From This Moment On: Heartwarming Contemporary Romance (Windswept Bay Book 1) by Debra Clopton

her eyes crinkled at the edges.
    “It did,” Cali said, giving in to the need to talk.
    “So has he kissed you yet?”
    Cali’s mouth dropped open. She stuttered, “Wh-what…n-no. I expect questions like that from Shar, not you.”
    Jillian laughed. “I can’t help it. You two looked extremely combustible when you’re near each other. I just thought maybe…”
    “Combustible?”
    “Absolutely. You’re turning red all over again.”
    Cali had wanted Grant to kiss her so many different times on that trip that she’d been glad she was trapped in the front end of the yellow kayak. It kept her from launching herself at him. Not to mention the day he’d passed out on his bed. It was probably useless to try to deny her feelings when she felt heat roll through her every time she looked at him or thought of him. Could he see what her sisters so easily saw?
    She certainly hoped not.
    “Invite him to dinner at Mom and Dad’s tonight. Everyone wants to meet him.”
    “Sure.” Cali knew Jillian was right but now she had to worry that everyone in her family might see her attraction to Grant. If—when—they did, what would she do then?
     

Chapter Twelve
    Grant was almost finished applying his base coat on the wall in the pool area when his phone rang. He set the roller in the pan and pulled the phone from his pocket.
    “How’s it going out there in paradise now that you’ve gotten some sleep?”
    “Better. I didn’t tell you on the last call but this is a great place. Your family has a gorgeous property. I can see why it’s been around for so long.”
    “Yeah, I miss it. I’m getting the itch to come for a visit. If I could raise and sell cattle and horses from there, I’d probably still be there full-time.”
    “I can understand that. I did notice when I was out driving around with Cali this morning that there was a sign to a horse farm and riding not far down the beach.”
    “It’s a small operation. Mostly for riding on the beach. Bess, the older woman who owns the place, has had it for years. I actually learned to ride there as a kid and that’s where I knew I’d grow up and own a ranch.”
    “I’ll have to check it out while I’m here.”
    “You should. So, Cali and you were driving this morning? You two seem to be spending a lot of time together.” Cam didn’t even try to hide his interest.
    “She’s amazing. She’s showing me the island to help me get inspiration for the murals.”
    “How does she seem to be doing?” Concern filled Cam’s voice. “I know you’re pretty observant. What do you think?”
    “I think she’s been hurt. She’s very cautious and there’s a wall up that would stop a tsunami.” But I’m making progress.
    “That’s what I figured. Look, while you’re there, would you look out for her? Maybe take her out to dinner. You’re a good guy, Grant. And I know you’ve been through a lot and have your own scars to get past. But, I hadn’t thought about it until now, you could show her that not all men are like that jerk that she was married to.”
    “I’m glad to have you in my corner for that. But there are some things that have to be overcome in their own time. I can tell you that from my own perspective. I don’t talk much about it, Cam, as you know, but grief, regret—things that cut deep don’t just disappear because people around you want them to get better.”
    Cam was silent on the other end of the line. Grant didn’t want to talk about the plane crash but he felt he could give Cam an insight into what Cali might be going through. He would be more than happy to help in any way he could. Maybe because he and Cali did have open wounds right now, they could help each other. Or at least be a distraction from the feelings that warred constantly inside him. Maybe it was the same for Cali.
    “I get it,” Cam said at last. “But it doesn’t hurt a big brother to want to help. I know everyone in our family is worried that there was more to her divorce