Page 65 of Beyond Expectations

We were interrupted by the arrival of Serena and her Aunt Sylvie, who came loaded with even more food. And when she introduced me to her, I was pulled down into a great big hug, and my eyes bulged when I felt her hand going perilously close to my ass.

“Well, aren’t you a handsome piece of white chocolate? I’m so happy Serena has finally met someone and with such big and strong shoulders too!”

I was momentarily lost for words, and as I caught Serena’s eyes, I wasn’t sure who was blushing more, her or myself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sylvie.”

I managed to detangle myself gently and saw Anthony bent over laughing and Roman trying but failing to hide his own laugh.

Serena grabbed my hand and hastily led me away.

“Jesus, I am so sorry about her. I swear the woman has no filter.”

Wrapping my arms around her, I gave her a squeeze, and she finally looked up at me.

I bent down to whisper in her ear.

“I have to say I’ve never been called white chocolate before, but I think I like it.”

The way her face lit up as she laughed was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. The smile on my face was genuine and relaxed, and I couldn’t believe how utterly different this was from any get-together my family had ever had. Her uncle and aunt went all out. The spread of food could easily have fed a small army.

I spoke with her father about cars and Serena’s work. He also mentioned the car I had gifted to her. I was surprised when he, too, thanked me for buying something that meant so much to her. Her sister, Olivia, was the opposite of Serena. She was much more stern and always found something to tell her poor husband Calvin off about. But I could see it was just their playful banter, as the way they looked into each other’s eyes, it was clear they loved one another.

I also ended up becoming a human climbing tree for her two nieces. They seemed interested in making me their token pet horse, barking orders at me and climbing on my back, sending me round and around in circles. I didn’t mind, I always loved seeing my nephew, Kai, and playing with him.

On the few occasions we got a few moments to ourselves, we struggled to keep our hands off one another. But as always with Serena, every look, every touch, and every whispered word seemed to hit so much deeper.

It was almost seven by the time we left, and I could honestly say I had had a wonderful time. And as soon as we got into the car, I took full advantage of the privacy window, which allowed me to have my fill of her as Russell drove us back.

***

It was the day after the BBQ, and I was out having dinner with my father, Julian, and Carter Rutledge, my father’s best friend. Where it was only the four of us, I decided now was as a good a time as any to tell them about my relationship with Serena.

“Hold on. Have you been seeing her this whole time? What about Verity?”

My brother always had to throw a spanner in the works.

“Nothing is going on with Verity and there never will be,” I retorted.

I finished off my bourbon and called the waiter over for another.

I was half expecting my brother to make another stupid remark, but it was my father who spoke.

“I already know.”

“Excuse me?”

My head snapped back so quickly that I was surprised it didn’t roll right off.

“Rhett, I love you and your siblings dearly, and I know it can’t be an easy time for the whole family now. But despite everything that is going on, for the past few weeks, I have seen you be even more in control of yourself. At work, you’re always focused and hardworking, but you’re never usually desperate to get out of the office, especially during the week. Like I said, I know you, son. Plus, I also got a phone call from Walter Fitzgerald a few weeks ago.”

At simply the mention of the name, my anger began to creep up.

“And what did good old Walter have to say?”

“That is of no importance. The only thing that matters is whether she makes you happy.”

The reverence and sincerity were evident on his face.

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