The crowded room erupts in cheers.
“It has also been said that my granddaughter will be joining Reith Entertainment as the Interior Designer for this remodel. I want to clarify that this is, in fact, true. She will be joining my business partner and I with overseeing this process.”
“That smile of his is a panty dropper for sure,” Elaine whispers. I pretend to gag, enlisting a similar reaction from Cora, who looks as if she’s really fixing to be sick.
“Elaine, you do know Payson here is said granddaughter, right?” Cora says, gesturing to me before covering her mouth. I can’t help but laugh at the way Elaine seems not to be bothered by it. Of course, she knows.
“Adopted granddaughter, actually.”
Cora stands, excusing herself, and swiftly walks toward the women’s room. “You actually made her sick,” I tease. Elaine flicks her eyes at me, worry etched in them. We have heard the rumors. I’m sure we are both silently thinking the same thing. Cora’s pregnant.
CHAPTER 8
Ledgar
“Areyou going to tell me who she is?” I ask, following Griffith’s eyes, which are glued to the brunette speed walking across the room. It takes him all but a minute to comprehend I am speaking to him. It’s rare that my brother is ever captivated longer than a few minutes before he gets bored, but this woman, he is completely and utterly in awe of her. You can’t blame him, though. The woman she came here with looks like a goddess, and it’s clear she isn’t even trying. Her hair is thrown into a bun, classy enough for this party, but you can tell she’s had it like that all day.Giving off the impression that she doesn’t care about what people think.
“Who?” he asks. I contemplate whether or not to add to this little fantasy of his, but rather avert the subject to the one which has been playing over in my mind for the last fifteen minutes.
“The blonde who was sitting next to the woman you've been eye fucking ever since she walked in.” His eyes flick in their direction before locking his gaze back on me. Clapping him onhis back, I take a sip of my drink. “Take it from me, brother, the stalker vibe doesn't work on women who look like that.”
“She’s no one you need to concern yourself with.” My gaze shifts back to where she’s standing, glass in hand, smiling at something one of the other women says.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“It means she’s not your occasional fuck and tuck type. You mess with her, and you will screw this entire partnership up.”
Griffith knows I have never been one to play by the rules. Playing by the rules doesn’t get you to where I am today. He should know. This hotel wasn't built by him playing by the rules.
“Careful,” I warn, downing my drink and setting it a little too harshly on the table, causing a loud thud. Wandering eyes from the nearby tables flick in our direction, but I don’t care. The only eyes I want to see are hers.
“It’s not like you have a say in who I date?” I say.
He tips his head toward Jay, my new business partner. I haven’t been paying attention to what he has been saying.
“Ledgar Hartley will be overseeing the entire process as the CO-CEO of Hartley Enterprises.”
The crowd cheers and I raise my empty glass, acknowledging them.
“It has also been said that my granddaughter will be joining Reith Entertainment as the Interior Designer for this remodel. I want to clarify that this is, in fact, true. She will be joining my business partner and I with overseeing this process.”
His eyes scan the room, no doubt looking for his granddaughter. He doesn’t even look old enough to be a grandfather. He’s not very much older than me. From the rumors I heard, he adopted. That would make more sense on the age gap between him and his….
Well, fuck me sideways. She belongs to him.
CHAPTER 9
Payson
If I’mgood at anything when it comes to these parties, it’s reading a room. Everyone seems to be having a good time. Every so often since Jay’s announcement, people I’ve never met, and a few I know, come to congratulate me on my new position. I smile, say thank you, and accept any criticism I hear as they walk away. Like I said, this isn’t my first party, but it’s the first time I feel like I don’t belong at one of these. Maybe it’s due to the man standing across the room, whose gaze is so intense I feel like I’m on fire.
He’s gorgeous—a fine specimen of a man in his exquisite suit and casual boat shoes. I can’t help but softly smile at the fact that I’m not the only one here tonight missing a piece of formality. My curiosity gets the better of me as I ask, “Who’s that man standing with Griffith?” Elaine’s eyes sweep across the room to Griffith, who is glaring intently at Cora as she walks out. The mysterious man says something to him, which clearly shakes him. I watch as Griffith heads in the same direction as my friend.Go Cora.
“That’s your new boss,” she responds with a giggle. “Weren’t you the one who said he was dreamy?” I ask, raising a brow.
“Oh, so you were listening,” she replies. “I’ve actually never seen him in person.” We both sip on our drinks before she straightens next to me.
“Looks like Cora isn’t the only one with eyes on her tonight.” She excuses herself and heads to where Jay is talking with a few older gentlemen.
