Page 60 of The Grump I Got Stuck With

Alistair shook his head, picking up his knife and fork. “Everyone’s keeping their distance. Honestly, it’s not as bad as I feared. I can handle a couple looks.”

My heart broke for him. While I was proud of him for facing this head-on, I didn’t want Alistair or Kenna to be subjected to anything that made them uncomfortable.

“You want some eggs?” Alistair asked Kenna after he’d eaten through his sausages and black pudding.

“Nope,” she said.

His lips twitched. “Are you going to do more than muck around in your syrup?”

Kenna popped a sticky finger into her mouth, grinning.

“Didn’t you know you can survive on a diet of maple syrup and sprinkles?” I teased, handing Kenna a napkin. When Alistair didn’t respond, I looked up to see that he’d stiffened, his eyes narrowed across the dining room. I turned my head to follow his line of sight.

A man in a sleek suit was striding our way, a steely expression on his face, looking like he had a lot to say.

Fuck.

This might actually be worse than the paparazzo. You expected the press to show up and be obnoxious. Getting blasted by a stranger who you’d never met before…who hated you just because…that was probably a harder pill to swallow.

I glanced at Kenna quickly, wondering if I should just take her and leave. Alistair wouldn’t want her exposed to⁠—

“Mr. Shaw,” the man said, reaching us before I could do anything. “Sorry to bother you, my name is Brian Marsh.” He sounded American. “I saw you at the tech conference yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself. I was hoping we could schedule some time to chat? My start-up is doing some exciting things in the world of travel tech, and I’ve got a great investment opportunity I’d like to pitch to you.”

The tension in Alistair’s shoulders released, his expression shifting slightly as he snapped into business mode. I exhaled, glad that all the guy wanted was Alistair’s business experience and pocketbook.

“Nice to meet you, Brian,” he said, shaking the man’s hand. “I’ve got my girls to focus on right now, but I’ll give you my card.”

My girls.

My pulse raced, and I ducked my head, heat spreading up my neck, itching at my cheeks.

Alistair slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and handed over his business card. “Reach out to my assistant, Alfie, and we’ll set something up.”

Brian nodded, thanking him. “Sorry again for interrupting. Enjoy your breakfast.”

“Daddy, I want a card,” Kenna said, pouting as she held her hand out. Alistair produced a business card for her too.

“Here you go, love.” He wiped his mouth and tossed his napkin down, checking his watch.

“Is that you off then?” I asked, a little disappointed to lose him even though I’d had him all evening. “Do you have somewhere to be?”

“No, we have somewhere to be,” he said, smiling conspiratorially.

“What?”

“I don’t have another meeting until this afternoon. So…” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I thought we could spend the rest of the morning playing tourist.”

“Really?” I was almost embarrassed at how eager I sounded.

He nodded. “I’ve got a couple things planned I think you’re really going to enjoy.”

“Daddy, I want to come,” Kenna said.

“You do?” he replied, pretending to be shocked. She nodded, climbing down from her chair, running around the table to give him a kiss on the cheek. Alistair snuggled into her until she giggled. “Then to the limo!”

Kenna gasped, rushing for the door on the other side of the room. “Me first!”

“What do you want to bet she’s about to get maple syrup fingerprints all over the seats?” I said.