River looked so sweet and innocent and completely capable of not causing utter chaos in his life. Easton drained his coffee.

He’d believe that when he saw it.

Chapter 7

Seeing Easton soaking wet had officially destroyed River’s calm. All that long brown hair falling over his shoulder…all damp and Easton-y.

So Easton-y.

Even as she sat in an armchair across from his grandmother, River had to fight to keep her focus on Ruby Lou and not Easton, who was standing guard over her wheelchair, arms crossed and beard bristly. River didn’t think they’d done anything to put his back up, but it was hard to tell with him. He might have been standing there, thinking about cabbage rolls, for all she knew. Or maybe he thought they were being offensively invasive with his grandmother.

Ruby Lou was fascinating. She might have been in her nineties, but her eyes were bright and her enthusiasm contagious. And her stories hysterical. They had to take several breaks in between filming to let Ruby Lou rest her voice and to allow her to gather her thoughts. But they now had more information on the inner workings of Moose Springs than ever. The interview had gone far better than River could have hoped for. She’d never been on that side of things, having always been the one being interviewed, but the pleasure on Ruby Lou’s face at each question had been worth every second.

River definitely owed Easton big time.

Every so often, Ruby Lou would turn in her wheelchair and take Easton’s hand. Each time, he allowed himself to be patted, nudged, or moved wherever Ruby Lou decided. Stoic affection for grandmothers might be River’s new favorite thing ever.

“He’s a handsome boy, isn’t he?” Ruby Lou said, smiling at her grandson proudly.

Yes. Absolutely. The sanctity and innocence of white towels had forever been ruined.

“Ruby, would you be willing to tell us more of how the town reacted to the resort being built?” Jessie asked. “And, Easton, stop looking like a Dothraki. You’re ruining the shot.”

“A what?”

Jessie was not impressed. “Dude, if you didn’t watch Game of Thrones, you and I are never going to be soul mates.”

“Guess I’ll have to manage,” Easton said.

The two shared a smile. Why hadn’t she kissed him last night? Oh, that’s right. Because it was wrong. Wrong and…torture-y. So torture-y.

Fingers snapped to get her attention. “River?” Bree murmured.

“Hmm?”

“You’re drifting, River.”

“Sorry, Ruby Lou. I was thinking that yes, your grandson is very handsome.” Leaning in, River added conspiratorially, “He’s refusing to let us put him on film, except for his legs.”

“Feet,” Easton rumbled.

“We’re up to his knees at the very least. Maybe you could convince him?”