Page 54 of The Rented Bride

Cassie lifted a brow. “Twenty-four.”

“Granddad told you that, too, did he?”

She nodded, trying to hide the smile that pulled at her mouth.

“Would you buy that boys will be boys?” Trent asked.

She grimaced. “I have four brothers. I’ve seen it all.”

Trent threw his head back and laughed. Cassie’s heart warmed at the deep rich sound.

“Tell your brothers I said thanks,” he said.

“He also told the story of how you pulled your friend out of the ice when he fell through.”

To Cassie’s surprise—and delight—Trent actually blushed. “I was sixteen, too young and stupid to know better than to jump in after her.”

“I know a lot of sixteen-year-olds who wouldn’t have jumped in,” Cassie said. “I’d say, you just didn’t stop to consider the danger.”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

“He’s very proud of you.”

Trent eyes clouded over. “I worked hard to make him proud.”

“You really love him.”

Trent gave a sheepish smile. “Corny, I know.”

Cassie laid a hand on his arm. “No. It’s not. Your devotion is touching.” She withdrew her hand. “You have no idea how many men are turned off by my large family.”

“Why?”

“Why? Last night is a perfect example. You found me in your closet talking to my cousin after midnight.”

“You made it sound like it wasn’t that late,” he said.

She shrugged. “I didn’t want you angry that you’d been woken up by a phone call from my family.”

His expression turned serious. “Cassie, I will never be angry by a phone call from your family, no matter the time, day or night.”

Her cheeks flushed. “Thanks. Do you have anything planned with your grandfather today?”

Trent shook his head. “Just relax and hang out. When he gets up, we’ll have lunch. I usually read to him before dinner.”

“What are you reading? Tom Clancy, David Baldacci or do you delve into the darker worlds of Clive Barker or Dean Koontz?”

His eyes twinkled. “Would you think any less of me if I told you we were reading Wuthering Heights?

Cassie regarded him. “You did read Wuthering Heights, didn’t you?”

He nodded. “We finished it three days ago.”

“What did you think of it?” she asked. “

“I appreciated it much more than I did in high school.”

She grimaced. “I know what you mean.”