“Yes, ma’am. Lincoln’s got hands too, by the way,” I couldn’t help but add.
“I’m helping Chloe relocate the filing cabinets,” Lincoln countered, his tone a sharp edge.
Chloe narrowed her eyes at him. “What’s wrong with helping me?”
“Nothing,” Lincoln said a little too quickly.
“I’m outta here,” I called over my shoulder, catching Lincoln’s eye and giving him a teasing wink.
My mom was in matchmakingoverdrivethese days. Ever since Haven, and then Jude, had gone and fallen in love, she wanted usallmatched up, shacked up, and probably making babies as fast as humanly possible.
Which, come to think of it, I wasn’t so sure I wanted a baby yet. But I wouldn’t mind theactof trying to make one. With Adele.
But I didn’t need to be contemplating that. Not now. All I did was casual. All the while I kept silently reminding myself of that fact, Adele made me question every damn thing about my attitude toward relationships.
A short walk later, I was standing outside the barn, eyeing Adele—who was conveniently leaning into the back of her hatchback, talking under her breath. “Why did I bring this? I don’t even know what this is for.”
I cleared my throat. She squeaked and straightened, spinning to face me quickly. I immediately regretted alerting her to my presence. Her bottom was perfect—cute and lush—and I instantly missed savoring the view. Of course, I wouldn’t have minded seeing her bent over in other places, but— My thoughts scratched like a needle stopping on a record.
Don’t be an idiot,my cynical brain chimed in.Get a grip.
Adele’s cheeks were pink, and all I could think about was the way her lips had felt against mine when we kissed.
“Hi,” she said, her voice pitched a little too high.
“Hey there. Came over to help you move in.”
“Oh. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Maybe not, but I’m happy to help.”
“No, really, Cole. You don’t have to.”
Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I scuffed the heel of my boot on the gravel. “My mom asked me to help. You know she’ll take it personally and hold it against me if I don’t. So…please let me help.”
Adele pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. And damn if it didn’t make my heart swell when her smile stretched across her face like rays of sun breaking over the horizon.
“Well, in that case, I wouldn’t want her to hold it against you.” She gestured toward her open trunk. “That’s what we have to move.”
I glanced in and counted four bags. “This is it?”
“I travel light. I actually brought a little more than I normally would because, well…I don’t have a home base. I have enough gear for any trips and some clothes for the changes of season. How about you take two, and I’ll take two?” Her tone was crisp, but her cheeks were pink and she tapped her fingertips against her leg. She was nervous, and I wanted to wrap her in my arms and ease away her apprehension.
I forced myself to take a breath, to be rational. I wanted to argue the point and insist I’d carry all four, but I could tell from the lift of Adele’s chin that she was going to argue back. So I simply nodded. “You got it.”
