“Let’s make a deal,” I murmur, my grin widening. “You stop worrying about the waiters, and I’ll stop touching you at the Christmas table.” I pause for effect, dragging my fingers just a little higher. “Unless you want your gift early.”
I wink, and she knows exactly what I mean. Her ears turn red, and she shifts uncomfortably. Lauren tries to refocus on my siblings, but no one’s paying attention to us. They’re all too busy discussing the culinary market, oblivious to what’s happening under the table.
“No one’s going to save you, Bunny,” I whisper, my hand still teasingly moving up her dress.
“Okay, okay,” she finally whispers back, giving in, but her face is flushed, and I know I’ve won this round.
Unconsciously, I drape my arm over the back of Lauren’s chair andpull her a little closer. It’s subtle, but it catches everyone’s attention—especially my parents’. I act like I don’t notice, focusing on my plate, casually poking at something with my fork as I bring it to my mouth. Once the room adjusts to this shift between us, the conversations resume. Somehow, as usual, my father steers the topic toward business, like a parasite finding its way into every corner of discussion.
“How’s that project coming along, Silas?” he asks, his tone sharp.
“It’s going well,” I reply, mimicking his bluntness with a hint of irritation. “We’ll continue negotiations starting in January.”
“No, that’s too long,” he snaps back, setting his wineglass down hard. “You can’t let it sit there. Move it up.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I counter, my voice firm. I know it annoys him; I can see it in the way his brow furrows.
“I don’t care about your opinion, Silas. It’smycompany, and this is how I want it to run.” His words hit like a drumbeat, reverberating in my chest.
Boom, boom, boom.
And then, out of nowhere, Lauren interrupts with a voice so sweet and innocent, it almost makes me laugh. “Actually, Mr. Walker …” she begins, catching the whole table’s attention. No one dares to contradict my father—ever.
“Thomas,” he corrects her, which causes Luca and me to exchange uneasy glances.
Lauren flashes him a warm, disarming smile. “Thomas,” she continues, “the investors were the ones who advised postponing negotiations until January. Many of them mentioned they’re family people and needed to spend time with their loved ones before the new year. Silas proposed pausing the project for two weeks, which was well-received. Mr. Lee, for example, said he doesn’t see many companies that prioritize families over business anymore, and that reflected well on the Walkers. Mrs. Lennon even mentioned using the holiday season to attract more investors. She knows people who might be interested but wouldn’t cross paths with them until the holidays.”
Lauren’s words hang in the air, and for the first time, I see my father actually listening. When she finishes, there’s a brief silence.
Then Thomas Walker nods. “You might be right,” he says, as if it pains him to admit it.
I’m stunned. My father—my father—just conceded.
Lauren’s eyes stay locked on mine, and something shifts. In that moment, I’m not just grateful. I’m falling—falling into her warmth, her strength, and her kindness. For the first time in my life, someone stood up for me, defended me, and rescued me from the weight of my father’s tyranny. And it wasLauren Green.I can feel something unfamiliar fill my chest, something I’ve never felt before.
Love.
After dinner, dessert, and coffee, the women retreated to their rooms. Lauren disappeared for her video call with her family, and I could hear her laughter drifting through the house as she chatted with her parents and sister. The sound was warm, familiar, and I couldn’t help but wonder how different this night would have been if her family had been here.
Maybe next Christmas, we could visit them.
Wait, what the hell? Next Christmas?The thought blindsided me. Lauren isn’t my wife, my girlfriend, or anything close to that. She’s here to keep my family entertained, and I have to admit, she’s doing a damn good job of it. Sure, she’s distracting me, too, but that’s not the point.
My dad excused himself at midnight, leaving my brothers and me to hang around the table, finishing off the last of the drinks. But I couldn’t shake the thought that had lodged itself in my mind.Next Christmas, huh?What the hell is happening to me?
“Did you propose?” Luca asks, a grin plastered on his face.
I choke on my whiskey, coughing like an idiot. “What the hell are you talking about?” I sputter, wiping my mouth and checking my shirt like I’ve just been personally attacked by this absurd suggestion.
Luca leans in, all smug and superior, like he’s about to bestow the wisdom of the ages. “Silas,” he says slowly, “you’rein lovewith that woman. Stop pretending nothing’s going on between you two. You’ve already wasted enough time.”
Oliver, slouched in his chair, jumps in. “I’m with Luca on this.” He looks like he’s had one too many drinks, and I briefly consider if I should cut him off.
“Are you guys even listening to yourselves?” I ask, incredulous. “Marriage? When did you all turn into fans of commitment?”
“Since we saw how you two acted,” Killian says with a grin, pointing a finger at me. “Don’t let her slip away, man. You won’t find many women who’ll stand up to Dad like she did.”
“Yeah,” Oliver slurs, dragging his words like they’re too heavy for him. “I swear, I thought Dad was gonna throw her out, but then shesmiled.”
