Summer’s POV
Sean raised an eyebrow, that infuriating smirk still playing on his lips. “You really don’t want to know? The suggestive tone in his voice made me want to smack him.
I lifted my gaze to meet his, staring him down with what I hoped was an icy glare. His smirk faltered slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
“Holy shit,” he muttered, taking a half–step back. “That look… it’s eerily similar to Brandon’s death stare. Has anyone ever told you that you’re starting to mirror your husband? It’s kinda terrifying.”
I maintained my stare, saying nothing.
“Seriously, stop looking at me like that,” Sean pleaded, his cocky demeanor cracking slightly. “It’s freaky as hell. Brandon’s bad enough we don’t need two of you doing that.”
I finally relented, pressing my lips together. “Let’s go,” I repeated, turning toward the hallway that would lead us back to the ballroom.
As I walked away, I could feel Sean hesitate behind me. When I glanced back, he was staring at the lounge door, something calculating in his expression that I hadn’t seen before–a glimpse of the shrewd intelligence he usually masked with his playboy act.
The ballroom was still buzzing with activity when we returned. Heads turned in our direction, curious eyes tracking our movement across the polished floor.
I spotted Ruby and Scarlett at their table, their eyes widening when they saw me enter with Sean. Their gazes immediately darted across the room to where Brandon sat with my grandfathers, appearing completely unbothered as he engaged them in conversation. If he was concerned about my disappearance with Sean, he didn’t show it.
Ruby and Scarlett both knew Sean. Ruby caught my eye and raised her eyebrows in an exaggerated expression that clearly asked: What the hell? I smiled reassuringly and waved. Sean, noticing the exchange, flashed Ruby a wide grin that was probably meant to be charming but came across as slightly predatory.
I steered Sean toward Brandon’s table before Ruby could interrogate us. Grandpa George and Professor Jonathan were deep in conversation with Brandon, but they looked up as we approached.
“Grandpa,” I said, slipping into formal introductions, “this is Dr. Sean Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan, this is my grandfather George Taylor, and this is my maternal grandfather, Professor Jonathan Thompson. I paused slightly before gesturing to Brandon. “And this is Brandon Stark, my husband.”
Brandon’s hand tightened almost imperceptibly around his teacup, a flash of pleasure crossing his face at my
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my stomach flutter. His lips curved into that slight, private smile he reserved just for me.
“Dr. Sullivan,” Brandon acknowledged, his voice deceptively pleasant. Welcome.”
Sean’s eye twitched, his gaze darting between Brandon and me. His smile looked more like a grimace as he replied, “The infamous Brandon Stark. I’ve heard so much about you. Meeting you in person is… quite something.”
Brandon calmly poured a cup of tea and offered it to Sean. “Try some?”
“Thanks,” Sean said, accepting the cup with obvious reluctance. He turned to my grandfathers, his charm cranked back up to maximum. “Mr. Taylor, Professor Thompson, it’s truly an honor to meet you both.”
Chapter 147
Grandpa George smiled kindly Good, good! It’s always nice to meet young people like yourself.”
I noticed Grandpa’s slightly confused expression and leaned close to his ear. “Grandpa, Mom tried to set me up with Dr. Sullivan’s cousin, Michael Sullivan, who’s actually Jesse Turner. Sean is friends with Brandon, and they knew about Mom’s plan in advance. Michael–1 mean Jesse–wasn’t interested in the arrangement either, so Sean came in his place.”
Understanding dawned in Grandpa’s eyes, and he looked at Brandon with new appreciation. Brandon caught his approving glance and smiled slightly, his eyes drifting to me with a warmth that made me blush.
Sean cleared his throat loudly, tapping his fingers on the table. “Could you two maybe tone down the eye–fucking? We’re in public,
for Christ’s sake.”
“Problem?” Brandon asked, his voice silky with danger.
Sean backpedaled quickly. “Not at all! Actually, I’ve got something interesting to show you.”
He moved to Brandon’s other side and attempted to drape his arm casually over Brandon’s shoulder. Brandon immediately brushed
him off, his expression hardening.
“Sorry, forget you’re not the touchy–feely type,” Sean said with a nervous laugh, withdrawing his arm.
From the corner of my eye, I could see other wedding guests watching our table with barely concealed curiosity. No one dared approach, though–Brandon’s presence had that effect on people.
“Summer,” Grandpa George said after a while, “Jonathan and I are thinking of leaving soon. This affair is getting rather tedious.”
“Already?” I asked, glancing around. “Would you like Brandon and me to take you home?”
Professor Jonathan immediately shook his head. “Not necessary. George and I can entertain ourselves with conversation, maybe take a walk. It’s too stuffy in here.”
Brandon caught my eye, giving me a subtle nod. I understood his silent message–let them go if they wanted to.
“Okay, but please be careful,” I said, unable to suppress my concern for the two elderly men.
Grandpa George chuckled. “We’ll be fine! We have drivers waiting. We’ll just say our goodbyes to your parents and be on our way.”
After they left, an awkward silence fell over our table. I fidgeted uncomfortably, not sure what to say with just Sean and Brandon
remaining.
Brandon, sensing my discomfort, glanced around the room. “Why don’t you invite your friends to join us?”
“Really? Is that okay?” I asked, surprised by his suggestion.
He nodded. “Go ahead.”
I quickly texted Ruby and Scarlett, who had been looking increasingly miserable at their original table. They practically jumped up at my invitation, weaving through the crowd to reach us.
“Mr. Stark, Dr. Sullivan, they greeted as they approached.
She
sat down beside me, tugging my arm. “Won’t people talk if we suddenly move to Brandon Stark’s table? This seems pretty conspicuous.
Don’t worry about it,” I assured her. “You’re my friends, and I invited you. That’s all that matters.”
2/3
Chapter 147
Ruby nodded, though she still looked nervous. She turned to Sean with obvious reluctance. “So, Dr. Sullivan, what brings you to Victoria’s wedding?”
“Why shouldn’t I be here?” he countered with a lazy smile. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
Brandon interrupted before their banter could escalate. “You said you had something to show me.” His tone made it clear he wasn’t asking. “What is it?”
Sean’s expression shifted to something more serious as he reached for his pho
