Fifteen
Will didn’t have much of a temper. He got irritated the same as any other person on earth. He disliked when people weren’t prepared for meetings, judged others unfairly, or used anyone in his family as a means to an end. His grandfather was a smart man so Will didn’t understand why he was letting Fredrick Banner and his asshat of a son run the meeting. After meeting with Holden and his wife the other night, he was certain Grand Babies was currently moving in the wrong direction.
“Listen, we want to make this fair for everyone but if we’re investing in you, we need a higher percentage. Having Grand Babies products in every one of our stores is going to quadruple your income. I know you’ve got some personal stuff going on.” Fredrick Banner paused, his too-wide smile turning Will’s stomach. “Congratulations on that front. We could be capitalizing on your son’s fantastic news, Jackson. He’s getting married; we’re entering a marriage of sorts. I’m tired of going through lawyers and secretaries for the details. I want this sorted sooner rather than later and quite honestly, we could use a little positive press. As you know, Nolan recently had some trouble when he got pulled over by the police.”
“Wouldn’t have gotten in trouble if you hadn’t had drugs on you and you weren’t driving under the influence,” Will said from his seat next to his grandfather.
“It was weed. Big fucking deal. You and I aren’t so different, Will,” Nolan said, his thin mustache over his snarling lips making him look like even more of a jerk. “People are always trying to capitalize on shit that doesn’t matter. Who cares if I had some weed, I got drunk at a party, or you’re marrying some nobody? Everyone just wants to see and be seen.”
Before Will could react, his grandfather put a hand on his wrist even as Fredrick chastised his son. Will’s phone buzzed but he was too worked up to check it. He didn’t know why his dad wanted to work with these men, and couldn’t fathom why his grandfather would, but Will couldn’t keep quiet anymore.
“I think we should all take a step back and reconsider whether or not our path and values line up,” Will said.
His grandfather’s manicured white brows lifted.
“William,” his dad said sharply.
“We’ve already been leaking information to the press about a possible partnership,” his dad continued. “It’s what’s keeping our name in the local news. Well.” He looked Will’s way, his lips tugging into a frown. “That and other recent developments.”
Fredrick stood up. He was a big man, a cross between imposing and caricature-like in his navy suit and black cowboy boots. “We’d like to capitalize on the holiday season. We’re less than a month out from Halloween. This should be signed and sealed. There are already Christmas decorations up at some of our stores, for Christ’s sake.”
Jackson stood up as well, leaning his hands on the tabletop. “As much as I want this partnership so we can grow Grand Babies to the level it deserves, we don’t need to rush, Fredrick. There’s no harm in waiting a bit longer to iron out all of the details.”
His grandfather, unusually quiet, leaned back in his chair. “In the meantime, it’d be a nice idea for Nolan to think about the image he’s creating, the reputation he’s building for your company. When Jackson brought this idea to the table, you wanted to join forces for our mutual benefit, but right now, I don’t like the terms or the temperament.”
Like a sullen teenager, rather than a grown man, Nolan got up and walked out of the boardroom. The lines around Fredrick’s mouth tightened but he followed after his son.
Will’s phone buzzed again. He pulled it out and checked it.
Mom
I’m meeting with an event planner at Mika’s. Your sister is in a meeting. Please join me ASAP to finalize details for anniversary.
Sighing, Will typed back that he’d be there shortly, wondering why they didn’t delegate some of this stuff while also realizing that he was atypically pissed off.
His grandfather folded his hands on the table. “What are you thinking?”
Leaning forward, Will gave him the truth. “I’m thinking we’re not stupid but partnering with those two is. I don’t understand, Gramps. What are we doing? You can’t possibly think that us joining forces with them, no matter how much money they invest, is a good idea for our solid name and reputation.” He kept his voice low even though his father had called after Fredrick, then followed him.
Will didn’t like acknowledging that his grandparents were aging. For as long as he could remember, his grandpa had been his rock, his friend, his mentor. His guide. Somehow, affection and warmth had skipped a generation and what Will once craved from his dad, he got from Gramps. They’d always been close and Will hated that he couldn’t get a thorough read on the man who’d molded him. Something else was going on.
“It started out on a lot more even footing. I’m in agreement with you about them. On the other hand, their capital would go a long way to opening more stores.”
“Why do we need more stores? I have to go meet Mom to talk about the anniversary party. We’re spread so thin as it is. Is having more worth risking what we’ve got?”
A slow smile spread over his grandpa’s face, making his eyes more youthful. “You’re a good man, William. I think I need to think about that question and talk to your grandmother.”
Will nodded and when he got up, he squeezed his grandpa’s shoulder. “I know you want to solidify the Grand name, Gramps, but I think we’re more solid on our own than you, and certainly Dad, give us credit for.”
Will was on his way to the upscale eatery his mother had summoned him to when he realized there was something—someone—who would lift his mood. It almost felt like he missed her and he was regretting saying they’d wait until the weekend to go out. She picked up on the first ring.
“Hi, honey, how was your day?” Lexi’s voice filled his car as he stopped at a light and his grin was instantaneous.
“I knew you’d make me smile,” he said, his shoulders immediately loosening.
“Smile maker. I’ll add it to my résumé.”
“What are you up to?” Someone honked behind him before the light even turned green.
“Just locking up the store and heading home. I wasn’t entirely joking. How was your day?”
“Interesting. It’d be a hell of a lot better if I didn’t have to wait until Saturday to see you.”
She laughed and the sound washed over him like a touch. One he wanted badly. “You just saw me. It’s only Thursday. Needy, aren’t you?”
He never had been. “I have to stop by Mika’s. It’s a small restaurant—”
“I’m a local too, Mr. Grand. I know it. It’s not far from work.”
Was she eager to see him as well? She won’t be when she realizes your mother is there.
“Meet me there.”
There was some shuffling through the speaker as he turned onto Pine Street and he wondered for a moment if she’d heard him.
“I’m not dressed for fancy. Despite the other night, I should probably tell you now, I rarely am.”
“I just want to see your face.”
He heard the sharp intake of breath and smiled.
“Will.”
“Lexi. My mother is requesting my presence to go over some things for a celebration we’re having for the company in a couple of weeks. I’d like you to go as my date. My fiancée . I do like saying that—you’re right.”
“You want me to meet your mother before we’ve had our fourth date?”
He pulled into the parking lot, found a spot. “You want me to meet your mother this weekend. In two days, actually.” She’d texted him yesterday and told him about her mother’s negotiating tactic. “Plus, our situation is unique. Once my mom meets you, she can stop giving me the cold shoulder, truly stop setting me up. Plus, I’d rather you met her in a less intimidating venue than the gala.”
“Gala? You said party.”
“Will you meet me at Mika’s? Please?”
“I will but only because I still need to interview you.”
“That’s right. We didn’t get to it the other night. I’m sorry.”
They’d had a hell of a good time with Holden and Bethany, though. They’d moved through conversation topics with an unexpected ease considering the age gap between the two couples. Holden reminded Will of his grandfather and being there with Lexi, letting his hand rest on the small of her back, pulling her close, had felt thrilling and comforting at the same time.
“You don’t need to apologize. Are you sure you don’t mind? It’s a weird comparison sort of thing where we need to find out if what we’re learning is as transferrable as the instructors hope.”
“It’s not a big deal.” He got out of the car, locked it. “I enjoy talking about business and talking to you so I’m looking forward to it.”
The cool breeze reminded him that colder days were quickly approaching as he walked toward the front entrance. “Are you driving here?”
“No. I walked to work. It’s literally around the corner from the shop. I’ll be there in ten minutes but I can’t stay long.”
“I can drive you home.”
“I’m okay. Stop stalling. Go meet your mom. I’ll save you soon.”
He walked through the door smiling. A host in a crisp, white dress shirt and black pants greeted him immediately. Will was pretty sure his name was Lionel.
“Mr. Grand. Nice to see you. Your mother and her guest are this way,” he said.
Trying to remember the kid’s name, it took Will a second to register what he’d said. “I’m sorry, did you say ‘guest’?” Their event planner was known by name to the staff here as much as his family was. That was strange.
He saw his mother and her guest before Lionel answered affirmatively. Son of a bitch. Approaching the table, Will’s jaw twitched as he leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek.
“Mom.”
He nodded at the sultry redhead who looked at him like she wished he was on the menu. “Carolyn.”
“So lovely to see you again, Will.” Carolyn’s voice was a low purr when she set her hand on his arm. He pulled back, moved around the table to sit on the other side of his mother.
“Carolyn’s been helping me with the party planning. She said she saw you at an engagement party the other night, dear. She reached out to say how lovely that was and we got to talking,” his mother said.
I bet you did. Will held Carolyn’s gaze, worried she was up to something, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what. She was an attractive woman, she wouldn’t want for company, she came from a good family and knew all the people in the same social circle he did. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested, hadn’t he? Maybe your ego is too big. She could just be helping your mother.
“Yes, I knew I knew you from somewhere. I wish I’d had more time to chat with you and Mr. Rogers,” Carolyn said, laughing at her own not-funny joke.
His mother laughed, meaning Carolyn had filled her in. The thought of this woman and his mother possibly laughing at Lexi stirred something dark in him. They knew nothing about her except maybe what they’d gleaned off the internet. There wasn’t much. He’d looked because he hadn’t wanted Lexi to be bothered by being linked to him when all he wanted to do was date her.
Before he could respond, he felt a hand on his shoulder, saw his mother’s and Carolyn’s faces shift.
“We did have to cut it short, didn’t we? That was such a great night, though,” Lexi said, her voice an octave different from usual as she came around to sit beside him, her gaze locked on Carolyn.
“Oh. I didn’t realize you were joining us. I’ve forgotten your name,” Carolyn said.
Will clenched his teeth, helping Lexi out of her long wool jacket. She had her long hair tucked into a side ponytail. She wore very little, if any, makeup, a simple pink T-shirt, and a pair of dark jeans. She looked beautiful.
“It’s Alexandria Danby,” Lexi said, reaching a hand beyond Will, toward his mother. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grand.”
His mother blanched a moment but immediately put her mask back in place and smiled, shaking Lexi’s hand.
“How nice you could join us,” his mother said. Anyone who didn’t know her would believe she meant it.
Lexi dropped her hand and glanced at Will. He saw the nerves dancing in her gaze along with a bit of fire. She was protective. And for some reason, he fucking loved that she felt that way about him.
A waiter brought waters and asked for drink orders. His mother ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter for the table. Will reached for Lexi’s hand, settled his on top of hers on her thigh. Her quiet smile felt like a victory.
“I’m not sure if you’re aware, Lexi, but we have a very important party coming up. Our company, Grand Babies, is turning fifty. Carolyn has been helping me with the planning but I wanted Will’s input as well.”
Will wondered if Maddie was actually in a meeting as his mother claimed or if this was just a ploy to set him up.
“He did tell me. I’m very much looking forward to attending,” Lexi said smoothly, squeezing his hand.
“I couldn’t find any of your socials, Lexi. After we met, I thought I’d follow you on some,” Carolyn said as the waiter set down their drinks.
Lexi didn’t appear bothered by the conversation but her thigh tensed under his hand. “Maybe because, as you said, you forgot my name.”
Carolyn’s nostrils flared. Will wanted to fist-bump Lexi but gritted his teeth instead, pleasure simmering inside him right alongside the irritation.
His mother rested her palms on the table. “I know very little about you, Alexandria. Perhaps you could tell me what you do.”
Shit. Will had brought her here because he wanted to see her. He hadn’t guessed his mother would, once again, be trying to set him up.
“I’m a purchaser for a retail shop. I’m also finishing up my business degree.”
Smooth. Will smiled at her. She was good at coming up with something on the spot. And he liked the fact that she didn’t cower under his mother’s somewhat snooty tone.
“A degree is so important,” Carolyn said, lifting her wineglass, swirling the white liquid. “I finished mine about eight years ago. I actually double-majored. I didn’t need to, of course, as I work for my father’s design company, but I believe in being well prepared.”
Will’s jaw tensed again and he decided he’d had enough playing nice for the day. “I forgot your mom has that appointment tonight.” He stood up, pulling Lexi with him.
She looked at him, eyes wide. “What?”
“Mother, Carolyn. Sorry to do this but we’ll have to reschedule. But I more than trust your judgment on the final details for the party.”
“William, you’re being rude,” his mother said, glaring at him. I’m being rude? That’s fucking rich, even for you, Mom.
He widened his smile. “It’s not my intention, Mom. But we need to get going.”
“It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Grand, and to see you again, Carolyn.”
Carolyn simply nodded. His mother stood up. “I’d like to know more about you, Alexandria. I’ll ask William for your number and we can arrange a lunch. After all, if you’re going to be part of our family, I should have some sense of who you come from.”
Who. God. His mother irritated the hell out of him.
“Of course,” Lexi said as Will helped her with her coat.
He kissed his mother’s cheek. “I’ll bring her for dinner soon.” No way was he letting his mother get Lexi alone.
They were outside before Lexi pulled her hand out of his. “Whoa. Slow down. What’s going on?”
Will turned, looked at her. “That was a nightmare. I’m so sorry. I had no idea my mother had Carolyn here. I never would have set you up for an ambush.”
Lexi stepped closer to him. “I’ve met mean girls before, Will. I can handle Carolyn. I’m sorry if I didn’t make a good impression on your mom, though. I can see why you want her off your back and out of your love life. She’s not going to be happy when she realizes how much I exaggerated with my job.”
“Your job shouldn’t matter.”
She stepped closer and Will inhaled, catching the subtle scent of vanilla and something else sweet. Something very Lexi. She put her hands on his chest like they belonged there, and he wished they were alone. At his place.
“Maybe it shouldn’t but it does to your mom. And probably the rest of your family. Are you sure this is worth the hassle?”
“What?” He slipped his hands inside her jacket, which she hadn’t done up, resting them on her waist, pulling her a bit closer.
“Dating me. You really could just tell your mother it was a mix-up. Might save the family drama.”
Will dropped his forehead to hers, closing his eyes so he could just… absorb the way she made him feel. Excited, settled, eager, peaceful. Such a blend of emotions that he didn’t know what to do with them all.
When he opened his eyes, she was staring at him. “I want to get to know you, spend time with you. None of this has been conventional or even ideal but I don’t want to walk away from you. You promised to be my plus-one to this party, and you dealt with my mom, so it’s only fair I meet yours. I owe you that favor.” He ran the tip of his nose along the bridge of hers. “Plus, you’re an excellent kisser and I can’t get you out of my head.”
She grinned, slid her arms around his neck. “I do want to get a good mark on my project.”
His laugh was cut off by her mouth moving against his, her fingers sliding through the hair at the nape of his neck. His body molded against hers like there was nothing outside of them. She breathed a soft sigh into his mouth that lit a fire inside him. He wanted all of her sighs. He wanted her in a way he wasn’t familiar with. It should have scared him but instead, being with her made him feel alive. He hadn’t realized he was missing anything in his life until she sat down with him. Maybe the best things in life weren’t planned down to the minute.