“So tired, you wore me out.” She snuggles her face into my neck. She loves to fall asleep with her nose next to my neck.
“Go to sleep, Kitten. I’m meeting my grandfather for lunch, and then I’ll be home. Are you going to your study group tomorrow?”
She sighs. “Mm-hmm, Mr. Gifted. I will be going since I still have a year left. Also, I need to get ahead seeing how we are visiting Brance this weekend.”
“You don’t have to finish. If you need a break, take it. We can do anything you want us to do.”
“Hmm.” She rubs her cheek on my chest. “I need to graduate. I know I’ve been teasing you about graduating a year early, but I’m proud of you.” Her voice is sleepy and sexy. She lifts her head, placing a hand under her chin on my chest. “You know that, right? You are brilliant. And I am so in love with you it scares me.”
“I want you to be happy. I know you’re excited about staying in Italy this summer. If that’s something you want to do longer than the summer, we can. We can do anything we want.” I tell our dark bedroom this while I imagine her face as she tries to decide.
“Just something to consider.” My hand strokes her silky soft skin.
She’s silent. “I’ll let you know.” Her even, soft breathing lulls me to sleep.REEDI’ve been summoned by my grandfather. He’s asked me to come to his estate for lunch. Since I’m done with school, and Tess is busy most of the day, I accepted. He’s going to corner me about taking over some part of our vast businesses. Yet I can’t commit until Tess figures out what she wants. Of course, he is not going to want to hear that, but it’s the truth. Might as well get it out there.
Pulling up to the massive gates, I punch in the code and use my thumbprint. Silently, they open. I speed up the long stretch of brick driveway to his mansion, turn off the engine, and sit a moment. Tess was the last one to drive the Ferrari, and her scent has been with me the whole trip.
Christ, I’ve got it bad. Reluctantly, I step out. One of the immense wooden doors opens.
There’s a moment of unease. In all my years of coming to visit my grandfather, he has never greeted me. One of his numerous staff always shows me in.
“Hey, old man,” I say, taking the brick steps two at a time and giving him a big hug. At eighty-two, my grandfather Ian is tall and surprisingly fit.
His wise green eyes take in my appearance. Obviously approving, he clasps my shoulder as we enter the mansion. He had it completely redone a couple years ago, still keeping the dark ornate carved woods but adding a lot of much-needed upgrades.
I glance at him as we walk, so proud, commanding, intimidating. He has always been a hero to Jax and me. Even with his gray hair, he still gets women my age, and I chuckle at the thought.
“Reed, I’m glad you came. We need to talk.”
Wrapping my arm around his broad shoulders, I say, “Well, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve got all day. Tess has a study group lasting until late this afternoon.”
He nods. “Good because she is one of the things we need to talk about.”
That stops me. “What does that mean?” My blue eyes narrow on his green ones.
“Nothing bad, Reed.” He chuckles, making his eyes crinkle and his whole face relax. “So protective.” He pats my shoulder with a tight grip. “Such a Saddington.” Unmistakable pride oozes from him.
Sighing, I say, “Still working on that.”
I relax, running a hand through my hair. “You know how I am with her. Actually, I have something I want to discuss with you too.” I take a deep breath. Even after three years of living together, any little remark or some guy looks at her and my temper goes off. “Sorry, Grandfather. Believe it or not, I am working on my… whatever I have concerning Tess.”
“I do, Reed. I see an incredible change in you. I have never seen you happier.” His eyes sparkle with delight.
He opens the French doors leading out to the west side patio. It’s cooler out here, peaceful. Birds are chirping, and I let my mind unwind having left behind the horns and cursing of Manhattan. We sit down and are instantly served some sort of kale and cranberry salad, with bread that still has steam rising out of it.
Arching an eyebrow, I look at him. “What’s up, Grandfather? You hate salad. Where’s the steak?”
“Can’t an old man try to fit in? I know you and Tess eat this rabbit food. And we’re having steak next.”
Laughing, I hold up my hands. “I’m not complaining. This looks amazing.” Since I’m starving, I dive right in. It’s fresh and crisp. He’s right—this is one of our favorites.