Accidental Knight: A Marriage Mistake Romance(55)

It’s so fucking hot I’m worried it’ll leave scorch marks on my jeans.

Damn it, she’s good at this game. Too good at winding me up in ways I didn’t know I could even get riled. Since when has any woman ever left her mark with a touch like a feather?

Since Annabelle Reed got in my blood, apparently.

“Well?” Molly asks, zero chill in her tone.

“Aw, Molly, what’s it even matter?” Gary cuts in. “Dad was too old and too proud. He probably needed this guy to look after him and never wanted anyone to know. That’s how my father was...so many secrets...”

Gary trails off as his wife turns her snake eyes on him. He picks up his fork, fiddling with his own reflection.

“He’s right. Jonah had his issues toward the end. He was a smart man, knew his own limits, knew he was getting older and his hourglass was running thin.” I look at Molly, trying to choose my words carefully so I don’t upset Bella. “I did my job. Looked after him and his old place as best I could. While we’re at it, what’s got you so interested? Never showed much interest in me or your father-in-law till now.”

My question catches her off guard. Her startled expression soon turns scrunched and snarly again.

“You seem awfully friendly with all women,” she snarls.

“It’s his charm,” Bella says, oozing mock affection with very real effects below the belt. “It’s irresistible.”

“How bad were you hurt last night, Annabelle?” Gary asks, looking up from his fork.

His question surprises me, and Molly.

Or does it? No, it’s the fact that he opened his mouth again. That’s what pisses her off.

“Not bad at all, Dad. Drake helped me back into the house and bandaged me up. I’m a little sore, but good as new,” Bella answers carefully before looking at her ma. “Years, Mom, in case you’re wondering. Years of loyal service. That’s what Drake gave Gramps. He remodeled, painted, and cleaned up the entire place. You should see the bathrooms; they’ve all been redone, and they’re totally gorgeous. I couldn’t have imagined anything better myself in a magazine. Even the barn’s been spruced up. Edison is in his glory.”

“Shouldn’t you be checked out by a doctor?” her father asks.

It’s my turn to cock my head in surprise. For once, this asshole actually sounds like he cares. I start to answer, but Bella squeezes my leg under the table. There’s no mistaking what she means. I’ll handle this.

“No need. I kinda did.” She flashes me another one of those sinful smiles and leans closer. “Drake was trained as a medic while he was in the Army. He knew what to do with a few scrapes and a little cut on my knee.” Her smile remains as she turns to her parents. “That’s why Gramps called him an old Army buddy, I guess. They’d both been in the Army, all right. Just not at the same time. But neither of them ever lost the skill they’d learned there.”

“Nonsense. Your father’s right.” Molly plucks several napkins out of the chrome holder and uses them to wipe at the table in front of her. “As soon as we’re done eating, we’ll drive you to the hospital a few towns over.”

“Save your gas,” I growl, harsher than I intend and right at Molly. “She wants a doctor, I’ll drive her. Jonah left me to take care of her, and I’ll do a damn good job of it. You worry after your health. I’ve got Bella.”

Erin returns just as we’re in the middle of a stare down.

Setting down two glasses of ice-cold lemonade, one in front of me, the other for Bella, and then a bowl of lemon slices near Gary, she says, “Your meals should be out shortly. Hope you’re all still hungry!” She pats my shoulder knowingly before walking away.

“It’s okay. I don’t need a doctor, Mom,” Bella says. “Did I mention all the kitchen appliances are new? Stainless steel.” Her hand is still on my thigh, and her fingers dig a little deeper. “And you should see the tile work in the showers.” She looks up at me. “It’s amazing. No exaggeration.”

Fuck.

I’m not sure if she wants me to call a truce or not. Not till I glance at her.

Then I get those eyes again, big and green and mischievous. She’s really playing this up. Wants her folks to believe there’s more going on between us than a weird roommate arrangement from me being on a dead man’s payroll.

Fine. Two can play at this game, and there’s no reason I shouldn’t since I’m half a breath away from telling Molly Reed to fuck off back home, and let the adults handle this mess.

Having her parents out of the way will make dealing with Briar and Jupiter easier. One less nuisance up in Bella’s face, distracting us from the real danger.

Dropping my hand to her shoulder, I spread my fingers, staking my claim. “Had you in mind the entire time I was tiling it, darlin’. Jonah insisted.”

That part’s true. He’d openly mentioned every change was made with her in mind. He wanted his place updated and comfortable for his granddaughter, however long she chooses to stay. He loved her that much, the kind of love people like Molly will never get because it doesn’t involve dollar signs or barking commands at the sad, beaten down poodle of a husband crammed into the seat next to her.

A fiery blush blooms on Bella’s cheek, but she’s committed to carrying on. She stretches her neck, so our faces are so close I feel her breath on my lips. “Honestly, that’s so sweet. So considerate. You helping Gramps carry out his last wishes...for me.”