Page 6 of Thicker than Blood

“It’s about to be condemned and they want everyone out by the end of the month.”

“You bastard!” I immediately slap my hands over my mouth and look over at Eddie with big, worried eyes. I didn’t mean for it to fall out quite like it did. I don’t want him to think badly of me because I can’t stand his grandson.

“She didn’t tell you about it?” He looks like he is completely unphased and not trying to create chaos in my world.

“Why didn’t you say anything, Mae?” Eddie looks at me with worry and concern in his eyes.

“I… I didn’t want you to worry… I still have a couple of weeks to find something new and pack. It won’t affect my work or my ability to be here with you, Eddie. I just wanted you not to worry.”

There is silence as I maintain eye contact with Eddie and completely ignore the ass close by.

“Well, I guess if that is how it is, dear.” I let the breath I was holding trapped inside of my chest out and my shoulders droop in relief. “Now, you won’t have any reason to tell me no when I ask you to move into the guest house as it is the perfect place for you.”

“What?” The word trembles off my lips as stare Eddie down. “No! I…I told you; I don’t want to be a burden on you or make you think…”

“Nonsense. You will come here.” The old man gets a certain look in his eyes and worry takes root deep inside. “And Cas can help you move everything.”

“Absolutely not!” Damn, I say it as a gut response before I can think about saying it. “I… can’t come here, Eddie. And I don’t need any help, really. I…”

“I think that is a great idea, Gramps. Having Maple close by will make things much easier…on everyone.”

Why do I think the only person it will help will be him? What’s he up to? Why would he do this? Is he trying to throw me at his grandfather?

“Ah! Good, then it’s settled. You start packing dear and Cas will help you when you are ready for him.”

I don’t want Eddie to think I am ungrateful for all he has done for me or all that he is offering me, so all I can do is sit and wait, swallow down the instant venom I want to spew at Caspian. Eventually, I have the opportunity to be alone with him when Eddie suggests we all take a walk down to the dock. I hang back enough to be able to carry on a whisper/scream conversation with the asshole.

“What the hell are you doing? Why would you tell Eddie about my building? I purposefully didn’t tell him because I didn’t want him to worry. Why would you do that?”

He answers one of my questions with one of his own, “How many times did Gramps ask you to move into the guest house?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” We eye each other until I finally give in. “A couple of times. Why?”

“I was just wondering how long it will take… before I get you to tell me yes.”

Chapter Seven

Caspian

Her face blanks as she looks up at me not understanding the meaning behind my words. Was it a dick thing to do telling my Gramps what I had found out about my little sweets? Yes. I realize how unfair it was, but I also want to keep her close.

She doesn’t act like a woman in love with my Gramps. She doesn’t overtly flirt or even vie for his affection when his attention isn’t on her. Hell, Gramps doesn’t act like a man in love. I can barely remember my grandmother, but Gramps has told me stories all my life. I could tell how much love he had for her just through his stories. If Gramps loved a woman, he wouldn’t let up until he had her. That’s what he did with grandma.

She admitted to loving my grandfather, but she refused to move into a house on the property. Was she holding out for him to invite her to live in the big house?

“Why did you turn my Gramps down?”

“Why is it any of your business?”

“Because he’s my grandfather.”

She cocks an eyebrow at me and tilts her head in a defiant way, “Are we back to this again? Back to thinking I want your grandfather for his money. You know,” She comes close to me so she can lay her hand on my chest like she did last night before she pushed me. I make sure I won’t move this time if she pushes by planting my feet firmly on the ground. “As much as you worry about your grandfather’s money… maybe it’s you who is after it. Maybe you’re the gold digger. Maybe you need a sugar daddy.”

For a tense moment, we stand and face off with our eyes and I become aware of what is going on throughout my body, the adrenaline pumping through my blood, the rush of excitement, the urgent need.

“Maybe I need a sugar baby.”

Her eyes narrow.