Page 33

“Lucinda,” he snapped, fuming. “This is not funny in the least.”

“It’s pretty funny from where I’m standing,” she said, breathless from her hysterics. Grayson’s face was stony, unamused, but as he watched her absolutely lose it from laughing, she could have sworn she saw his lips twitch as if her laughter were infectious.

Then he groaned dramatically, and she watched as he grabbed a napkin and only succeeded in making the entire ordeal worse. “Yuck,” she said, making a face. “You should really get that cleaned up.”

As the liquid seeped through the fabric of his sweater, sticking to him, he made a sound of disgust. She could see he was trying to figure out how to get the sweater off without ruining any more of his clothes or getting the mess on his face.

As he puzzled over his issue, Lucy waved a gentle hand over Esme, then the counter, both returning to their previously pristine states in the blink of an eye.

Grayson looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to help him as well. Lucy pretended not to notice.

“Ahem,” he said, clearing his throat.

“Yes?” she asked innocently.

“I could use a bit of magic as well.”

She arched a brow. “And why, exactly, would I help you?”

Grayson’s expression sparked, gearing up for another retort, but his face fell soon after. He must have realized that wouldn’t help his predicament.

His face softened. “Please?” he said, and she had to say, humility was a good look on him. “I’m begging.”

“Hmm, begging.” She made a thoughtful sound. “That’s new.”

“Come on,” he said. “Please?”

“All right,” Lucy said, grinning wickedly. “But only because I like it when you beg.”

His eyes darkened, heat filling his gaze.

“Do you now?” he asked, voice low. An electric current shot up her spine, making her skin feel tingly. She blinked, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. “What else do you like?”

Her pulse quickened.

With a wave of her hand, she had his sweater right as rain. He looked impressed for a moment, mesmerized even, and released a long breath.

“Thank you,” he said. “Even though it was your fault.”

“Don’t get smart with me,” she threatened, turning Esme on him. He immediately ducked. Lucy bit back a laugh.

“Good baby,” Lucy said, kissing Esme’s cheek. As Grayson straightened, Alba came up to the counter, a memoir in her hands.

“New help?” Alba asked Lucy, gesturing to Grayson.

“Yes.” Lucy smiled. “This is my assistant.”

Grayson gave her a look that portrayed just how unbelievable he found her, which only fueled her joy.

“I’m Charles’s grandson,” Grayson said, turning to Alba to introduce himself. “Grayson.”

“Alba, and lovely!” Alba said. “Come to game day on Tuesday, you can meet Mateo!”

“Oh … uh … I’d like that, thank you,” Grayson said a little awkwardly. Lucy snorted.

Alba turned to Lucy. “Did my girl give you any trouble?” she asked.

“None at all.” Lucy smiled, while Grayson glowered in the background, marching off. “She was a perfect little angel.”