conservation group. Maybe even build a nature center. His gran left him quite a bit of land and he wants to see it protected, but he’s also thinking there could be environmental advocacy, hiking trails, classes… that kind of thing.”
“That’s a grand idea. And it could go hand-in-hand with Dylan’s community center. Oh, he’ll love this.”
“Brogan asked if I would start it with him. Like do the photos, social media, teach photography classes… the works.”
“Is that right?” Gracie leaned back from the table and studied Kira. “How does that make you feel?”
“Um, it feels good. Meaningful. I can see so many opportunities for it to be impactful. And it would be fun to focus more on nature photography instead of celebrities and their big egos.”
“And you’d be working closely with Brogan.”
“Which at the moment seems a plus.” Kira worried her lower lip. “I’m just so confused!”
“Why? You like him.”
“He kissed me.”
Gracie’s eyes lit with excitement. “Just now? On the walk? Oh! Tell me everything.”
“It was the smallest of kisses. And yet I had to restrain myself from tackling him to the ground and having my way with him. His kiss just… warms my soul.”
Gracie sighed and fanned her face.
“And then he had the nerve to just neatly switch back to talking business. Like nothing had happened at all.”
“He did not.”
“He did!”
“Interesting,” Gracie mused. “Maybe he’s just testing the waters. Taking it slow? Or is he shy?”
“Well, he claims he’s struggled with shyness his whole life, but I’m not seeing a trace of it.” Kira relayed Brogan’s sexy compliments to her, which had Gracie mock swooning at the table.
“I’d say he’s come a ways from shyness. I like him,” Gracie decided. “I think he’ll be good for you. You aren’t used to this.”
“Used to what?”
“A good guy taking his time with you.”
“What is that even supposed to mean?”
“Well, think about it,” Grace said. She rose, took a plate from the cupboard, and arranged some toffees on it as she spoke. “You travel constantly and you’re always one foot out the door. It gives you an expiration date on every relationship you’ve ever had. It makes it easy to go fast, have fun, and blow a kiss on your way to a new country. You’re used to living life at a breakneck pace and your choice in lovers has reflected that. But this?” Grace set the plate on the table between her and Kira, and sat back down. “Well, he’s new territory for you.”
“I don’t know that I like this territory.” Kira shoved a piece of toffee into her mouth. The sweetness flooded her senses, but did nothing to detract from the annoyance lancing her stomach.
“That’s because you’re not in the driver’s seat for once. It can be off-putting, I’ll admit.”
“What can?” Dylan said, coming out of the bedroom with his laptop in hand.
“Not being in control when someone is courting you.”
“And you would know this how?” Dylan quirked a smile at Gracie.
“Excuse me, I was very out of control when we were getting together.”
“Gracie, I don’t think you’d ever let anyone else be in control. You might have lost hold of your temper a few times, but you still took the reins.”
“Did I? I don’t remember.” Gracie laughed.
“I remember my entire crew coming down with mysterious illnesses.”
“I didn’t mean… That was bad of me.” Gracie sighed, a contrite look flashing across her gorgeous face.
“It was. A fine temper you have there, darling.”
“Is there something you’re needing then? Aside from needling me?”
“Ah, yes. Do you have Brogan’s number, Kira? I’d like to speak with him.”
“I do.” Kira dug in her pack and pulled out her phone to recite the number.
“Brilliant.” Dylan disappeared back into the bedroom.
“As I was saying…” Gracie shot a look at the bedroom door. “Why not try to just let this unfold and not put any expectations on it? Enjoy each other’s company. See how it goes. What’s the rush?”
“See… there’s this thing called sex. I quite enjoy it.” Kira grabbed another toffee.
“See, there’s this thing called sex toys. Have you heard of them?” Gracie parried.
Kira sighed and bent over, banging her forehead lightly against the table.
“It’ll be just fine, darling. Let it be. One thing you’ll learn about being back in a small town is that the pace is slower, life is unhurried, and things all eventually work out in the end.”
“Said like someone who knows she’s getting sex tonight.”
“Oh, I already had my fill this morning.” Gracie beamed brightly at Kira across the table.
“Have I told you