“Or, if you want, you can call me Six, but we can drop the formalities.”
His lips tip up in a small grin as he nods. “Got it.”
“Okay, there’s a slight change of plans. I’m going to be here a lot longer than I originally thought. If you’d like, you can go, and I can call you when I need a ride home. I’d hate for you to sit here bored out of your mind.”
“Your brother mentioned your plans might be sporadic, so I’m prepared for anything. Just tell me what you need.”
As if on cue, my stomach growls loudly, reminding me it’s time to eat. I’ve been up since five a.m. with little sustenance, which is a bad idea after a game like yesterday.
He starts to chuckle and looks at his watch. “Would you like me to grab you some lunch, Six?”
“Do you mind? There’s a café down the street. If I remember correctly, they have a full lunch menu.”
“Not a problem. What would you like?”
“You can bring back an assortment, a little of everything. But make sure you pick up one of their specialty teas. It’s raspberry something. Ask for the owner and tell her it’s for the Monroe Gallery. She’ll know what to make.”
“Okay.”
I take out my wallet and hand him a wad of cash. “Get anything you want as well. We’re going to be here a while.” I scoot behind him and get my bag.
He goes in the direction of the café as I turn back to the gallery. Even with the plastic over the windows, I can see a silhouette of Grace with her hands flying as fast as her head is bobbing. Logan is standing in front of her with his arms crossed, drumming his fingers on one bicep.
Once again, I recognize this stance. It may be evil of me, but I tamper down my delight that she’s worked up. I like it. Maybe I’d be a little more apprehensive if she didn’t fly into my arms as soon as I stepped toward her, but there was no denying it. She was excited to see me, too.
Now, it’s time to start the process of getting in her space. Without knowing it, she’s given me the perfect opportunity.
I walk back in casually, and their conversation comes to a stop. She wheels around, her face red, and Logan gives me an exasperated look.
“Nick, you really don’t need to stay. This is going to be a dirty job that will most likely end up with me threatening my brother a dozen times before it’s done. I’m sure you have better things to do.”
“I’m going to get a few measurements from the office and start loosening the bolts in the back wall. Nick, good luck with this one. If she chases you away, promise me you’ll still win my fifty bucks on Sunday.”
Grace draws in a deep breath then turns, punching him in the arm. He fakes hurt and walks away whistling.
She hisses and starts shaking her hand back and forth in frustration. “Jerk!” she screams to his back.
I force myself to hide my smile and go straight to her, taking her hand in mine. Gently, I rub the knuckles and bring them to my lips, kissing each one. Her eyes go soft as she watches me.
“Sweet Grace, you shouldn’t resort to physical violence with your siblings. It never turns out well,” I tease her.
“Gah! I should have known you’d be on his side. Boys!”
I throw my free hand over my heart and toss my head to the ceiling. “Boys? That hurts. I’m pretty sure I left the boy category at about fourteen.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No, babe, I don’t.” I close in, bringing her hand to my chest. “But if you want me to leave, I will. I thought I could help today and hang out. If I get in the way, kick me out.”
“I feel guilty asking you to stay.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be. You can direct me, boss me around, and busy me with grunt work. Whatever it takes, as long as I can spend time with you.”
Now her eyes take on a new kind of heat, the kind that makes me want to slam her against the wall and kiss her until s
he doesn’t know her own name.
“I’d really like that, Nick,” she finally responds.