Chapter 33
Clayton
“Where is she, Clayton?” Grandmother asked as she breezed past me into my apartment.
“She’s still getting ready. I thought I said we’d meet you at the restaurant?”
“Yes, you did. I decided I couldn’t wait, so I had Lachlain bring me here instead,” she answered as she settled into the corner of the sofa, as was her usual spot.
“How come you were running late, bro?” Lachlain asked, a knowing gleam in his eye. One I was not about to confirm.
“It’s been a busy day,” I responded, the only answer he would get.
Every day, every moment with Reese was a revelation, the time in the shower being no different.
We’d spent almost every night together since the night at Pour Decisions and the sex had been phenomenal each time.
Except something felt different lately. More raw, more elemental.
More powerful. I didn’t know if I could explain it, but the second I’d see her, nothing could keep me from her.
I needed her in those moments more than I’d ever needed anything before.
Like I’d ever wanted anything else.
Not having my father back when I was a boy. Not keeping my mother from falling under Reginald’s spell.
Not even Conti-Montgomery.
It was all-consuming, and I was still trying to come down from the high.
“Clayton, did you hear me?”
I never could lie to the woman. “Apologies, Grandmother. I did not.”
“I bet I know why,” Lachlain murmured as he walked over to my wet bar, shrugging off the glare I sent his way. “Drink anyone?”
“We’re not staying long, Lachlain,” Grandmother chastised, but it didn’t stop him from pouring a finger of bourbon and settling into a chair. “I said Reginald knows about dinner.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t know how he found out, but he mentioned it to me today,” she explained.
“Why did you see him today?” I wanted her nowhere near him right now.
I didn’t think he had any idea about what was going on, but except for my blood family and Gage, I currently trusted no one at Conti-Montgomery.
While he wouldn’t actually harm Grandmother, she didn’t deserve his vitriol, which I’m sure he would level her way.
“He stopped by the house for reasons he did not give.”
Reginald never went to the Conti family home, though he was dying to get his hands on the Central Park West house.
He owned the property my siblings and I had grown up in, because of course Mother had willed that to him as well.
Once upon a time, I’d wanted that house back.
Now it was a reminder of what he had ruined and the woman he had taken advantage of.
“And what else, Grandmother?”
“So impatient, Lachlain. He told me to enjoy dinner with you boys and our guest, though he didn’t mention Reese specifically. Do you think he knows?”
Exchanging a look with my brother, I nodded.
“I think he knows too much.” Stepping away from the wall I’d been leaning against, I paced.
“I don’t like it, Lachlain.” I glanced up the stairs, worried I should never have brought Reese to Manhattan.
She would have been safe back in Henley Falls, away from whatever damage Reginald would attempt.
Safe from finding out why you were interested in the first place.
I needed to tell her. With everything settled, what would it really matter?
We would both get what we wanted, even if my initial interest was entirely self-serving.
“Yeah, neither do I,” Lachlain’s response dragged me back to the present. “Give me a minute and I’ll call Gage.” He stood and stepped out onto the balcony.
“Perfect. This gives me a second alone with you.” Grandmother patted the seat beside her, and I heeded the call. “Have you explained the deal with Reginald to her yet?”
I knew my answer would not go over well. “I have not, Grandmother.”
A look of disappointment settled over her face. It wasn’t one I saw often. The few times I had nearly cut me off at the knees. It was there now, because I hadn’t been strong enough to tell Reese.
“Clayton.” My name sounded like an admonition.
“How could you not? This is no way to start a relationship. Not with something like this between you. Do you even know what you’re doing with this girl?
” She gripped my hand, and I looked down.
She would always sit like this when she wanted to impart wisdom.
“I’m keen to meet her, but you better not screw this up. ”
If there was anyone I could be honest with, it would be the woman next to me. “I have no idea about anything to do with Reese right now.” It was humbling to admit. I understood business. Knew the ins and outs, the intricacies of making the right deals and investments.
I had no idea what to do with my own personal bit of trouble.
The light that had faded at my confession filtered back into her eyes. “Love will do that to you.”
My heart stopped for a moment at the word love, much as it had when Reese’s father had said it.
Did I love her? Was that why I felt confused, yet so alive, when I was with her?
Alive. Grandmother had said that weeks ago, but I was just now beginning to understand what she’d meant.
Reese made me feel things, feel ways, I’d never experienced before.
I was always so in control—of business, of my surroundings, of emotions.
Nothing about being with Reese felt like it was in my control.
Even in bed, when she surrendered to me, I felt wild and out of control.
“It will make you think you have no idea of how to proceed.” Grandmother’s voice captured my attention again.
“That you’re rudderless in the ocean, but you’re not if you have the foundations you build together.
” She tightened her grip on my hand. “But, Clayton, you have to be honest with her. No relationship ever survived without truthfulness and trust. All the love in the world will be overshadowed by lies. Leaning forward, she kissed my cheek. “I believe you’ll figure it out.”
I opened my mouth to say something as I heard the clicking of heels above. Turning, I watched the most breathtaking sight I’ve ever seen walk down the stairs. That seemed to be a recurring sentiment about Reese, but it was true. Somehow, she kept upping her game in her ability to bowl me over.
As if in a trance, I rose to my feet, ignoring Grandmother’s soft chuckle as I strode, mesmerized, toward Reese.
Smoothing down her skirt, Reese looked my way.
I could feel her nerves as I neared her.
“I hope this is okay. It’s the fanciest dress I have.
” The red dress cupped her breasts like the offering they were.
A fitted bodice flowed into a skirt that swirled around her legs and ended right below her knees.
Red heels and lips made her look like the sexy siren she was.
I should have taken her shopping. Should have splurged and spoiled her. Instead, business had dragged me away.
“You look stunning, dear,” Grandmother offered as she stood. “Doesn’t she, Clayton?”
“Stunning as always,” I agreed as I met her at the bottom of the stairs and took her hand. “Gorgeous,” I murmured, pressing my lips to hers. Leaning closer, I whispered, “Just breathe. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
“I say hot,” my brother chimed in as he strolled back into the room.
Walking right up to Reese, he pushed me out of the way and extended a hand, which she accepted.
“Reese, I’m Lachlain, but you can call me Lach.
I’m Clay’s younger, and obviously, better-looking brother.
It’s a pleasure.” Bringing her hand to his mouth, he kissed the back of it before flipping it over, his head descending once again.
“Do it, and I’m tossing you off the balcony.” My words were cool and measured, but no less of a warning.
I saw him wink Reese’s way, getting a smile from her, before releasing her hand and stepping back.
“Why must you be so much trouble, Lachlain?” Grandmother sighed before making her way to Reese and enveloping her in a hug.
By the look on Reese’s face, she hadn’t expected the familiarity, or maybe informality, from Grandmother.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Releasing her, Grandmother still held Reese’s hands in hers.
“I am fascinated by your little town and businesses. I want to hear everything.” She leaned in as if wanting to share a secret.
“Is there maybe a single firefighter or farmer, oh, maybe a carpenter, we can find for my granddaughter? Sofia picks the worst men.”
Reese laughed, the sound bringing life into what was normally a very sterile and silent apartment. “I’m sure we can find Sofia someone in the Falls, Mrs. Conti.”
I had a feeling Sofia would not like the idea of Grandmother as matchmaker. She likely wouldn’t be the only one. Lachlain opened his arms wide and complained, “I didn’t get a hug, Reese.”
Slapping a hand against my brother’s chest, I stopped any forward movement. “And you won’t be.”
“Clayton, call the car.” Grandmother looped her arm through Reese’s. “Let’s go, dear. The boys will follow.”
Reese appeared to relax incrementally during the car ride, with no small assist from Lachlain keeping everyone entertained.
By the time we pulled in front of one of the stately buildings and stepped out of the car, her nerves seemed to have disappeared.
That was until the doorman ushered us forward.
Grandmother had selected her favorite restaurant for dinner, which was both good and bad.
It didn’t cater to new money, as she liked to say, so the paparazzi were not lying in wait for the hottest celebrity or a bit of scandalous gossip.
However, it did cater to old money, which could be daunting under the best of circumstances.
I grew up surrounded by the opulence of wealth, and it had still intimidated me the first time my grandparents brought me here as a young boy.
Fortunately, I had Giovanna Conti by my side, as Reese does now.