Chapter 309
Brandon’s POV
“What’s this about, Grandpa? When did you start getting into this kind of thing? Summer asked, turning the ornate silver lock over in her palm. Her confusion mirrored my own as I stared at the blank sheet of paper in my box.
“Come on;” I said. I tucked the boxes into my jacket pocket. “Let’s go home. I’m sure the professor has his reasons.”
As we drove back toward the Hamptons, I glanced over at Summer, who’d fallen uncharacteristically quiet. Her fingers traced the edge of Thompson’s envelope, her eyes distant and unfocused. Whatever was running through that beautiful mind of hers had completely captured her attention.
“What are you thinking about?” I asked, but she didn’t respond, lost in her thoughts.
By the time we pulled into the driveway of our estate, she still hadn snapped out of her daze. I parked the car and reached over, gently touching her forehead to break her trance
“Hey. Where’d you go?”
Her eyes refocused, widening suddenly as she jolted back to reality. Oh! Weren’t we supposed to get fireworks for tonight? We
haven’t bought anything for New Year’s!”
Get out of the car,” I said simply, nodding toward her door.
Summer’s confusion turned to shock as she stepped out and saw the mountain of fireworks boxes stacked neatly by our front
entrance. Her jaw dropped comically.
“What the–how did these-” she stammered.
James appeared from beside the house, perfectly composed despite the late hour and holiday. “Mr. Stark, Mrs. Stark,” he greeted us with a slight bow. “Everything has been arranged according to your specifications, sir.”
I nodded, satisfied with his efficiency. “Good work.” I pulled out my car keys and tossed them to him. “Happy New Year, James.”
His eyes widened as he caught the keys, his usual stoic demeanor momentarily cracking. “Thank you, Mr. Stark! Thank you, Mrs.
Stark!”
Summer blinked in confusion. “Me? What are you thanking me for?
I cut in before James could respond. “Take the next three days off, James.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He nodded respectfully before heading toward my Range Rover, his steps noticeably lighter.
Summer watched him go, her brow furrowed. “Why was he so excited about keys?”
Inside, I’d already slipped off my shoes and was holding out her house slippers when she finally stepped through the door, still -distracted.
“What’s on your min 12 You’ve been somewhere else all evening,” I said, offering her the slippers.
She blinked, focusing on me. “Nothing. Just… why did you make James work on New Year’s? And why did he look so happy about it?”
A Range Rover,” I replied simply. “Put these on.”
1/2
Chapter 309
Her eyes widened as understanding dawned. “Wait, is that why he wa so excited about the keys? You gave him your car?”
“Mm–hmm.” I guided her into our warm living room, where the television was already on, playing the New Year’s Eve coverage from Times Square.
Summer immediately kicked off her slippers and curled up on the so, patting the space beside her. I settled next to her, pulling her against my chest as she nestled into me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
“James has been with me for years,” I said, absently stroking her hair “If you ever need anything when I’m not around, go to him directly.”
She tilted her head up to look at me, her eyes soft. “Brandon.
“Hmm? What is it?”
“I love you,” she said simply, her voice quiet but certain.
I raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden declaration. “Saying you love me out of nowhere? What do you want?”
“Nothing!” she protested, her cheeks flushing adorably. “I just realized how much more I love you now.”
“Is that so?” I leaned closer, my voice dropping. “Well, it just so happens I love you more too.”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
