Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 35

Amelia took Grandma Edith’s hand. “Enough with the sports, Grandma. Let’s play checkers. Something a little quieter, okay?”

“Oh yes! I love checkers!”

The housemaids could only sigh in resignation. Whenever they suggested checkers, Grandma Edith would scoff, “What’s with all this jumping around? You lot look like a set of checkers yourselves.” But if Mrs. Daniel suggested it, suddenly it was her favorite game.

Still, at least someone could keep Grandma Edith in check—otherwise, the old house would be in chaos.

Nora brought in a pot of herbal tea. Amelia was focused on the game and took a sip out of habit before realizing, then quickly set the cup aside. “Just some water, please,” she said, handing the teacup back.

Nora returned with a glass of warm water, teasing as she handed it over. “The way you acted just now, I thought maybe you were pregnant. No tea allowed and all.”

Amelia nearly choked on her own spit.

Grandma Edith’s perfectly made-up face swooped in close. “Amelia, you’re pregnant? Oh, that’s wonderful! I’ll finally have a great-grandchild to spoil!”

Panicked, Amelia covered the old lady’s mouth and looked around—thankfully, the maids had already left. “No, Grandma, don’t start rumors.”

Grandma Edith pouted. “My grandson really is hopeless. All these years and still nothing to show for it.”

Amelia was left speechless.

The old woman wasn’t done. “He’s nothing like his grandfather, you know. Back in his day, your grandpa was a real man—one shot, right on target.”

“Cough—cough, cough—” This time, Amelia really did choke. Was she supposed to hear that?

Nora stood off to the side, looking like she wanted the floor to swallow her up.

That was when Daniel came in. He hadn’t heard the earlier conversation, just saw Amelia coughing, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, like a ripe peach just plucked from the tree.

“What did Grandma say this time—trying to shock you into next week?”

Grandma Edith didn’t miss a beat, aiming right at him. “I told her you’re hopeless. Years now and—mmph—”

Amelia, quick as ever, stuffed a piece of shortbread into Grandma Edith’s mouth.

Daniel reached out and brushed his fingers over Amelia’s cheek, then gave it a playful pinch. “What stories are you two making up about me now? Grandma always says I’m no good.”

Amelia swatted his hand away, half laughing, half annoyed. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

Those images flashed through her mind, making her cheeks burn as if she’d been dunked in boiling water. She quickly changed the subject. “Are we playing checkers or not?”

Daniel raised an eyebrow. “No stakes, no fun.”

She reset the marbles. “Fine. We’ll play for questions—winner gets to ask anything they want.”

Daniel perked up, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and sat up straight.

First round: Amelia won by a hair.

Daniel scoffed. “This game takes no skill at all.”

“If it’s so easy, why’d you lose?” Amelia grinned. “Don’t be a sore loser. Rules are rules.”

“Who’s sore?” Daniel leaned back, legs stretched out lazily. “Ask away.”

Amelia studied the sharp lines of his profile. “Do you like kids?”