“You’re in Cypress Pointe. You think I’m not going to take advantage of the close proximity?”
Just like him to think she would agree so readily. “There will be no closeness.”
His wide grin elicited a shiver across her skin. Darn.
“It’s a date.”
“No dates. There will be no dating. No closeness and absolutely no dating.”
Dorinda chuckled. “What’s one dance?”
She gaped at her grandmother.
Dorinda smiled at Dane. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Nealy, let’s get a move on.”
Dane caught Nealy’s eye one last time. She didn’t like the conviction in his gaze, or the self-satisfied smile on his noble face.
Minutes later she got her grandmother settled in the convertible. Stars twinkled in the sky. A perfect night for romance, if one were inclined to think in romantic terms. Which she wasn’t. Under any circumstances. Especially around Dane.
She’d driven a few miles when Dorinda said, “Dane looks quite well. Very fit. Tanned.”
“Grandmother, are you checking him out? You’re not planning on turning into a cougar, are you?”
“Believe me, since he’s been back in Cypress Pointe, the single ladies have been vying for his attention. He’s kind, quite good-looking and successful. Any woman would be lucky to have him.”
Nealy was instantly jealous. She tapped her thumb on the steering wheel, bothered by her grandmother’s comment. She was right. Any woman would be fortunate to have this particular man in her life.
“Besides, he only has eyes for you,” Dorinda added.
Nealy’s face grew warm. Because Dane still had eyes for her? Or the fact she liked the idea of him still carrying a torch for her?
“Grandmother, don’t go thinking Dane and I will get back together again. It’s not going to happen.”
“Hmm.”
“You don’t believe me?”
She shrugged. “Not from what I saw....”
Nealy used her warning voice. “Grandmother.”
“No Dane and Nealy. Got it.”
“Let’s change the subject.”
“Fine. Before going on my seniors’ cruise I need to bring you up to date on the upgrades at the shop.”
“Okay,” Nealy ventured, skeptically. This sounded like trouble, pure and simple.
“I have a list of things that’ll need to be upgraded.”
“I’m sure it’ll be a breeze.”
Grandmother opened her purse and pulled out a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it, revealing a full page of work that had to be done.
Aghast when she saw the length of the list, Nealy glanced at her grandmother.
“Watch the road, dear.”
Facing front and righting the steering wheel, she said, “Grandmother, I have a job in L.A. No way I’ll get everything completed before I leave.”
“I only have you, Nealy. Well, you and your favorite nephew, Davey, but he’s too young to supervise the shop.”
“Lanie lets Davey work for you? He’s fourteen.”
“He comes in every day, mostly to hang out, but he sweeps up for me so I slip him a few dollars. It’s surprising he shows up at all, since the other family members are too busy for the shop. Not their thing.”
“I’m sorry they aren’t around, but—”
Her voice turned to steel. “I’m not getting any younger, Nealy. This may be my last chance to get away and have fun.”
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