Chapter 25 Thatcher
THATCHER
“Stop fussing,” Alli scolds from her perch on my bed, surrounded by discarded ties and the charcoal suit that lost tonight’s wardrobe battle. “You look perfect. Though I still think the other one has more personality.”
“Personality isn’t exactly what we’re going for tonight,” I remind her, adjusting my cufflinks for the dozenth time.
The silver catches the light as I twist them nervously.
“Tonight is about blending in and pretending I don't know exactly how Pierce takes his coffee or what his skin tastes like after morning showers.”
Heat rises in my cheeks at the admission, but Alli just smiles knowingly. She’s been my best friend since college, and until recently, the only person who knew about Pierce and me. Though somehow, my cousins found out.
Noah:
Everyone clear on the game plan? Meatball, you’re at our table.
Lex:
Table 12 represent! Ready to watch certain people pretend they don’t know each other VERY well
Adam:
Leave him alone, Lex. But also, yes, this will be entertaining.
I groan, dropping my phone onto the bed beside Alli. “My cousins are the worst,” I declare, even though I love them like they’re my brothers. “They know about Pierce and me, and now they’re treating tonight like some kind of reality show drama.”
“Can you blame them?” she asks, sorting through my tie collection.
“It is pretty dramatic. Secret office romance, forbidden corporate love, maintaining distance while you gaze into each other’s eyes from across the room…
” She holds up two options, both in subtle patterns that won’t draw attention.
“The blue brings out your eyes, but the gray feels more serious. How did they even find out?” she asks.
“Noah has his ways. Plus, Lior’s terrible at keeping secrets when Noah gets determined. And then, as if the Spencer brothers are all telepathically connected, they all know.”
Before I can decide on a tie, my phone buzzes again, this time with Pierce’s name. My heart performs gymnastics as I read his carefully worded message.
Pierce:
Confirming separate arrivals. Maintain an appropriate distance during the event.
The formal tone makes my chest ache as I remember how different things felt in New York just days ago. There, we could walk hand in hand through art galleries, share meals without counting careful minutes between exits, and exist in the same space.
“It was easier in New York,” I say softly, sinking onto the bed beside Alli. “We could just…be. Now we’re back to pretending we barely know each other.”
Alli’s hand finds mine, squeezing gently as she decides on the tie for me and helps me put it on. “Only in public,” she reminds me, her voice carrying understanding that makes my throat tight. “And only for now. Things will work out.”
“We’ve barely spent any time together since we got back,” I say, sounding way more whiny than I want to.
“Then you make sure that tonight he gets the full message, loud and clear, that you’re spending the night together.”
My phone chimes again with another message from Pierce.
Pierce:
Looking forward to seeing you. Even if I can’t show it.
I take one final look in the mirror, straightening my tie and attempting to arrange my expression into something appropriately professional before heading out for an evening that will test my boundaries. Let’s just hope I don’t set anything on fire with how nervous I am.
The venue is decorated with simple flowers that stand out beautifully against the crystal chandeliers.
I’m glad the mayor didn’t go for lavish decorations.
Tonight is all about focusing on what’s really important: the work Drew and West do for the kids who need the support of their foundation.
Their recognition through the award should increase their visibility and donations.
I take a deep, calming breath as I go inside, immediately drawn to Pierce’s presence across the crowded space like a compass finding true north.
He stands with perfect posture among all the important guests, his suit fitting like a second skin as he gives the woman he’s talking to his complete attention.
Even from this distance, I recognize the slight tilt of his head that means he’s fully engaged in the conversation, the way his fingers tap against his leg when he’s making important points. The sight makes my chest ache.
Our eyes meet briefly across the room, just long enough for us to acknowledge each other. A nod that lasts exactly as long as appropriate between boss and assistant, though my skin tingles like he’s touching me directly.
“There you are!” Noah’s voice breaks through my Pierce-focused haze as strong arms wrap around me in a familiar embrace. My cousin’s smile is filled with warmth as he releases me, making space for Lior to offer his own welcome hug. “We were starting to worry you’d gotten lost.”
“Or distracted,” Lior adds quietly, pressing champagne into my hand. His eyes flick briefly toward Pierce before returning to my face, understanding clear in his expression. “Though I suppose there are plenty of distracting sights tonight.”
Heat rises in my cheeks as I accept the drink, grateful for something to do with my hands.
“Speaking of distracting sights,” Lex’s voice carries characteristic mischief as he sidles up to our group. My cousin’s smirk suggests he’s been watching my careful not-watching of Pierce since I arrived. “Someone’s looking particularly dashing in his tailored suit tonight.”
Before I can protest, Adam appears at my other side with his fiancé River, completing our family circle. His presence feels steadier than Lex’s teasing energy, though his subtle thumbs-up when Pierce glances our way again suggests he’s equally invested in our careful dance.
“Time to work the room,” Noah announces, guiding our group toward clusters of business people.
The movement feels carefully choreographed, keeping me close enough to observe Pierce without making it obvious I’m watching.
My cousins excel at this kind of social navigation, while my attempts are likely to end with the sprinkler system spontaneously going off.
Then again, they run their own successful PR and marketing agency.
I stick to the sidelines, following Lex as he talks to potential donors for the foundation. But I catch Pierce watching me from across the room, his expression changing for a moment, offering a smile that’s just for me before someone grabs his attention.
The lights dim slightly as the mayor takes the stage, his voice carrying easily through the elegant ballroom.
“Tonight, we celebrate those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community,” he begins, his tone warm with genuine admiration.
“This year’s Community Impact Award goes to two remarkable individuals who have transformed the lives of countless young people. ”
The room erupts in applause as Drew and West make their way to the stage, both looking slightly overwhelmed by the attention. Drew’s hand finds West’s as they approach the podium, a gesture so natural and loving that it makes my chest tight.
“The Starfinders Foundation,” the mayor continues, “has provided educational support, mentorship, and opportunities to over three hundred underprivileged youth in our city. Their innovative programs have resulted in a ninety-two percent high school graduation rate among participants, with sixty percent going on to higher education.”
West steps forward to the microphone, his voice steady despite the magnitude of the moment. “When we started Starfinders five years ago, we had a simple belief: that every child deserves a chance to reach for the stars, regardless of their circumstances.”
Drew takes over seamlessly. “Tonight, we’re honored not just to receive this recognition, but to share it with the young people who’ve shown us what courage and determination really look like.
Some of our earliest participants are now college graduates, others are starting their own businesses, and many have returned as mentors to help the next generation. ”
As they conclude their speech to thunderous applause, my eyes once again are drawn to Pierce. A few more minutes and we’ll be sitting together at the same table. I don’t know why, but it feels like I won’t be able to breathe until then.
“He’s different with you, you know,” Noah says quietly, his voice pitched low enough that only I can hear.
“He takes a lot of flak from me, partly because I’m immature and need to keep staking my claim to Lior, but also because he takes it so well.
Nothing ever rattles him. But you’re different.
I have a feeling that if you were to rattle him, you’d break him. ”
The observation wraps around my heart like a vice, making it hard to breathe.
“Careful,” Lex whispers from my other side, nudging me gently. “Your eyes keep drifting to a certain silver fox. People will start to notice.”
As the mayor finishes the speech and wishes everyone an enjoyable meal, I spot Pierce slipping away from the main ballroom.
“Excuse me,” I say, letting my feet carry me in his direction. I’m just a concerned assistant. My boss might need help. Or that’s what I tell myself with each step.
Pierce waits in a dark alcove near the restrooms. I can just barely make out his figure.
Before I can speak, his hands find my waist with familiar urgency, pulling me into the shadows. My back hits a wall as his mouth claims mine, the kiss carrying the same need and desperation I’ve been feeling.
“God, I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he breathes against my lips, fingers gripping my lapels like anchors. The contact sends electricity through my whole body as I pull him closer, desire making us less careful than we should be in a semi-public space.
My hands slide inside his suit jacket, finding warmth through fabric that makes me want to strip away every barrier between us.
Pierce’s mouth moves to my neck, drawing a moan from me.
The risk should make me stop him, but something about the intimate contact in a forbidden space makes everything more urgent.
“Pierce,” I manage, though my voice has gone breathy as his teeth find the sensitive spot beneath my ear. “We should… Anyone could…”
“Don’t care,” he murmurs, the words vibrating against my skin as his hands move lower with dangerous intent. “Need you. Been watching you all night, wanting to touch, to taste…”
His mouth reclaims mine before I can respond, the kiss deeper and more desperate than our usual contact.
My fingers tangle in his hair, disrupting his perfect styling.
Everything narrows to points of connection between us, his tongue sliding against mine, his thigh pressing between my legs, his hands gripping my hips with bruising force.
The sound of approaching voices breaks through our passion-induced haze, making us spring apart like teenagers caught by parents.
Pierce’s hands shake slightly as he straightens my tie, his own breathing still uneven as footsteps grow closer and then turn toward the restroom. I reach up to fix his hair.
“Can I stay with you tonight?”
The question fills me with hot anticipation. “Yes. But only if you promise to keep your hands to yourself until after the gala. I have an inconvenient erection I can’t get rid of right now.”
Pierce straightens his tie one final time before stepping back into the main ballroom, his mask sliding seamlessly into place. I wait a full minute, counting seconds as I try to will away the effect he has on me before following.
The transition back to the gala is jarring after our stolen moment. Elegant conversations resume around white-clothed tables as servers distribute the main course. I spot my cousins at our designated table, their knowing smiles making heat rise in my cheeks as I approach.
“There you are,” Noah says, standing to pull out my chair with exaggerated courtesy. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d gotten lost.”
Pierce finally takes his seat next to mine, and despite his promise, he puts his hand on my leg under the table.
My brain goes in one direction only. If he knows that everyone knows, does this mean he’s okay with it? Does he want an actual relationship with me?
Neither of us has denied our chemistry or this weird pull we have toward each other. But it’s one thing to give in to attraction and hook up, and another altogether, wanting to build a life.
Am I even the type of man Pierce would want to build a life with?
“Hey, you okay?” Noah asks.
I school my expression and smile. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Hmm, because your face just went all frowny.”
“It’s nothing. I was just having some bad intrusive thoughts.”
“Oh, you mean the doubt?”
“Huh?”
He leans closer. “That stupid feeling that overcomes you and tells you that you’re not good enough. You’re too young and still figuring yourself out. You’re most definitely not good enough for a sophisticated older man.”
I open my mouth and then close it again because I don’t know what to say.
“Tell me something?” he whispers in my ear. “Is his hand on your leg?”
I nod.
“Then you have your answer.”
I look at Pierce, and at that moment, he looks back at me and smiles. His hand tightens on my leg, but his face gives nothing away.
Maybe I can live with having him in any way I can for now.