Page 44 of Keeping Denver

"You too. I hope it's okay that I'm dropping by like this. It's just that I missed your party and wanted to tell you in person, happy belated birthday."

"Of course, it's alright. Come, sit down." He ushers me to an empty table. "How have you been? Lucas tells me you got that job at his office. He also says his boss fancies you." He waggles his bushy eyebrows.

I force a smile on my face at the mention of Callan. "I got the job. All thanks to you. That's another reason I came here. I wanted to thank you for helping me."

Roland pats my arm. "No need to thank me, young lady. You got that job all on your own." He spreads his arms, gesturing at me, "Now, look at you."

"Granddad?" A voice calls from behind. Twisting in my chair, I watch as Lucas strides in our direction. His eyes land on me sitting with Roland, and grins. "Denver, what are you doing here?"

"I stopped by for a visit, but I was just leaving."

"Are you in a hurry to get somewhere? I dropped by to give grandpa a ride home. But if you don't have a place to be, we can grab dinner or something," he says hopefully.

"Oh, you two go on. Your mother is picking me up today. She's taking me to do some last-minute shopping."

Lucas' dimples make an appearance when he beams at me. "What do you say, Denver?"

I bite my lip, not sure if I should accept his offer. "Sure. Dinner sounds good."

The moment we exit the library, I'm shocked to see Mitch parked at the curb waiting expectantly. "Miss Hollis." His eyes cut to Lucas.

"What are you doing here, Mitch?" I roll my eyes. This is not cool. It feels like I'm being spied on, and I don't like it.

"I was sent to pick you up, Miss H—I mean Denver," he corrects himself when I give him a stern look.

"I didn't call you." I fold my arms, letting him know I'm not happy.

"Mr. Hawk said I would find you here."

"He did, did he? How does Callan know my location?" I ask bewildered then stop short when the answer pops into my head. "He's tracking my phone, isn't he?" Mitch's silence is all the answer I need. I turn to Lucas. "Did you drive here?"

Lucas points down the street. "I'm parked down the block."

I turn back to Mitch. "I'm sorry you wasted your time coming all this way, Mitch, but I won't be needing a ride. Be sure to tell Mr. Hawk as well."

Mitch's lip twitches. "Not a problem, Denver."

After Lucas and I climb into his car, he cocks his head to the side. "You know this probably won't bode well for me?"

My expression turns serious. "We don't have to go to dinner, Lucas. I can get a cab home. I don't want to cause you any trouble."

"And miss my chance at hanging out with a beautiful woman. Not a chance."

Fifteen minutes later, Lucas and I sit at a table in a quaint little Greek restaurant. The waitress places our menus in front of us. "Can I start you off with something to drink?"

"I'll have water."

"I'll have whatever beer you have on tap," Lucas tells the waitress.

I glance over the menu. "What do you suggest? I don't think I've ever eaten Greek food before."

"Do you trust me to order for you?" he asks, and I nod. When the waitress returns, Lucas orders for the two of us.

"Great. I'll have your order out soon."

Once the waitress walks off, Lucas gets right to what I was expecting him to bring up. "Denver, I wanted to say I'm sorry for how things played out with Kelly."

"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything." His apology leaves me puzzled.