Chapter Twenty
Kinley held Eli’s hand as the car service his father sent for them climbed up a long driveway.
“This is very pretty. Is it a country club or something?” She glanced at Eli when he didn’t answer. “What’s wrong?”
“Baby, you know I told you I had some money?”
“Yes, that’s why you get to buy all the time.”
He smirked. “Well, yes. And it’s family money.”
“Okay.”
“This is my father’s driveway, and my grandfather lives here now.”
“What do you mean? It looks like a golf course or something.”
He snorted. “It’s not.” He pointed. “See that?”
“Yes, is it a retirement home?”
He laughed. “No, baby. It’s my father’s home.”
Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. “Like the whole thing?”
He chuckled. “Yes.” He saw her get anxious. “What’s the problem?”
“He … you are rich.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t belong here, Eli. Please take me back.”
He cupped her face with his hand. “That’s bullshit. You belong with me no matter where I am. I know I should have prepared you, and I’m sorry. My father and grandfather are going to love you, baby. My mom was so much like you. She was sweet and kind and let my father take care of her like I want to do to you.” He waited for a moment. “And you’re going to let me, aren’t you?”
She rested her cheek against the back of the seat and looked at him. “Yes, Daddy, I will.”
His eyes closed as a shiver of need raced through him. She was smiling when he opened his eyes. “Do you know what that does to me?”
“No, but I’m learning.”
He tapped the tip of her nose. “You’re an imp.”
“But I’m your imp.”
“You damn well are.”
He watched her swallow as the car came to a stop. He kissed her knuckles. “I swear to you it will be okay. Remember, trust me.”
She nodded, exhaled, and then smiled. “I do.”
He pulled her out of the car and wrapped an arm around her waist.
They had just started up the steps when an older man answered the door.
“Grandpa.”
Eli hurried them up the stairs and hugged him.
“I missed you, boy.”
“I missed you, too. I want you to meet my better half, Kinley.”
His grandfather gently shook her hand. “It is very nice to meet you, dear.”
Kinley smiled. “You, too, sir.”
“People call me Senior, but you can call me Grandpa when you’re ready.”
“I’d like that.”
Eli noticed his grandfather looked bewildered. “What?”
The older man sighed. “Come in. We might have an issue.”
“Oh?”
They shut the front door.
“Tell me?” Eli said.
“Well, we have a surprise for you.”