Gavin groaned and Ebony beamed as she stepped around him to see her dad. "Daddy!" she called out and raced up the stairs.
Similar to his son, Grant Rosebank stood tall and solid at the top of the stairs and caught her in a big hug. His powerful arms wrapped around her, pressing her tight against him. Ebony smiled, inhaling his expensive cologne. Nothing beat his hugs. Big and warm, he felt like hugging a giant muscled-up bear.
"Ebony, darling," Grant's deep voice rumbled against her. "How's my pride and joy?"
He held her at arm’s length, his vibrant blue eyes scanning over her to make sure she was safe and sound, as he did every time he came back home. God help Gavin if she ever wasn't.
"I'm fine, daddy," she answered as Gavin snorted behind her.
"And I'm alive too, just for the record," Gavin grumbled, not sparing his father another glance before turning to the lithe figure standing next to Grant.
"Mother, the only one who truly loves me." Gavin threw his arms out dramatically before enveloping their mom in a hug. "You look radiant as usual."
"Hello, sweetheart." Whitney Rosebank smiled affectionately at her stepson and patted his bicep, crushing her to his frame ever so slightly.
Instantly, Gavin released her, still grinning down at her.
Knowing it was her turn Ebony stepped up to her mother. Instinctively, some of Ebony's enthusiasm died down at the sight of her mother, with her striking looks, long sleek black hair, and dark eyes sharp enough to spot the smallest of missteps, especially when it came to Ebony. Keeping her expression unreadable, Ebony gave her mom a bright smile and leaned in for a brief hug.
"Hi, momma," she greeted.
Whitney's sharp gaze raked over her and Ebony had to fight back the urge to sigh. Lifting a hand up, Whitney gently brushed aside one of Ebony's wayward curls from her face before smiling in return. "Hello, darling. You look well."
Ebony nearly wilted with relief. No comment on her clothes, or hair, or what she was or was not doing. Just a simpleyou look well, that was a seal of approval in Whitney's eyes.
Next to them, Grant clapped his hands together and pinned his son with a self-satisfied smirk. "Now what's this I hear about barbecue?"
Some time later they were all sitting at the breakfast nook in the kitchen, Gavin still groaning about his food being stolen and the insufficient grams of protein between bites. Ebony listened and ate as her mother listed some of the places they travelled on their recent trip, somewhere in Italy. Half work, half leisure she detailed the expensive stores she visited and the galas they attended.
Grant Rosebank was the CEO and owner of Rosebank Capital Management, a family-owned investment firm that dipped into just about every market sector from real estate, to tech, even into military. A person like Grant Rosebank wasn't just invited to parties, parties were thrown in his honor. Ebony wouldn't have been surprised to learn if the galas her mother referred to were created once word got around the Rosebanks were in town.
Gavin shifted on the curving bench next to her, his heel tapping restlessly on the floor. With her father to her right and Gavin to her left, Ebony sat with her back against the curving windows that overlooked the enormous backyard and pool.
"It sounds like y'all two were having a grand 'ol time. So, I cannot help but wonder, and I mean this with pure love and devotion, mother dearest," Gavin paused and reached across the table holding their mother's hand in his. Whitney gave her stepson a knowing look and waited expectantly. "Just when exactly are you two leaving again?" Gavin finished and Whitney snatched her hand from his as he laughed.
Ebony looked to their father and watched as Grant bit into his brisket sandwich while keeping his glacial stare pinned to his son. Eventually he spoke, a slow smile edging across his lips. "Well, you two do start your first day of senior year tomorrow and there is the upcoming tournament. I never want to be accused of not being there for my children so how about we just stay until Christmas."
Ebony nearly choked on her food while her mom gave her husband a sharp look. Ebony loved her parents, she truly did but the idea of their flighty parents actually being in town for more than a month was unthinkable. Just the thought of day in and day out having to deal with her overbearing mother, made Ebony ill. Whitney's sharp tongue of judgement got sharper by the day because she was no doubt growing bored. No thanks.
Grant Rosebank ignored his wife's look of warning and held his son's icy gaze. Ebony wanted to groan. The two men were locked in, like rival elk battling for dominance, neither willing to back down.
Ebony looked at the hard set of her father's jaw and her chest tightened. Dear God, he meant it. The stubborn man would cancel all his plans across the world and stay under this roof for the entire school year if that meant keeping Gavin in his place.
No. She couldn't do it. Call her spoiled or whatever but she was far too accustomed to having them there a handful of weeks out of the year and the house to themselves for the rest of it. She would not let Gavin ruin that, especially not their senior year.
Reaching under the table she pinched Gavin's thigh.
It was like pinching a rock; there was hardly any give. She should've known. Between Taekwondo, wrestling, judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and a crap ton of other martial arts. They all turned Gavin's body into stone, she could stab him with a knife and he wouldn't flinch.
Before she could pull her hand back, he laid his hand over hers trapping her hand against his thigh. Above his face didn't flinch but she could see the subtle shift in his eyes as he gave up the small battle for her sake.
Dramatically, Gavin stared defiantly at his father. "I'll just run off to uncle Grayson's house."
Knowing he had won, Grant let out a short bark of a laugh and picked his sandwich back up. "Good luck with that. You'll be returned to this doorstep within the hour, now that Gray has his lovely bride."
Gavin nodded in defeated agreement. It had been over a year since uncle Grayson married his wife, Golden, and he was never not by her side.
With his plate clear, Grant sat back in his chair and gave Ebony a warm look before coolly settling back onto Gavin. "Now tell me, what trophy are you bringing home in the tournament?"
