Page 60 of The Rented Bride

“You don’t have dinner with him?”

“Rarely. It makes him feel old for his grandson to dine so early with him. He prefers relaxed conversation.” Trent stood. “Come on.”

“Okay.” Cassie rose.

He led her upstairs, to the third floor, to his grandfather’s bedroom. “Thirty minutes, then dinner?” he said.

She nodded and Trent knocked.

“Come in,” James called.

Trent opened the door, then stepped aside for her to precede him. He followed her into the room.

James sat in the chair near the window. He set a mug he was drinking from on a table between him and another chair. His eyes brightened when they entered.

“It’s about time you brought my granddaughter to see me,” he said to Trent.

Tent slowed and Cassie realized he was purposely hanging back. She reached James and knelt beside his chair. Surprise flickered on his face and he glanced at Trent, before saying to her, “You’re a good lass.” He patted the hand she rested on the chair arm. “You look beautiful, sweets.” He turned toward Trent. “Your wife takes my breath away.”

“Mine as well.”

Trent stopped beside her and before she realized his intent, went down on one knee and kissed her. He lingered but two heartbeats, enough to send her heart into a wild rhythm. When they parted, she reached up and wiped away the smidge of gloss her lips left on his mouth. From the corner of her eye she saw James’ satisfied smile.

“Has my grandson been treating you well?” he asked as Trent rose.

She nodded. “He allowed me to work in his office.”

James’ brows rose. “That is an honor. Even I’m not allowed in there when he’s deep in work.”

“That’s because you need to rest.” Trent sat in the chair on the other side of the small table to James’ left.

James hmphed, but Cassie could see he was pleased.

“Get up, lass,” he said. “Trent, get her a chair.”

Trent jumped to his feet. “Sit here, Cassie. I’ll get another chair.” He stepped forward and extended a hand. She was forced to accept and he pulled her to her feet. She sat in the chair he’d vacated and he carried a chair from the corner and placed it beside hers.

They fell into easy conversation, but after forty minutes she discerned the furrow in James’ brow. He was growing tired. Cassie wondered if she should suggest they leave when Annie entered.

“Sorry, everyone, but it’s time James got some rest.”

James shot her a narrow-eyed look.

Trent rose. “Any arguments from you, Granddad, and I won’t let Cassie visit with you again in the evenings.”

James’ head snapped in his direction. For an instant, Cassie feared the old man would argue, but he sighed and nodded. “Aye, no arguments. Truth is, I’m a bit tired. What do you two have planned for the evening?”

“I’m taking my wife on a date.”

“Date?”

Trent nodded. “We’ve spent far too little time together.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You have pushed yourself harder than usual this last month,” James said. “Cassie will put a stop to that.”

Trent grinned. “That she will.”

“Visiting hours are over, everyone,” Annie said.