Chapter 33 #2
After a moment’s hesitation, Reese straightened her shoulders and looked over at Grandmother. “Shall we?”
“We most certainly shall, dear,” Grandmother responded, linking arms with her. The look Grandmother gave me over her shoulder told me she wholeheartedly approved of Reese. Which was good, because I didn’t think I’d be able to give her up.
By the time we were seated and our drinks served, Reese’s personality was on in full force, regaling us with stories of Henley Falls and growing up in a small town with a large family.
“Mrs. Conti,” she paused when Grandmother held up her hand.
“Giovanna, please. You’ll be doing business with the family, after all, if not something else also,” she added with a pointed look in my direction.
“Oh, I’ll definitely be doing both,” Reese answered slyly, sending a wink my way.
“Are you blushing, bro? How did you end up with the spitfire?” Lachlain shook his head and took a sip of his Scotch. “This is weird.”
“Excellent, dear. Now, please continue.”
I had not predicted being the center of sexual innuendo at dinner with my grandmother, but if it meant Reese was relaxed and enjoying herself, I’d take it.
“Giovanna, of course. I just wanted to invite you to the Falls whenever you would like to visit. The holidays are a wonderful time, but nothing truly beats fall in the Blue Ridge. There’s something magical about the leaves changing. It’s as if a painting comes to life in front of us every day.”
“I would love to visit.” Grandmother looked my way. “I’m hoping I will have many opportunities and reasons to spend time there.”
Lachlain leaned in and turned his head to whisper my way. “She’s laying it on thick. She may have you engaged by the end of the night.”
Biting back a laugh, I couldn’t actually refute his claim. I also didn’t want to.
“I’ve read quite a bit about your family, dear, at least what I could find online. Having ties to a town from the very beginning is fascinating. Our own connection with Conti-Montgomery is similar. Legacy is important, carrying forward the creation of something from scratch.”
“My grandfather was the biggest inspiration I had when thinking about what I wanted to do. He’d taught me the importance of legacy, of vision, but most importantly of family.
” Reese’s breath hitched and I suspected she was holding back her emotions about her grandfather.
“I lost him a few years ago and still feel a bit lost, especially in taking on all of this.”
“Family is everything. It’s the foundation we build upon in life.” She took a sip of her wine. “While I regret not being able to meet him, I know I will enjoy getting to know the rest of your family.”
Reese smiled, her sorrow of moments ago replaced by genuine enthusiasm. “I believe you will love everyone, Giovanna.” Reese placed her hands in her lap, looking for all the world demure as can be. Until her toes rubbed against my leg.
Damn, this woman was full of surprises. My entire body felt as if a live wire had been laid on it.
Sparks denotated under my skin as she stroked under the hem of my pants.
I bit my lip to keep from groaning, not needing anyone around us, particularly Grandmother, to know exactly what Reese was doing.
She looked at me and then focused again on my grandmother.
By the time coffee arrived, I’d decided Lachlain and I were merely decorative guests during the meal as Grandmother and Reese dominated the conversation.
A shadow fell over the table and by the way Lachlain stiffened beside me, I didn’t need to turn to see who hovered over my shoulder.
“Well, well. Fancy meeting you here.” Reginald’s voice slid over me like ice water.
I wanted him nowhere near this table. Stepping closer to Reese, he held out a hand, which she accepted before I could stop her. “Who is this lovely young lady?”
I opened my mouth to answer for her, not wanting her on his radar at all, but once again, she beat me to it.
“Reese Henley,” she answered as she shook his hand. “And you are?”
Reginald pursed his lips, clearly displeased she didn’t know who he was.
“Reginald Aster, President and CEO of Conti-Montgomery, along with being Clayton’s stepfather.
” He looked my way, a gleam in his eyes serving as a warning.
This man knew something was going on. “I hear we’ll be seeing your family business come on board soon. ”
I shot Lachlain a look. I had told no one about the Henleys agreeing to my proposal and signing the contract. I didn’t want to do anything with Reginald still in the picture. Once the situation was taken care of, I wouldn’t have to worry about anything he may say or do to Reese.
“Looks like you got some bad information, Reg.” Reese shrugged, looking away and taking a sip of her coffee, as if she couldn’t be bothered talking to him.
Even though I hadn’t talked much about my stepfather, she definitely knew there was no love lost, or love at all, there. “We haven’t made a decision yet.”
Reginald on the other hand looked ready to explode. He didn’t take informality well, and definitely didn’t appreciate being told he was wrong. Which he wasn’t in this case, but I wanted to see what my Little Trouble had up her sleeve.
“Really. I could have sworn I heard differently.” He continued to stand over her, looking down, but Reese never let on if it bothered her.
“You may have, but I can’t be held responsible for your poor sources.
” She took a bite of the tiramisu she’d ordered, letting the moment stretch several seconds.
I could see a slight tic in Reginald’s jaw as she made him wait.
“I’m here because Clay wanted to impress me, and I’ve only been to New York once.
” With a little lift of her shoulders, she let continued, “Who wouldn’t pass up a chance like this? ”
Reginald stared at Reese, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He didn’t know if he’d been given wrong information or was getting played.
I, on the other hand, watched Reese give a Masterclass in creating confusion, all while protecting herself and her family. As if I couldn’t love this woman any more.
Holy shit.
There it was. The thought, but more importantly, the words came so easily. I loved her.
I needed to tell her, to lay everything out in the open. As soon as Reginald was out of the picture, that was exactly what I’d do and then we could move forward.
“Well, my information must have been premature then.” He turned his gaze to my brother and me. “Boys, I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.” Grandmother didn’t even lift her head when he addressed her. “Giovanna, I hope to see you again soon.” With cold, predatory eyes, he turned back to Reese.
If I didn’t think I’d get arrested or make the evening news, I’d take a swing at him. Instead, I’d wait and let him be the one in that predicament soon.
“Ms. Henley, I do so hope you opt to work with us. We’re looking forward to all we can do with you. Good evening.”
“Good night, Reg,” she answered with a little wave.
“I hope to never see that man again, let alone anytime soon,” Grandmother said as soon as he left the dining room. She looked across the table at me and then Lachlain. “We’ve waited long enough, boys.”
“I’ll call Gage again.” My brother had his cell out before he stood. “Meet you in the car.”
“I’ll join you, Lachlain,” Grandmother added as she stood.
Reese turned to me, a look on her face I hadn’t seen since I’d shown up at her doorstep. Her eyes held fire and a dose of skepticism and doubt. About me. “I don’t like your stepfather, Clay, but I also have the feeling you’re hiding something.”
Standing, she headed for the door, and I knew Grandmother was right. If I didn’t confide in Reese, I could lose her, and losing Reese would cost me more than losing Conti-Montgomery.
It would cost me a piece of myself.