Accidentally Family (Pecan Valley 1)

“Hush,” she hissed, shoving his shoulder. “It’s not funny.”

“It sort of is,” he argued.

“Nope, not in the least.” Her hands toyed with the paper straw wrapper on the table. “We were meeting to talk about Jack, the whole guardianship thing. Period.”

“Well, that’s good. He’s located someone for Jack?” It would make life ten times easier for Felicity and her kids.

But she was shaking her head. “No. That’s the problem. There’s now a question about whether or not Amber has any family. Finding someone to take Jack might be more difficult than expected.” She went back to chewing her lower lip.

“Seems like the sort of thing he could have shared over the phone?”

She nodded. “I know.”

But he knew exactly why Rob hadn’t left her a voicemail. He wanted time with Felicity. Not exactly an ethical or professional way to go about it but definitely effective. But the tension bracketing her mouth made him think laughter might be in order. “I thought I heard him say something about a date?”

“This is not a date.” The drop dead look she shot him faded when she realized he was teasing. “Seriously, Graham, it’s been a while, but I think you have to ask someone out for it to be considered a date.” She waited, a crease forming between her brows. “It still works that way, doesn’t it? Or have I been in mom survival-mode so long the rules have changed?”

“You’re asking me? I’m pretty sure that’s still the way it works.” He shrugged. “I’ve played enough golf with Rob Klein to know how he works. He wants something, he goes for it. Like a human bulldozer.” He shook his head. “In a charming, nonthreatening way, of course.” From the proprietary smiles Rob had been sending her way through the entire meal, there was no misunderstanding the man’s interest. And why not? She was…Felicity. She deserved a man who’d see her for the incredible woman she was.

But Rob Klein? Graham didn’t like it. At all.

She blinked, those emerald green eyes going wider. “I’m sorry. Was that supposed to be helpful?”

He wasn’t sure. Was he trying to warn her away? Why? Rob wasn’t a bad guy.

But Rob returned before Graham could say anything else. “As much as I’d like to stay and have coffee, there’s been a hiccup in a deposition I’m working on. I’ll see you in a few days, both of you, to finalize as much of the paperwork as possible.”

“Sounds good.” Graham nodded.

Veronica joined them. “You leaving?” she asked Rob. “I should go, too. It’s been a long day. You can walk me out.”

“I can do that,” Rob agreed—while looking at Felicity.

Graham was always fascinated by human nature. Sometimes it was amusing; sometimes not so much. At the moment, it was a toss-up. Now that Veronica knew Rob was available, she was turning on the charm. But Rob only had eyes for Felicity. And Felicity… She looked ready to crawl under the table.

“See you tomorrow, Graham.” Veronica waved, collecting her purse. “It was nice to meet you, Felicity.”

“You, too. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Pecan Valley isn’t that big a town.” Felicity smiled.

“Sorry to run out on you, Felicity.” Rob edged around the table to stand by her chair.

Either the man was clueless about Felicity’s level of interest or he was determined to win her over, Graham wasn’t sure. But if she leaned any farther away from Rob Klein, she would end up on the restaurant floor.

“No problem.” She held her hand out. “I

appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.” She swallowed. “To discuss my…Matt’s…the case. I appreciate the work you’re doing.”

“I appreciate you having dinner with me. Let’s do it again soon.” Rob cradled her hand in his. “I’ll call you.”

Once Rob and Veronica were out of earshot, Graham said, “That was awkward.”

Felicity nodded. “Yes. It was.”

“No second date?” he asked, smiling.

Her brows rose. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”

“Maybe.” He chuckled. “A little.”