“Why would she need to—never mind. Not my business. You haven’t asked me for specifics about her situation so I won’t pry into your business. Just…take care of her while she’s with you. She’s precious to me.”
“And to me, ma’am. I promise I’ll always care about her safety.”
Grinnie gestured for him to sit again, as if she wasn’t through with him just yet. “Twice you’ve mentioned promises. So while we’re on the subject, maybe you could share with me what your intentions are toward my granddaughter?”
* * * *
Forty-five minutes later, Bunny sounded like she was finishing up her preparations, Grinnie was satisfied that he had honorable intentions toward her granddaughter, and Tristan had joined them to ask him a few more pointed questions about Joseph’s interest in his sister, most specifically as to whether they were getting married.
Grinnie frowned at her grandson. “Tristan Carrigan. Is that any way to act toward a guest?”
Tristan shrugged and then grinned at his grandmother. “I thought when people were in love that’s what they did—get married. Bunny looked at him with big goo-goo eyes, like she was in looove. And he looked the same. If they get married can I stay here with you?”
Grinnie tried to hide her laughter and then popped Tristan’s hand when he reached for a cookie on the plate. “You’ll spoil your dinner.”
“You let him have one.”
“He’s a guest, and a grown up. Besides, they won’t be eating until later. We’re going to have to work some more on your manners, I can see that right now. This is what comes from hanging out with the neighbor boys. You come home with bad manners and give me more attitude and I may have to cancel our television plans for tonight.”
“Sorry, Grinnie,” Tristan grumbled softly. He glanced up at Joseph and said, “If you marry my sister, can I take a ride in your car sometime?” He chuckled and dodged Grinnie when she reached for him, and then doubled back and pecked her cheek while he snitched a cookie from the plate.
“I’m ready,” Bunny said softly from the doorway, and Joseph let out a sigh of appreciation when he caught sight of her. Fresh and lovely. He looked at her with new eyes. He couldn’t help it after Grinnie’s revelation. So delicate and beautiful, yet so strong. He’d never abuse the trust he saw in her eyes but wondered if Grinnie would understand the difference between the lifestyle he offered Bunny and the fear and intimidation she’d experienced with her step-siblings. Many people might not, especially given the way that BDSM practices and the lifestyle kept showing up in the media and pop culture. He wouldn’t shy away from that conversation with Grinnie if it meant Bunny was still a part of his life.
He went to Bunny and kissed her temple, breathing in the fresh scent of her shampoo and bodywash. “You look lovely.”
At the door, Grinnie kissed Bunny and said, “You two have a good time and be careful.”
Tristan crossed his arms over his chest. “What time are you coming home, Bunny? Are you watching movies with us?”
Grinnie poked Tristan. “She doesn’t have a curfew, boy. She’s a grown adult.” Then she looked at Joseph and raised her eyebrows expectantly.
Bunny sighed and Joseph chuckled and said, “I’ll have her home at a decent hour, ma’am. Thank you.”
Tristan might’ve followed them out to have another look at the car but Grinnie halted him on the porch and waved.
After making sure she was comfortable in her seat, Joseph closed the car door and went around to the driver’s side.
As he buckled himself in, he said, “Since you’re still new to the area, I thought I’d take you someplace a little different.”
“Not the Dancing Pony?”
“I enjoy the Dancing Pony, but there’s another place I’d rather take you. We can eat once we get there.”
“Where is it?”
“Morehead. The restaurant is Chantilly’s, and the nightclub is right next door. The Twisted Bull. Of course if you’d rather stay in Divine, I understand.”
“You just came from Morehead. It seems a waste of gas.”
“Nonsense. Besides, I have a few friends there I want you to meet.”
“Okay, if that’s what you want to do. On one condition.”
He lifted a brow at her. “Making conditions already, fiammetta?”
She nudged him with her elbow and giggled. “You’ll like this one. On the condition that you dance with me.”
“Done.”
“See? I’m not always difficult.”
Joseph chuckled as he reversed from her driveway, peering through the tinted glass at the young men sitting out on the stoop of the house next door. One of them lifted a chin at the car, and when Bunny waved, he raised a hand in acknowledgement.