36. Maeve #2
Dinner is served by the same staff as before, although we’re all dressed more casually tonight. I notice the male server doesn’t engage me in conversation the way he did previously.
I feel my cheeks warm as I remember Hayden’s claim that the man was interested in me. I make sure my engagement ring is visible on the table, just in case.
We’ve just been served the first course when the three men emerge from the office, stretching and looking tired but satisfied. I recognize that expression from work—the end of a long but productive day.
“Hey there,” Ford says with a grin, approaching my chair. He covers my hand with his on the table and kisses the top of my head. “Did you have a good day?”
Hayden actually winks at me as he sits down, which is so unexpected I feel my face heating up. I hope everyone assumes it’s because of Ford’s attention.
“I did, thank you.”
“Good evening, Maeve,” Gabriel greets me as he takes his seat.
“Hello.” I try to keep my tone polite but neutral, which is harder than it should be. I’ve never had to monitor how I speak to these men before, never worried about seeming flirtatious or distant.
I catch Gabriel glancing over my head at Ford. They’re clearly exchanging some kind of look, but I can’t decipher what it means.
Ford settles beside me, and we begin eating.
Dinner is pleasantly quiet, everyone casually chatting about their relaxing day.
The men discuss the work they accomplished, their passion for the project clear in every word.
I love seeing them this engaged, but it also reinforces my fears.
I can’t let myself—or them—do anything that might disrupt this perfect synchronicity between them, or jeopardize this deal they care so deeply about.
I try to stay quiet, letting them talk. I’m pretty sure they can tell something’s wrong. They keep sending glances my way, but I do my best to ignore them.
“I was thinking,” Elaine says as dessert is served, “we could have family game night tonight. We’ve spent all day apart, and I don’t want us just sitting around staring at screens together. What do you all say?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Gabriel agrees smoothly.
Everyone else chimes in with approval. I nod along.
We move to another room after dinner—this house seems to have an endless supply of specialized spaces—featuring a large round table perfect for board games.
There are several options available, but we end up choosing something that requires teams. Lydia immediately claims Hayden since she knows he’s competitive, and everyone insists I partner with Ford since it’s only natural for an engaged couple.
Liam gets paired with Elaine, and Charles with Gabriel, which seems ideal.
Elaine can handle her son’s moods, and Gabriel is charming and gracious where Charles clearly passed his competitive streak to his children.
“What’s going on, Spitfire?” Ford murmurs in my ear as we get started.
“Nothing,” I whisper back. “Shh, I’m trying to pay attention.”
I don’t know this game and want to understand the rules as we begin. Board games are one of those things you can only really learn by playing—someone can explain all they want, but it doesn’t click until you’re actually doing it.
But what I’m telling Ford is just an excuse, and he knows it.
He waits a few minutes as we get into the rhythm of the game, then leans in again. Other people are whispering strategy to their partners too, so it doesn’t seem unusual.
“Is this because we were working all day?” Ford asks quietly. “We appreciated the lunch you made, but we were hoping you’d bring it yourself. We could have used the break.”
“I didn’t want to disturb you while you were working. I know this deal is crucial to you.”
“It is, but so is taking full advantage of our time with you.”
“I just didn’t want to be a bother.”
“You know you could never bother us—even when we’re working. We’re not trying to neglect you. We meant what we agreed to yesterday.”
I swallow hard. “Right. I don’t think you don’t mean it, Ford. But I actually think this might not be a good idea. I think we should just leave things as they are.”
Ford makes a small incredulous sound in the back of his throat. “That’s not what you want.”
He speaks with such confidence, I can’t help but shiver. He’s speaking so close to me, his lips almost brushing my ear. His voice is warm and dark, curling through my mind and down my spine.
“You don’t know that,” I whisper back.
“You forget something important.” Ford’s hand settles on my thigh under the table, high up where no one can see. “I know you, Spitfire. You know us, but we know you too. And I can tell when you’re lying, even when you’re lying to yourself.”
“I’m… not lying,” I breathe, but there’s a slight tremor in my voice that betrays me.
“Yes you are.” Ford’s hand slides up my inner thigh and squeezes possessively. “You can tell me that you think this is a bad idea, but you can’t lie to me and claim it’s not what you want.”
“We want lots of things that are bad ideas,” I whisper back, my breath catching as his fingers trace patterns on my skin. “But for the record, no, I don’t want this anymore. I’ve changed my mind. The complications are just too big.”
“Right.” Ford’s quiet voice drops to that commanding tone that makes my stomach flip. “So if I were to slip a finger into your panties right now… I wouldn’t find you soaking wet for me?”