Chapter 130
Summer’s POV
I pinched Brandon’s waist repeatedly, twisting my fingers until they ched. Nothing. Not even a flinch.
“Seriously? You don’t feel any pain at all?” I complained, flexing my tired fingers.
Brandon raised an eyebrow, his gaze dropping to my lips as he cupped my face. “Oh, it hurts. Does June want to kiss it better?”
Heat rushed to my face as I shoved at his chest. “God, can you be serious for five seconds?”
He laughed before flipping me onto my back in one smooth motion, arms bracketing my head. That maddening half–smile played at his lips as he looked down at me.
“Brandon, it’s getting late. We should-”
“You’re right,” he agreed. “It is late. June, your stamina is terrible. I think we need to start a new morning workout routine… every day.”
After our “workout,” I rested my head on his shoulder, rebellious enough to nip at the curve where his neck met his shoulder.
Brandon drew in a sharp breath. “June, you’re playing with fire.”
I froze instantly. “No more, please, Brandon!”
His expression softened as he pressed a gentle kiss to my eye. “I’m just messing with you.”
He reminded me, “Get dressed. We need to head downstairs. Don’t forget we’re visiting your grandfather today.”
“Oh my god, Grandpa George!” My eyes widened in horror as I smacked his chest. “I almost forgot!” I bit my lip anxiously. “I haven’t even prepared a gift!”
Brandon caught my hand. “Hey, relax. It’s fine. Just get dressed. We’ll handle everything downstairs.”
Downstairs, I was surprised to see James standing in our living room, looking like he’d been there for hours.
“James? What are you doing here?”
“I’ll leave you two to talk while I make us something to eat,” I added quickly.
Before I could escape, Brandon’s hand closed around mine. “Don’t go overboard. Something simple is fine.”
I nodded, trying to free myself as James suddenly found the ceiling absolutely fascinating.
“I’m going!” I finally yanked my hand free, feeling my cheeks warm.
By the time I finished preparing breakfast and returned to the living room, James was gone.
“Where’s James?” I asked, setting down a plate of French toast.
Brandon looked up from his newspaper. “He left. Did you need him for something?”
1 shook my head. “Just seems harsh to call him in on a weekend.”
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“Trust me, with what I pay laifies, he’s not suffering,” Brandon said, eeing the full breakfast spread. I thought I said something simple would be fine.”
I shot him a look. “It’s practically noon! And whose fault is that?”
Per Se’s manager rushed to greet us the moment we arrived.
“Mr. Stark, everything is prepared exactly as you requested. We’ve been closed to other patrons since noon.”
My jaw nearly dropped. Brandon had booked the entire Per Se? For a family lunch?
Once we were alone in the VIP room, Brandon guided me to a plush sofa, sitting close enough that our thighs touched. He took my hand, placing it on his knee and absently playing with my fingers–a habit I’d noticed developing over the past few weeks.
A gentle knock interrupted us.
“Mr. Taylor has arrived,” the manager announced.
I jumped to my feet, pulling Brandon up with me. “Grandpa!”
George Taylor entered slowly, leaning on his cane with Parker hovering at his side. His sharp gaze swept over me before turning to Brandon with frank assessment.
Brandon met the scrutiny head–on. “Mr. Taylor.”
Grandpa’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully before his face broke into a smile. “Good, good!”
I let go of Brandon’s hand to take my grandfather’s arm. “Grandpa. Come sit down!”
Once settled, I babbled nervously. “Grandpa, you remember Brandon, right? He came to your birthday party and gave you that antique chess set–the really beautiful one? Remember?”
“My pleasure, Mr. Taylor.” Brandon greeted again.
Grandpa patted my hand affectionately. “Of course I remember him! Do you think your old grandpa’s gone senile, young lady?” His eyes turned back to Brandon with unmistakable approval.
“You rascal,” he said to me. “Getting married without telling your grandfather! Such an important event…”
“But we’re telling you now!” I cut in, snuggling closer to his arm. “You were sick, Grandpa. I didn’t want to worry you. Anyway, Brandon treats me very well!”
Grandpa chuckled. “Listen to this girl, not a shred of shyness!” His gaze shifted between us, “What about your maternal grandfather? Have you introduced Brandon to Jonathan? His temper isn’t as forgiving as mine.”
“We’ve met,” I assured him. “And yes, Grandpa Jonathan wasn’t exactly… thrilled at first.”
I leaned closer, whispering: “Actually, Grandpa Jonathan found out from someone else. He was pretty angry. It took a lot of work to smooth things over.”
Grandpa turned to Brandon. “So you managed to win over the old professor, did you?”
Brandon smiled slightly. “Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. Yes, we’ve cleared things with Professor Thompson. That’s why we’re
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here today—to get your blessing as well.”
“Well,” Grandpa said bluntly, “I’m an easy old man to please. As long as you’re good to my Summer, everything else is secondary”
His expression softened as he looked at me, something like old pain Dickering in his eyes. “You know Summer’s situation. It be frank with you, young man. My granddaughter has endured enough hardship in her life, I only have one request–be good to her. Treat her well, for all her days.”
Brandon’s expression turned solemn, his voice carrying absolute conviction. Of course, I married June because I want her in my life. As for her past troubles… those are inconsequential now. She’s my wife, and I’ll protect her forever,
Under the table, I reached for Brandon’s hand, our fingers intertwining as naturally as breathing.
I could tell Grandpa was impressed with Brandon. My situation needed someone strong for protection, and Brandon was perfect for
that role.
“Let me be blunt about one thing,” Grandpa said. “That Alexander…”
“You’re concerned about family complications?” Brandon replied smoothly. “In families like the Starks, things can get… complex.
Grandpa’s eyes lit up, clearly impressed by Brandon’s perceptiveness.
“Don’t worry,” Brandon assured him. “As I told Professor Thompson, June won’t face any hardships as my wife.”
Even though they’d never directly worked together, Grandpa had heard about Brandon in business circles–a standout among his generation.
“One last question,” Grandpa asked. “Has Summer met your family yet?”
Brandon’s eyebrow arched slightly, but before he could answer, I jumped in.
“We thought we should visited you and Grandpa Jonathan first,” I explained.
The atmosphere instantly tensed. I realized my mistake too late.
Brandon squeezed my hand. “June, why don’t you check on the meal preparations?”
I bit my lip, glancing uncertainly between them. “I…”
“Go on, sweetheart,” he urged gently. “You know your grandfather’s preferences better than I do.”
I nodded reluctantly. “Okay, fine.” I let go of his hand and headed for the door, leaving the two most important men in my life to speak privately.
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