Love on Course by Stevenson Holly

Author:Stevenson, Holly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Olive Leaf Press
Published: 2023-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

WALT

Walt stepped back from the blinds in Jane’s house and hurried over to the seat by the chess table. He wasn’t necessarily proud of what he’d done, but desperate times called for desperate measures. As soon as he’d seen Nick’s car pull up, he’d texted Tom and told him to ask Jane out right away. To the man’s credit, he hadn’t wasted any time. At least, Walt guessed he hadn’t based on Jane’s reaction to the text she’d received.

He smiled smugly to himself for a job well done. They’d almost kissed, which could have been disastrous, but Tom’s text had taken care of that. Nick had walked away with his tail between his legs. He wouldn’t have much time left to work his charms, and then nothing would stand in the way of Tom and Jane getting together. Walt wanted to crow with satisfaction, but his elation quickly evaporated the moment she walked through the front door and he got a look at her face. “Janie, are you alright?” He stood, rushing to her side in concern.

She startled. “Grandpa, what are you doing here?”

He motioned toward the chess table. “I came over to see if you wanted to play a game of chess.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “You should have texted me. How long have you been waiting? Is Avery home?”

“Not long, not long,” he assured her, gently taking her arm and leading her toward the nearby sofa. “Avery’s still at work but I figured I’d just wait until you got home.” It was a bit of a fib. He’d rushed over a few hours ago, right after his walk with Lady. But she didn’t need to know that. “Is everything all right?” he asked as he settled beside her.

She nodded briefly and then her face crumpled. “I don’t know.” She buried her face into his shoulder. “Oh, Grandpa, I don’t know what to do. Nothing makes sense.”

Panic gripped him as she began crying. He’d never known Jane to cry. What had happened? He held her tightly, rubbing small circles on her back the way he’d seen Lilly do with their own children when they’d been upset. “It’s alright,” he said soothingly, flailing for something to say. “Is this about Nick? I thought I saw him drop you off.” Could the blackguard have already wormed his way into her heart so quickly? Confound the man! Walt had done the right thing in interfering. How much more might she have gotten hurt if he hadn’t?

“It’s just so confusing.” She pulled away, brushing at her tears with the backs of her hands. “I don’t even know why I’m crying. I hardly know him … not really.” Her bottom lip trembled and she took a bracing breath before giving him an apologetic, watery smile. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I just needed to get that out. Let me make a cup of tea and then I’ll be ready for that game of chess.”

He took her hand. “Are you sure? I don’t mind listening if you want to talk about it.

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