“Cheers, sweetheart.”
“Cheers,” I say as we smile at each other.
“There you are. How are you darling? I haven’t had a chance to see you yet.” Angus comes up beside me, kissing my cheeks. He’s been a presence in my life for such a long time and helped me through what was the toughest and worst incident of my life.
“Angus, how are you?” I pull him into a hug and he squeezes me back, the gesture so familiar to me.
“I’m good, darling. Pleased to see you, it’s been too long.”
“I know, I’ve been meaning to come up, but the jobs been busy.” He smiles down at me, taller than my five foot five, not as tall as the man beside me though. He towers over the both of us.
“I’m proud of you, Paige. I haven’t seen you since you started your job.”
“What job is this?” Gray asks. He’s shifted closer to me, almost as if he’s staking his claim in front of Angus, which is ridiculous, Angus is like a second father to me.
“Paige landed a junior role with Goldmans straight after graduation. She’s going places this one.”
“That’s amazing, swe— Paige. I didn’t realise you were in Finance.” I glance to Angus, seeing if he’s noticed Gray’s near slip up. Calling me sweetheart in front of him would not be keeping things subtle. Angus’ eyes have narrowed, eyeing us both suspiciously.Shit.
“Yes, I’m an analyst in their Wealth Management division.” I continue, hoping to take Angus’ attention away from Gray and I.
“Interesting. You ever think about working for a Hedge Fund?” Gray has a gleam in his eye I don’t think I’ve seen before. Angus laughs.
“I knew it!” He shouts. “I knew you’d try to steal her. After our conversation earlier today, I thought to myself, I bet he poaches her.”
He’s stealing me in ways you definitely wouldn’t be laughing about Angus, I think to myself. Gray’s smirk tells me he’s thinking the same thing I am.
“Can you blame me?” He says to Angus, “You told me she’s a genius.”
“What are you two talking about?” I interrupt them.
“Gray here runs one hell of a successful Hedge Fund, and I’d put money on him offering you a job before the weekend's out.” Before I can respond, Chloe comes over, grabbing my attention.
“Paige, come on, I need your input for something.” She grabs my hand pulling me away. Gray’s eyes follow me, his jaw set in a hard line. Yep, he doesn’t like that; my possessive man.
“What do you need?” I ask Chloe as she drags me over to her female relatives. Her sisters, mother and aunt are all gathered together talking.
“Nothing, I just thought you’d prefer to be over here with us. I could see you stuck talking to Gray and Dad and thought I’d rescue you.”No, Chloe, that’s not what I wanted at all.I don’t voice the words I’m thinking though.
I can’t stop smiling. I’m sitting at the table for dinner and Gray is a couple seats down and across the table from me. He made a beeline for me when they announced dinner was going to be served, but Chloe quickly piped up, saying she had a seating plan and proceeded to direct everyone to their allocated seats. Needless to say, Gray and I were not together and he is not happy. If looks could kill, Chloe would not be getting married on Sunday. I don’t know why, but I find this whole situation hilarious. I feel the vibration of my phone which is in my clutch bag behind me. I dig my phone out, having a very good idea of who this message is from.
Stop smiling and swap with this idiot next to me.
Well that just makes me smile more. Biting my lip I message back.
I’m okay here, thanks. Chris is great company.
Gray has been seated between Angus’ aunt and Chloe’s cousin, James. Both are lovely, but I know the aunt will be talking his ear off about her cats and James will be talking games. Neither of which I feel are of particular interest to Gray. Unlike Gray, I’ve been placed next to Chloe’s other cousin, Chris. I’ve known him for years and am totally aware he has a bit of a soft spot for me, despite being three years younger than me. To my other side is Chloe’s other middle sister, Amelia.
Bite that lip one more time and I will take you over my knee right here in front of everyone.
I gasp, instantly freeing my lip from between my teeth. My clit throbs and my face flushes.
Good girl. But you’re still getting punished later.
What? Why is he going to punish me and why is the thought of that so hot?
What? Why?
