Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
"Are you really a friend of Maddy," the old man asks oh-so-casually, "or you're hoping to become more?"
Holy, holy, holy Mother of Mockery!
I can't believe he's just asked that, and I realize too late that I should've just wished for Grandpa Paco to give Mr. Mine the cold shoulder like he usually does with any guy he hasn't personally introduced me to.
Mr. Mine glances at me, and I freeze.
This is it, I think numbly. He's going to make up some excuse to leave, and who can blame him? With the way Grandpa Paco's acting, it's totally understandable if Mr. Mine feels like he's about to be threatened with a shotgun wedding.
"I'm hoping to be whatever your granddaughter wants me to be."
What did he just say?
The two men start talking while I struggle to make sense of what just happened.
"Come join us for dinner," Grandpa Paco invites gruffly.
"Only if it's my treat," Mr. Mine answers with surprising suaveness. "Your choice of restaurant, of course."
Grandpa Paco laughs heartily. "It's a deal."
And that's how we end up walking out of Paradijs like one big, happy family.
Mr. Mine excuses himself to take a call just as Grandpa Paco's car comes up Paradijs' driveway, and I'm about to step inside when the old man blocks my way with his cane.
"You should ride with him instead."
"Grandpa!" I know he wants me married, but c'mon now.
"He's the first man you've showed interest in," he points out. "You think I'm not going to take advantage of it?"
"You don't even know him," I protest.
"That's where you're wrong," he says smugly. "He's a member of Paradijs, and so I know he's no fortune hunter."
"Grandpa!"
"Granddaughter!"
The way he mimicks my tone makes me realize I'm acting just a little hysterical, and a rueful smile breaks over my lips despite everything.
Grandpa Paco has always been the type to make snap decisions, and if I'm being honest, I know I kinda sorta take after him as well. Things might be moving too fast, but should I make a fuss when said things are also moving in the direction I desire?
"Did I read the situation wrong, Maddy?"
The gruff concern in the old man's voice makes me sigh, and I tiptoe and place a kiss on his cheek. "No, you didn't."
"All I want is for you to be happy."
"I know." Even when there are times that he annoys me so, I've never once doubted how much he loves me.
"And you know..."
Grandpa's tone turns decidedly casual.
"I also think this young man of yours can make you happy."
"Oh, you do, do you?"
Grandpa grins. "Am I being too obvious?"
"Subtle as a sledgehammer, actually."
"But do you like him?"
I look into his eyes so he knows how serious I am. "I'm pretty sure I'm in love with him."
Chapter Seven
Mr. Mine raises a brow when he returns to my side and sees that Grandpa Paco is no longer around.
"He says I should ride with you."
"Good."
"You know he's matchmaking, right?" I hold my breath as soon as I say the words, but Mr. Mine appears unruffled.
"I'm glad he deems me suitable."
"It's more than that," I feel obliged to clarify, just to make sure that he's aware of the precarious position he's in. "Your bachelorhood is at risk, I'm afraid. My grandpa thinks you're quite the catch—-"
"That's because I am."
His words startle a laugh out of me, but it doesn't last long. There's something about this whole situation that doesn't feel completely right, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
"What's wrong?"
His voice is quiet, but it's the warmth in his tiger-gold eyes that makes me feel even more bewildered and unsettled. The stars have finally started to align for both of us, but instead of being grateful, here I am doing what I can to stir up a hornet's nest.
Mr. Mine is still looking at me, and I force a smile. "Sorry, I'm just being silly. I don't think there's anything wrong—-"
"And that's what's worrying you."
Oh, Mr. Mine.
Why does it seem like he knows me better than I know myself? I can't even figure out what's troubling me, but I know it's exactly as he says it is the moment I hear his words.
I was scared Grandpa Paco's shameless attempt at matchmaking would turn him off, but he doesn't seem bothered at all. I know Mr. Mine can easily be the kind of man to take everything in stride without revealing his thoughts, but I have this weird feeling he really doesn't mind that my grandfather sees wedding bells every time he looks at us.
And yes, I do know I shouldn't question a gift horse in the mouth, but...
"Why aren't you mad?" I blurt out.
His ride comes up the driveway before he can answer me, and I'm momentarily distracted when I realize he's helping me into the backseat of a limousine. My grandfather is obviously no pauper, but even my old man isn't so fancy he's going around the city in a limo.