Page 51 of To Steal a Heart
“Hey, where’s Crew?”
Forge jutted his thumb to a far corner of the grounds. “He’s on a phone call. Something about his work.”
“He’s overseeing a construction project in Carmel,” Arden explained.
Mom patted the empty chair beside her. “Have a seat.”
“I think I’ll go and check on Crew and then come right back.”
A knowing smile curved Mom’s lips. “Is this one for keeps? Y’all look good together.”
Grandmother grunted. “He’s an insolent one.” She fingered her necklace. Arden bit back a smile and then saw the look of amusement that passed between Mom and Dad.
“What did I miss?” Forge asked, his gaze flitting amongst the group.
“Nothing important,” Mom said lightly.
“He seems like a standup guy,” Dad observed. “He certainly seems to know his stuff about architecture. Have you seen any of his work?”
“I haven’t. I need to go and see the new home he’s working on as soon as I get back to Carmel.”
“How long do you plan to stay there before heading back to San Francisco?” Mom asked.
“I’m not sure.” She didn’t want to add that a lot depended on how things progressed with Crew and her. If it took longer for him to wrap up his project, then she’d most likely hang out in Carmel longer. The beauty of Arden’s profession was that she could write from anywhere.
Forge sported a teasing grin. “I’m just glad you found a man’s man rather than that stiff shirt you were with before.”
Arden laughed. “You just love him because he thinks you’re all that.”
“I am all that,” he bragged. “Don’t you forget it, big sis.”
She rolled her eyes. “How could I? You keep reminding me.”
Mom frowned. “Where’s Charlie?”
“She said she needed to get caught up on homework.”
“She works too hard,” Mom sighed. “I tried to talk her into taking off for the summer, but no luck.”
“You never say that about me,” Forge chimed in.
“Say what?” Mom asked.
“That I work too hard.”
Dad cut his eyes at Forge. “Do you really wanna go there, son?”
“Nah, I suppose I’ll let it go for tonight.” He winked at Arden.
Forge enjoyed needling their parents the way Arden went at it with Grandmother. Speak of the devil, Grandmother lifted her chin. “About your beau …”
“Arden has a beau,” Forge chortled. “Arden and Crew sitting in a tree. K—I—S—S—I—N—G.” He made smooching sounds with his lips.
She stuck her tongue out at him. “You’re such a Neanderthal.”
“Now, children,” Madeline ordered. “Settle down.”
Determined to get the last jab, Forge threw Arden a taunting smirk.