Free Love Under Two Jessops by Cara Covington Page B

the woman the entire Kendall family had adopted as their own baby sister.
    “Well now, that’s very special.” He nodded his thanks to the older man. “But then so are you, baby girl.”
    Chloe had one of the most becoming blushes he’d ever seen. “That’s so sweet, Grant. Thank you.”
    Grant gave Chloe another kiss, and angled her toward Andrew so he could do the same—and then really looked at the sculpture for the first time.
    Big and heavy it definitely was. But it was also beautiful.
    Between the three of them—Grant, Andrew, and Jordan—and under the direction of Eli—they were able to carry the sculpture inside the spa.
    Grant realized neither he nor Andrew had set foot inside the place before that moment. He let his gaze wander the interior, taking in the deep burgundy-colored walls, the exquisite parquet flooring, and what looked like very comfortable divans, still covered in plastic. Chloe’s spa looked not only professional, but plush.
    He knew it was her goal to make her clients feel completely pampered. He wouldn’t doubt that in here, they would.
    They’d set the “waterfall” down on a pedestal that had clearly been designed to hold the sculpture. He and Andrew stood back and watched as Jordan worked to connect the thing. Eli helped him out and the two men chatted, clearly comfortable with each other.
    “You’ve never been in here before.” Chloe came and stood between them. He picked up her hand and kissed it while Andrew ran his hand down her back.
    “I was just thinking that. I could tell you that we just wanted to stay out of your way, but that would only be partly right.”
    “We’re still a little leery of the female stuff.” Andrew’s grin looked like one of his better ones—the kind that used to make their mother soften toward them.
    Chloe laughed. “That’s okay. You don’t have to worry that I’m going to expect you to come in here for manis or pedis or anything.”
    “For what?” Grant thought he knew what she was talking about, but he wasn’t one hundred percent certain.
    Chloe chuckled. “Never mind, my brave first responder. You’re safe from all the evil female rituals. I promise.”
    “Ready,” Jordan said. He looked at Chloe. “Do you want to flip the switch?”
    “Oh, yes!” She zipped right over to the man. Jordan showed her where all the controls were, and then grinned and stood back. “Okay, here goes.” Chloe made turning on the waterfall seem like a ceremony.
    He heard the sound of water as it began to trickle. It filled the first bowl, spilled into the second, and then down into the third.
    If Grant didn’t know better he’d have thought he was out in the woods near a stream. Hell, if she played music like nature sounds—birds and breeze through the trees—he could totally put himself out at the family campsite.
    He stood in silence next to his brother and gave due attention, with everyone else, to the waterfall, and its constant, running-water sound.
    After about two minutes, Andrew asked, “That’s going to run all the time?”
    Chloe’s hands were together in front of her as if she wanted to clap. She looked so damn pleased it made him smile. Grant decided that he very much wanted Chloe to look that happy all the time.
    “Yes, it’ll run while the shop is open. Isn’t it wonderful? My clients will find this so soothing.” She turned to Eli. “Mr. Carmody, I can’t thank you enough. It’s exquisite!” She went over to the older man and gave him a hug. Eli patted her back awkwardly while shooting him and Andrew a look that clearly stated he didn’t want to offend anyone.
    Grant felt himself become a little fidgety, though it had nothing at all to do with his woman hugging the hippy. He looked over at his brother, who wore a somewhat pinched look. “I think I’ve just discovered a major difference between men and women,” Andrew said.
    “Really?” Chloe gave his brother her full attention.
    “Absolutely, and I’ll explain