So Right Page 9

  Gram reached across the table and clasped Kelsey’s hand. “No. I’m here to stay, whether you like it or not. I just need somewhere to live. I was thinking I might try to find a little place outside of town. Maybe on an acre or two so I can have some animals. Then you can come live with me and get out of that awful apartment.”

  “It’s not so bad.”

  Gram pursed her lips. “It has no dishwasher, the tub barely drains, and the pipes are so loud, they’d wake the dead.”

  Kelsey couldn’t dispute any of that. It was strange, but after having Gram with her for a few days, it was as though she was seeing the apartment through new eyes. She’d begun to think she should’ve taken Brooke up on the loft vacancy. Yes, it was expensive, and it meant she couldn’t pay off her loans as quickly as she’d like, but maybe that was worth having comfort? Brooke’s loft had a sumptuous bathroom. When Kelsey thought of curling up with a book in a steaming bath, she could hardly keep from sighing in anticipation.

  Yeah, maybe she should talk to Brooke about that.

  “Okay, so my apartment sucks. But you don’t want to live with me. I’d cramp your style.” Kelsey nodded toward George, who just happened to be looking their way. He smiled and raised his hand to acknowledge her. Kelsey lifted her glass in silent toast.

  Gram’s eyes widened again. “What are you doing?”

  “I think George knows we’re talking about him.”

  Gram shook her head. “But we aren’t.”

  “We were, and we will again. Like I said, I’d cramp your style. How can you have George over with me hanging about?”

  “I, uh… I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. You’re lovely to have around.”

  “Not if you’re trying to be romantic. What if you want to have a sleepover?”

  “Kelsey!” Gram looked shocked for a moment, and then she laughed, her cheeks turning pink. “We’ll go to his house.”

  “Ha! So you’ve thought about it.”

  “Maybe.” Gram’s cheeks grew red. “Anyway, I’ll talk to the Archers about house hunting. They’ll point me in the right direction.”

  Kelsey sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, grinning. She was absurdly delighted with Gram and George. She just hoped it—whatever “it” was—worked out. “Yep.”

  George walked toward the table then. “Here he comes,” Kelsey whispered.

  Gram sat straighter and smoothed her hands over her cheeks as the last of the pink faded away.

  He came to a stop and looked down at Gram. “Forgive me, but I forgot to ask what you wanted to drink? Can I get you a shandy?”

  That was Gram’s favorite drink—beer and lemonade. At least that was her version of a shandy, and Kelsey had to assume that George had already learned to make it to her taste, since he seemed to know it was her favorite.

  She smiled up at him, looking ten years younger. “Yes, thank you.”

  He nodded before taking off, and Kelsey felt a surprising twinge of envy. She remembered that feeling of fresh attraction, of new emotions, of the prospect of joy. She realized she’d felt a jolt of that the other day with Luke when he’d tended to her wound. Before she’d mucked everything up by mentioning stupid Noah. Her pulse had quickened, and she’d wanted to lose herself in his eyes. She hadn’t thought that was possible anymore. And maybe it wasn’t. But for a brief, fleeting moment, it had seemed within reach. If only she had the courage to grab it.

  She wasn’t sure she did.

  George returned with the shandy, and they chatted for a few minutes before he reluctantly went back to the bar. Gram watched him go with a wistful look in her eyes.

  “You two are too cute,” Kelsey said. “I’m afraid I have to get back to work soon, and I need to run home for a few minutes.” She needed to throw a chicken breast in her mini-crockpot for dinner.

  Gram stood. “I guess I’ll go try to figure out how to knit. After I finish my shandy at the bar.” She winked at Kelsey as she picked up her bag and drink and went to join George.

  Kelsey bussed her dishes to the kitchen and waved at Gram and George as she walked by on her way outside.

  Their stunning fall weather had dimmed a bit today as the clouds had moved in. It was supposed to rain tomorrow for the start of Oktoberfest, but the forecasters were sure it would clear up on Friday. As sure as forecasters could be anyway.

  Kelsey crossed the street and took care of her dinner prep. Then, on her way out of the building, she came face-to-face with Luke Westcott.

  They both stopped short, and she imagined her face reflected the surprise on his.

  “Fancy meeting you here,” he said, grinning.

  She wasn’t sure what she’d expected when she saw him again, but she was relieved that it wasn’t awkward. One of the reasons she didn’t tell people about her past with Noah was that she didn’t want them treating her with kid gloves. She hated feeling like a victim. So far, Luke hadn’t made her feel like that.

  “Yes, fancy that,” she said. “Since I live here.” She smiled at him.

  “Okay, you caught me. I actually hoped I’d run into you. In fact, I was on my way to The Arch and Vine.”

  Somehow, the spontaneity of their meeting had made it seem…safer. Which was stupid. He wasn’t unsafe. What the hell was wrong with her?

  A guy’s interested in you, and you’re paralyzed. Duh. That’s what’s wrong with you.

  “You were?”

  He nodded. “I just…I’ve been thinking about you a lot since Monday, and I just… Wow, my speaking skills are really stellar here.” He rubbed his hand along his unshaven jaw.

  She laughed. “You’re fine.”

  “Well, I just wanted you to know. That I was thinking of you. That I hope we’re friends. I really would like to be.”

  Men and women could be friends of course. It was just that Kelsey didn’t have any guy friends. She thought of the men she worked with—George, Mick, and the others. She supposed they were friends. But maybe not. It wasn’t as if she did things with them outside work. Until she and Brooke had become friends, she hadn’t done anything with anyone outside work.

  The courage she’d been hoping for a little while ago gathered inside her. “I was thinking I might want to go to Oktoberfest after all. I’ll tag along with you, if you don’t mind.”

  He didn’t immediately answer, and she held her breath. His brow furrowed slightly and he stared at her a moment. “Okay, that’s twice now I’ve asked you out and you’ve declined only to change your mind. Is this how you do things? Because it’s a bit demoralizing.”

  Ouch. She deserved that. “No, it’s not how I do things. Honestly, I’m terribly out of practice. Forget I said anything. You should probably run in the other direction.”

  He lightly touched her forearm and guided her toward the building. She realized someone needed to walk by, and they were sort of hogging the sidewalk.

  His gaze was steady and warm as he looked at her. “I don’t want to run the other way. I want to take you to Oktoberfest. On a date. Just so we’re clear.”

  A date. That sensation of wanting to fall into his eyes stole over her again. This time, she didn’t shrink away. “Okay.”

  His lips curved into a handsome smile. “Okay. I’ll pick you up at six, if that works.”

  “Yep, that’s great. See you then.” Neither one of them moved for a moment. “I need to get back to work. My lunch is over.”

  “Oh. Well, I’ll walk with you since I’d planned to pick up lunch anyway.”

  They crossed the street, and when they reached the other side, she turned to look at him. “You can meet my grandmother. She’s inside flirting with George.”

  He grinned. “That sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to give George a hard time.”

  She elbowed him as they approached the door. “Be nice. They’re very cute.”

  “I bet. I was only teasing. I’m happy for them both.”

  “He’s taking her to Oktoberfest on Saturday too.”

  He o
pened the door for her. “Should we double-date?”

  “God, no.” She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Well, that sounded terrible.” She laughed. “I only meant that I don’t want to intrude on them. But it was nice of you to offer.”

  “In all honesty, now that I finally get to take you on a date, I don’t really want to share you either.”

  A giddy heat skipped through her. Gram was still seated at the bar, though her shandy glass was empty.

  George’s gaze flicked over them. “What did you drag in with you, Kelsey?”

  Luke laughed, and Kelsey shook her head. Gram turned on the stool and surveyed Luke intently.

  “Gram, this is Luke Westcott,” Kelsey said. “I went hiking with him the other day.”

  Gram nodded. “This is the young man.” She held out her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Luke. Call me Ruby.”

  He shook her hand. “A beautiful stone for a beautiful woman.”

  Gram chuckled, and she gave Kelsey an approving nod. “Aren’t you delightful?”

  Later, Kelsey would caution Gram not to get too excited. She’d agreed to a date and nothing more. And even now she began to wonder if she’d been too hasty.

  Don’t be ridiculous. Luke’s a nice guy, and you are more than ready for a date.

  She told herself to breathe.

  “Back off, Westcott,” George barked. “This one’s spoken for.”

  Gram straightened and gave George a sharp look. “I beg your pardon. I’m my own woman, thank you very much.”

  George’s gaze roved over her in warm approval. “Yes, you are,” he murmured.

  Gram chuckled softly, and Kelsey decided she couldn’t stand anymore.

  “I need to get back to work. See you all later.” She turned and headed toward the kitchen, but Luke caught up with her.

  “You weren’t kidding about George and your grandma. Those are some serious fireworks.” He blew out a whistle. “See you Saturday.” He tossed her a sexy, lopsided grin that made her wonder if she could feel fireworks again too.

  Maybe on Saturday, she’d find out.

  Chapter Seven

  It was nearly six when Luke strolled up Main Street to pick up Kelsey. She was already standing on the sidewalk, waiting. He quickened his pace.

  Kelsey smiled at him in greeting, raising her hand in a friendly wave. “Hey, Luke.”

  “Hey there, nice night, right?” The day had been uncharacteristically warm, and though it had cooled off, it was still very pleasant. He wore a long-sleeved T-shirt with a flannel button-down thrown over it. It was just right for this temperature, but after looking at Kelsey, he wished he’d taken a little more care with his appearance. Maybe worn his favorite field jacket.

  Skinny jeans encased her sexy legs and terminated in dark brown suede ankle boots. She wore an olive-green jacket with a light patterned scarf, and her dark hair hung past her shoulders in long, glossy waves. She was stunning.

  He tried not to stare, but it was hard. “You look great.”

  “Thanks. You do too. I like that shirt.”

  He glanced down at his favorite flannel and still wished he’d worn the jacket instead. “You’re too kind. Most of my wardrobe makes me look like a lumberjack.”

  She laughed. “Goes with your perennial stubble.”

  He brushed his hand along his jaw, feeling the scratch of hair against his fingertips. “I hope that’s a good thing.”

  “It’s certainly not bad.” She said this with a twinkle in her eye, and he had the distinct, wonderful feeling that she was flirting with him. “Ready?”

  “Absolutely.”

  He pivoted so that she could walk up beside him, and they strolled to the corner. The Oktoberfest was held in the park, which was a mere two blocks away. They paused to look before they crossed the street. The Arch and Vine was on the opposite corner.

  “Do you usually have Saturday nights off?” he asked.

  “Most of the time. Sometimes I fill in for people, but generally speaking, it’s one of my two days off from the pub. The other being Monday.”

  They moved past the pub. “So you don’t have a weekend?”

  She shook her head. “Not really. I get Mondays. No pub. No library.”

  “Except you said you usually work. Do you ever plan to cut back?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know why I would.”

  He glanced up at the almost clear, darkening sky. “Maybe you’ll fall madly in love and want to start a family or something crazy like that.”

  She slid him a probing look. “Is that what you want?”

  He’d walked right into that one. And he actually didn’t mind. “I don’t know. I can honestly say I really haven’t thought that far ahead. I figure those are things that happen…later.”

  She paused as they reached the next corner. “I’d agree with that sentiment. I’m quite content with my life as it is. I’m busy. I love my job. It’s all good.”

  Across the street, the park was lit up and lined with booths selling food, beer, and various arts and crafts. The party vibe was loud and joyous.

  They crossed to the entry gate, where Luke paid the admission, which was actually a donation to charities benefiting the local area. “Where should we go first?”

  They meandered into the central area, where tables were set up in clusters. A band was on stage at the other end of the park. Right now it was playing something that had all the kids up and dancing in a pint-sized mosh pit.

  She glanced around. “I don’t know. I guess I could go for a beer?”

  “Beer it is.” He reached to touch her lower back but wasn’t sure if he should. Why not? This was a date. He’d told her so, and she hadn’t balked. He let his hand graze the base of her spine as they moved toward the beer garden.

  She slid him a quick look but didn’t say anything. Nor did she step away.

  At the beer garden, they flashed their IDs and the enforcement officer gave them wristbands, which they had to don immediately.

  The beer was usually only from Archer, but last year, they’d invited another brewery to join them. This year, that brewery was back, plus two more. Brewers had clamored for the chance, but Rob Archer had invited small, up-and-coming breweries. He’d always gone out of his way to help others, and this was just another way he was doing that.

  It was louder here in the tent, since the sound was contained. He leaned close to her and caught the scent of honeysuckle. “What’s your poison?”

  “I think I’d like to try the Brigand.”

  That was one of the new invitees. “I’ve heard good things about them,” he said. “Let’s give it a go, shall we?”

  They walked to the Brigand counter and ordered their pints. Along with the noise, it was warmer in here than outside. Once they had their beers, he asked if she wanted to go outside. At her nod, they moved through the crowd to the back door, which led into a contained outdoor area with tables. There was, however, nowhere to sit.

  “Luke!”

  He turned at the sound of his name and recognized Liam Archer standing over near the white picket fence that provided the enclosure. He was the oldest of the Archer sextuplets and ran the Archers’ real estate interests. He was also a bit of a thrill seeker and had taken Luke and his brothers skydiving last summer.

  Luke waved at him and leaned close to Kelsey once more. “Do you know Liam Archer?”

  “Not well.”

  “Come on.” He slipped his hand against her lower back again, this time touching her a little more firmly.

  They walked to Liam and his wife, Aubrey, who clutched a glass of water and, frankly, looked a bit pale.

  “Hey, Aubrey, everything okay?” Luke asked.

  Aubrey offered a wan smile. “Just peachy.”

  Liam put his arm around her and pulled her against him. “I think we’re going to have to go. Mama-to-be here is suddenly feeling…well, not great.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.

  Luke hadn’t known they were expecting
. “Congratulations! Do you know Kelsey McDade?” He kept his hand against her back.

  Kelsey nodded at Aubrey. “I think we’ve met.”

  Aubrey sipped her water. “Yes. You’re the awesome librarian, and you’re putting together the Ribbon Ridge exhibit that I’ve heard so much about. I’d love to help in some way, if I can. I think my uncle has some photographs and other items he’d loan you. He and my aunt have been on an extended vacation the past several weeks, but they’re due back shortly. I’ll get in touch with you.”

  Kelsey grinned. “Thanks, I’d love that.” She looked toward Liam. “How are you?”

  “Good, thanks. My mom raves about your library. I need to stop in.”

  “You should. We’re open every day but Mondays and Wednesdays.”

  Aubrey’s pallor took on a greenish tinge. “Okay, babe, I need to go.”

  “Let’s hit it.” Liam slammed the rest of his beer and slid them an apologetic glance. “Sorry we have to bail. But here come Tori and Sean. See you guys.”

  Tori was another of the Archer sextuplets, and Sean was her British husband. She was a successful architect, while Sean operated a production company with Alaina Archer.

  “Hey, Tori, Sean.” Luke reached out and shook Sean’s hand. He was a cool dude.

  Tori smiled at them. “Hi, Kelsey, Luke. What’re you drinking?”

  Kelsey winced. “Don’t shoot us, but it’s Brigand.”

  Tori leaned forward and looked side to side before whispering, “We’re drinking that too. Shhh. Don’t tell my dad. Or Bex.”

  Hayden’s wife, Bex, was the brewmaster at the pub located at the hotel the Archers owned in the hills above Ribbon Ridge. And of course Rob Archer had started Archer Brewing and still handcrafted new recipes that were brewed at their ten-plus brewpubs.

  “Wait, is that George?” Sean asked, pivoting toward the tent flap.

  George and Ruby moved out of the tent. They were a handsome couple. George was tall and still very athletic, his gun-metal gray hair cropped close to his head in a not-quite-military cut. Ruby was small, almost petite, really, with short white hair styled immaculately so it swept back from her face.

  “It is,” Tori said. She turned to look at Kelsey. “And is that your grandmother? I met her at my folks’ house the other morning. I stopped by during a run. She’s a hoot.”