“No,” I told him honestly, as he looked relieved “you didn’t.”
He slowly zipped his pants back up and then ran a hand through his hair as I yawned, feeling tired and deliriously sleepy. He gave a chuckle. “How about a shower first? Together?” he suggested as my eyes shot to his startled “no funny stuff” he proposed chuckling “and then we can climb in bed together and just hold each other until we go to sleep” he proposed.
I liked the sound of that. Very much. Cuddling in bed was a relatively new concept for me. In the beginning, Johnathon had liked to do that too, but as time passed he began to come up with excuses as to why we couldn’t. Either he was spending time at the office and was late to come home or it was too hot to cuddle or he wasn’t in the mood. Grayson on the other hand, seemed to enjoy wrapping his body around mine and if I was honest, it felt nice.
It was nice. It felt less lonely in the bed if the person next to you wasn’t turned and facing the opposite way, which had been Johnathon’s preference towards the end of our marriage. I smiled at my husband whose eyes were sparkling.
“That sounds nice,” I told him agreeably “but I’m so tired I think I might fall asleep in the shower” I added drowsily.
He laughed as he began to head into the bathroom “if that happens I’ll just carry you to bed” he said nonchalantly, as though it was no trouble at all.
I watched as he turned on the water, before stripping off his clothes, but what got me the most teary eyed, was how he checked the water temperature was perfect for me before allowing me to step into it.
Grayson POV
Today’s the day of the engagement party. Flair’s been tense today, not her usual self and I can’t help but wonder if perhaps she’s nervous about tonight. It can’t be easy for her, having to congratulate her bastard ex-husband on getting engaged to Charlotte Deluca, who he’d been sleeping with while married to her. I’m willing to bet it’s brought up a lot of painful memories for her and while I’m doing my best to distract her, part of me feels as though I’m failing abysmally.
“Are you prepared for tonight and the fallout?” my grandfather’s voice comes from the opposite end of the phone as I frown down at it.
“You knew what you were doing when you gave us that ring old man. If there is a scene tonight, it will be your doing” I told him bluntly.
The sound of laughter filled the line. “As if I would let Charlotte get her greedy hands on a family heirloom that she’s more likely to sell than wear. I have background information on your delightful wife by the way and I must say” the old man paused as I scowled “that I’m quite intrigued and looking forward to meeting her. Although there is a lot of information that the investigator I hired was not able to find, which is fascinating, don’t you think?” he added cheerfully.
In other words, the old bastard knew there was more to Flair than meets the eye and was digging for information on her. I was not about to divulge that she was a Grant, not yet. I chuckled “Perhaps that’s part of her allure Grandfather. I must say that I’m surprised you didn’t just ask Johnathon for information on her” I told him with amusement.
He scoffed “That bastard. I’m amazed he’s made it so far as a lawyer. Doesn’t appear to have much in the way of brains, that one. Don’t know how he’s managed to put up with Charlotte’s behavior for so long” he added lowly “it’s blatantly obvious that he wants her money and connections.”
“Charlotte’s a big girl. She’ll either figure that out for herself or…”
“She’ll marry the idiot anyway. Don’t think I don’t know that you and her want the company. She’s no prize either, I’m not blind” the old man said grimly “but I expect you to at least try to be on your best behavior, for as long as that can possibly last tonight.”
I raised a brow “Does that also go for you Grandfather?” I enquired smoothly.
“Of course. Do you think I wish to see the Deluca name go up in smoke?” he said tersely “There are limits to what I do. I might not have agreed with what my son did but I have always been proud to carry the Deluca name, unlike some” he muttered as I pretended I didn’t hear him.
“Be prepared to put on a happy front for your sister’s sake” my grandfather said heavily “and your stepmother or whatever you want to call her.”
“Karen,” I said tightly “I just call her Karen.”
“Fine, Karen then” he snapped “the press will be trying to take photographs, and no doubt they will want one of the happy family.”
“You ask too much” my voice was low and filled with warning “There is a reason I don’t go by the Deluca name.”
“I’m aware of the hatred you have towards Karen and Charlotte, but Grayson, you’re playing by my rules tonight. Especially if you want that company. I have the right to determine who gets their hands on it.”
“You put specific conditions down and I guarantee I’m working on meeting them” I snarled pissed off.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t make other requests” my grandfather countered “so consider that when you arrive tonight. You’ll be stepping foot back in the family home for what feels like years, so I want a smile on your face and nostalgia on your face. I don’t want you spouting hatred to the press” he said firmly.
Bastard. I clutched the phone tightly in my grasp, feeling an overwhelming desire to throw it at the nearest wall. My breathing became more shallow.
“I am going by the assumption that you’ve spoken to Charlotte and Johnathon in regard to this as well” I bit out.
“Naturally,” my grandfather said calmly “there are going to be important business partners and investors at the party. Not to mention wealthy families and friends. I won’t be embarrassed tonight, not by anyone.”
I wanted to laugh at his audacity. The bastard had set up what was no doubt going to cause a scene, the very second Charlotte spotted the ring on Flair’s finger and then had the nerve to inform us that he wanted no arguments or scenes. Was he insane? Charlotte was going to be furious. My grandfather chuckled “I know exactly what you’re thinking, but if Charlotte wants that company, she’s going to have to keep her mouth shut and her thoughts to herself. She can lose her temper all she likes after the party” he added wickedly “it will be a good lesson in self-control and self-restraint for her to keep silent at the party itself.”
“You’re twisted,” I told him “and sick.”
“Perhaps” he chuckled “I expect you to arrive promptly. No late arrivals for the Deluca’s.”
“I’m an Oakes, not a Deluca” I snapped but I was talking to a beeping ringtone.
The old man had hung up on me. I seethed and put the cell phone back in my pocket.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.