“So, Athena,” Kai says after the server has gone. “I’m curious about something.”
“You can ask me anything.” She smiles prettily at him, and it’s hard to drag my gaze from her plump red lips or avoid thinking about them wrapped around my cock.
“Why are you on a blind date? I find it hard to believe you have any trouble getting a date.”
“I’m flattered, but the truth is I rarely date. Since I graduated college, I’ve concentrated on my career. My business consumes me, and it hasn’t left much time for anything else.”
That appears to be true. Most all of her past relationships seem to be short-lived, but there is a pattern. She definitely has a type—older, wealthy, successful businessmen appear to be her jam.
I definitely fit the mold, but if she thinks I’m biting, she’s sorely mistaken.
“Wow, sounds like someone we all know,” my sister says with more than a little sarcasm.
Anderson chuckles, and Barron’s lips twitch.
“There is nothing wrong with being devoted to a career. Marriage and kids are not for everyone,” I say.
“Touché.” Athena’s eyes twinkle as she smiles at me. “My father is constantly criticizing my single status. He’d love me to give him some grandkids, but it’s not part of my plan. No offense,” she adds, looking between Abby and Demi. “But kids aren’t in the cards for me.”
Abby’s mischievous eyes flit to mine before tripping to Athena. “It’s like you were made for my brother.”
“Firecracker.” Kai levels his wife with a look. “Stop shit stirring.”
“What?” She is the picture of innocence as she eyeballs her husband. “I’m just pointing out the facts.”
“Do you have any siblings who can fulfill your father’s grandkids wish?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
Her features soften, and her face lights up in a pure unguarded moment. If I thought she was beautiful before, it’s nothing on how she looks now. Her big blue eyes fill with love as she says, “I have a brother, but he’s only fifteen, so I hope he won’t be giving my dad any grandkids for a long time.”
“What about your mom? Is she harassing you for grandkids too?” I carefully watch her reaction, seeing the light instantly flee her eyes.
“She died from cancer when I was thirteen.”
“I’m sorry.” I mean that sincerely. I know what it’s like to lose a mother; even though ours was alive all along, we grieved her death for years.
She shrugs, but I see the pain etched upon her face. “My dad remarried a few months after she died, and then Arlo came along a couple years later, and he saved me in so many ways.”
I sense there is a lot more to the story, but as much as I’m suspicious and trying to gather intel, I won’t prolong her agony.
“So, how’s the rebranding project coming along?” she asks as we eat our meals. The other four are engaged in their own conversation, and I hear Xavier’s name pop up.
“Good. Everything is progressing nicely.” Truth is, it’s a shit show, and I’ll have to make a call on it soon. At first, I was concerned Belinda had orchestrated the disaster in a bid to have me change my mind, but I’m keeping a close eye on it, and the fuckup is all on Genesis Marketing. I hate to admit Athena was right, but it’s looking that way.
“I’m glad it’s working out.” On the surface, her smile is authentic, but there is just something about her I can’t put my finger on. Something that has alarm bells ringing in my ears.
“Really?” I quirk a brow as I cut the last piece of my steak. “That’s not what you said the last time.”
“I’m trying to be polite. I made my thoughts clear on Genesis Marketing the last time we spoke.”
“You made your thoughts clear on several things,” I remind her before popping the steak in my mouth.
“I haven’t seen anything tonight that contradicts my beliefs.” She places a piece of fish in her mouth and chews.
“So, you still think I’m a misogynistic prick with a superiority complex?”
“Aren’t you?” She quirks a brow, tossing her long blonde hair over one shoulder, and I hate how my eyes are drawn to the motion.
“You think you know me, but you don’t have a clue who I am.”
