“He’s gone with a hot model, so you can stop ogling the man.”
“I-I wasn’t ogling anybody. Plus, I told you, Ellis is my boss’s grandson. He’s not interested in me that way, and I’m not interested in him either. We’re friends. That’s all.”
Dylan didn’t believe that for a minute. His plans to take his time and woo Haven would have to be adjusted. If she had a billionaire sniffing around her, he was going to have to stake his claim sooner rather than later.
Maybe even get her pregnant again. Desperate times desperate measures.
Chapter 19
“You should really stop staring, darling, and just go over and ask him out on another date.”
“What? I wasn’t staring, Ms. McKenna.”
“Really? It’s been your move for the last three minutes, Haven. You can’t even chalk it up to deciding on what move you were going to make. Your eyes haven’t been on this checkerboard since Ellis walked in the room.”
Haven moved the red checker across the board. “You’re seeing things that just aren’t there.”
“I see and know more than you think I do.” Bertha jumped two of Haven’s men. “Crown me.”
Haven could only shake her head. “You got me on this one.”
“Ellis! Ellis!” Bertha waved him over.
He put up the one finger. “Hold on. Let me finish this call.”
Haven whispered, “Why are you calling him over here?”
“Because I’m tired of both of you pussyfooting around. He’s interested in you, and you’re interested in him. I’ve done all I can do to push you two together. The rest is up to the both of you. Stop being scared.”
Haven mumbled, “I’m not scared. I just got out of a long-term relationship. I’m not looking for anything serious, and Ellis . . . I don’t think he’s the serious kind.”
“That’s silly. Ellis just has to meet the right woman, and that’s you. I understand you being a little gun-shy because of Dylan. What I don’t understand is why you hang on to him? Is it out of habit or fear of falling in love again?”
“I don’t know. I’ve made so many mistakes. I realized I have a lot of my mother in me, and I just want to get it right the next time.”
“Understandable. However, sometimes what you need and want can be right in front of you. The timing may not always be perfect, but it is what it is.”
Ellis finished his call and walked over. “I’ve been summoned so that can’t be good.” He turned to Haven. “What’s my grandmother cooking up now?”
Her response was high pitched and sing-songy. “Nothing that I know of other than kicking my butt in checkers.”
“Ellis, didn’t you say you needed a partner this weekend for that Valentine’s Day weekend golfing event?”
“Well . . . I—”
He didn’t get to finish his statement.
“Why don’t you ask Haven?”
Haven blushed to her roots. “Oh no. Um. I don’t play. I’m not even sure if I could drive the little cart. And, Ellis has made it perfectly clear, unless he’s taking you out, he doesn’t fraternize with other women on that day.”
Bertha dismissed her protest. “The golfing tournament is Saturday, Valentine’s Day is Friday. He and I will have our special time. But, the fundraiser for Autistic children is important. Your excuse about not being able to golf, well, there’s really nothing to it. You just need a little hip action. If you can move those hips, then you can golf.
Ellis coughed as he remembered that night. He knew for a fact neither of them had any problems with her hips.
Haven’s blush deepened. She knew exactly what he was thinking.
Bertha continued to talk oblivious to their discomfort. “You have a few days to get your swing down. Get up. Ellis show her how.”
Ellis rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
“She hasn’t even said she wanted to go.”
“Why wouldn’t she?” Bertha turned to Haven questioningly. “You don’t have any other plans do you?”
Quietly, she responded. “No.”
“Then, there shouldn’t be a problem. Two friends hanging out for a good cause.”
Haven and Ellis stared at one another not willing to admit anything to Bertha or each other. He shrugged nonchalantly. “I guess if you’re up for it.”
Vanessa entered the sitting room. “Ms. McKenna, it’s time for your medicine.” She always appeared out of nowhere like magic.
“Damn. I was just getting ready to watch the fireworks.” Bertha suppressed a smile and giggled. She pressed the button and wheeled herself over to the door. She turned around and smiled. “Tell me how it turns out. You know what, never mind, in my heart, I already know.” Moments later, she left the room.
Haven hesitated then stood and walked over toward him. Nervously, she laughed while running her damp palms down the front of her army green camouflage skirt. “Your grandmother is something else.”
They stood face-to-face, alone for the first time in a while.
“You know my grandmother. She has ulterior motives and crazy ideas about us. I will understand if you don’t want to do this.”
“Yeah. She does.” Haven exhaled. “It’s fine. But, if you really need a partner, I don’t mind going.” Haven didn’t know what to do with her hands, so she swung them back and forth. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to play. I
