Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(94)

Disagreeing with her grandmother wasn’t a good idea. Lillith’s bottom lip quivered. “Why not buy both? You can change them in and out so the baby won’t be bored.”

“Oh, I like that idea.” Lillith turned to find a saleslady. One was already walking in their direction with a patient smile plastered on her face. Dealing with women who were liable to burst into tears at any moment could make this job not so much fun.

Bryn’s grandmother leaned close. “That was very diplomatic of you.”

Time to score some points. “I was afraid she’d cry if I told her I liked the snowflake one better.”

Her grandmother puffed up with pride. “Good to know you inherited my taste.”

Right. “I bought a silver rattle that they’re going to monogram. Speaking of which, I need to get my card back from the saleslady.”

“Next time just put it on my account,” her grandmother said. “Then you don’t have to worry about carrying around a card.”

…

When it was time for lunch, Lillith suggested Fonzoli’s. “I’ve been craving Italian food.”

Would Valmont be working? Should she ask for him? Valmont’s evil grandma wouldn’t poison her food if she was with other people, right?

They’d barely cleared the restaurant door when Valmont appeared out of nowhere. One minute Bryn was standing by the hostess desk. The next minute Valmont was grabbing her hand.

“Pardon me while I borrow your granddaughter.” He tugged her back toward the kitchen, not waiting for an acknowledgment from her grandmother.

“What’s going on?” Bryn asked.

He didn’t answer her, just kept leading her through the kitchen and out the back door to a small enclosed patio with a porch swing. “Sit.”

“Since when did you become so bossy?” She sat, preferring to think of it as her own idea.

He sank down on the swing next to her, putting his arm around her. Leaning into him was instinctual. It felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders. She felt his muscles relax.

“There. That’s much better.” He pushed with his foot, setting the swing in motion. “Now, tell me about your Christmas dinner. We can compare notes, see who had the worst evening.”

“I don’t want to play that game right now.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “This is the most content I’ve felt in days.”

“Fair enough.” The swing creaked as they rocked back and forth.

She listened to his heartbeat, counting ten repetitions. “I’d love to stay here all day, but I think my grandmother might come looking for me.”

“Can you stay for a visit after you eat?” he asked.

“My answer is yes. We’ll have to see what my lunch partners say.”

He squeezed her closer for a moment and then released her. “Too bad we can’t just run away together.”

His words hit a target she didn’t know existed. She’d said the same words to Zavien several times. He’d never responded in kind. Did Valmont love her? Did she love him? One thing for sure, she wouldn’t leave him hanging.

“That’s a nice fantasy, but I couldn’t do that to my grandparents.”

He leaned in close, so his mouth was next to her ear. “Maybe we could just run away for a weekend?”

His hot breath on her ear sent happy shivers through her body. She wanted to kiss him. Was that the same thing as love?

“A weekend retreat would be wonderful.” She didn’t turn her head to meet his gaze, because their lips would be too close, too tempting. Even though she wanted to, kissing him and then heading inside for lunch with her grandmother would not work. She pushed to her feet and then offered him her hand. “You stole me, and I will not face the consequences alone.”

He chuckled. “I’m not sure who’s scarier, your grandmother in a foul mood, or Mrs. Westgate and her tears.”

“It’s a toss-up.”

Back in the dining room, Valmont escorted Bryn to the table by the window where the rest of her party sat. And somehow her party had grown by one. Bryn stopped in her tracks and said, “Wait. I changed my mind. Let’s go back.”

Jaxon scowled at her from where he sat by his mother.

“I didn’t know you were joining us,” Bryn said.

“Neither did I.” His tone was clipped.

Valmont pulled a chair out for Bryn. She sat and reached for her glass of ice water. “Did you have a productive morning with my grandfather?”

“Small talk?” Jaxon raised a brow. “Is that what we’ve sunk to?”

Bryn looked at her grandmother. “I deserve points for trying.”

“Why don’t I bring you a few appetizers while you study the menu?” Valmont suggested, backing away from the table.

“At least he’s smart enough to retreat.” Jaxon leaned back in his chair, like he was trying to put distance between himself and the three women.

Bryn’s grandmother shot him a disapproving look. “I’m not sure why you’re unhappy with our company, but you will sit up and speak in a respectful tone.”

Jaxon straightened in his chair, but the sour grapes look on his face didn’t change. He pointed at Bryn. “Do you know why your grandfather really wanted to speak with me?”