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His eyes lifted to hers. “It was good. But I think we can do better.”
OhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGod.
She was saved from answering (or from falling to her knees and blowing him) when his father’s lawyer finally—finally!—made it into the office and took his seat at the giant mahogany desk in front of them.
Tenley took a deep breath and put her game face on. Well, she put Tenley Snow’s game face on, at least. But the lawyer was not what she’d been expecting.
For some reason, when she imagined Patrick Wilder’s lawyer, she thought he’d be some kind of Harvey Spector from Suits-looking dude. A real king of the world type with swagger and style to spare.
That did not describe Luther Wilson, Esq.
Luther looked like someone’s grandpa. Put a silly cardigan on him instead of a rumpled old suit and he’d fit right in with the cast of a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.
If she had to guess by his bright brown eyes, she’d say he was only thirty. But the depth of his laugh lines and rapidly receding hairline told her he was probably closer to sixty. He looked frazzled and busy, but smiled so warmly that Tenley couldn’t help but like him on sight.
Luther offered Knox a quick handshake. “It’s good to see you, son. I was…surprised to hear about your legal troubles.”
Knox gave him a wry grin of his own. “So was I, frankly.”
He nodded. “I never believed those accusations, you know. If I was a defense attorney, I would’ve defended you in a heartbeat.”
“I appreciate that, sir.”
“Just know that none of that nonsense will impact the release of your trust.” Luther shifted his eyes to Tenley. “And who is this lovely young lady?”
Thankful for the opportunity to become someone else (because being Tenley Taylor was so damn confusing at the moment), she extended her hand. “I’m Tenley Snow, sir. Knox’s fiancée. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, my…well, that’s a surprise.”
“Tell me about it,” Knox mumbled.
Tenley shot him a side eye sharp enough to separate skin from bone before turning back to Luther. “When I see a good thing, I grab it. I wouldn’t let a little thing like a prison record stand between me and the love of my life.”
“Oh, she grabbed me, alright.”
This time she gave him her best full-on glare. The same glare had made more than one grown man quiver in the past. It made Knox grin at her like an idiot. “I could always set you free if you prefer,” she said through clenched teeth.
He ran the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip while his gaze was locked on her mouth like he was about to kiss the hell out of her. “No fucking thanks, baby. I’m good right here.”
Annnnddd, just like that, she was right back to wanting to dry hump him again.
Luther chuckled. “You two sound like you’ve been married for years.”
They made small talk for a few minutes. Tenley explained how she and Knox had met (the made-up story, not the real one), how they fell in love, their plans for a simple civil marriage ceremony. Knox nodded along and agreed when needed. But she did most of the truth bending on her own. As she’d discovered, Knox was a great many things, but a good liar wasn’t one of them.
When she was done spinning her yarn, Luther looked visibly relieved. “Well, this is all very encouraging to hear. As you know, your father was very hopeful that you would eventually find someone to settle down and start a family with, and it certainly seems like you’ve done that. I’m sure Patrick would be very proud if he were here now.”
Tenley glanced over at Knox in time to see the smile fade from his face and his eyes. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” he said quietly.
Impulsively, she grabbed his hand and gave his fingers a squeeze. “He wanted you to get your life together, and you have. He’d definitely be proud.”
The look of gratitude he gave her as he threaded his fingers through hers brought tears to her eyes. They were having a moment almost as intimate as their time together that morning had been. Almost.
Luther cleared his throat. “As you know, your father wanted more than anything for you to carry on the family name, but also, to carry on the family business. Along with the twenty million in your trust—"
Tenley nearly choked on her own spit. Twenty million! She’d never asked Knox for a number, had assumed it was sizeable based on the mansion, but shit…twenty million. Knox wasn’t just rich, he was rich rich. Like, buy his own island rich.
“—your father also made it clear that if you meet the terms he set forth, a board seat—as well as one additional board seat with the qualified appointee of your choice—is yours.”
