Page 142 of The Protective Gryphen

He learned a lot.

* * * The Ravensmire Chronicles * * *

Ravensmire Castle

One P.M.

Scotland

When he arrived back to the grand lady, Graham had a lot to do. He knew that Ian wanted to surprise his man with some fun, but he also knew that Gryphen wanted to surprise his boyfriend with a fancy dinner.

This put him in a unique predicament. He had to choose precedence over one or the other.

They both couldn’t have their plans play out. There was just no way.

So, he went with the fancy dinner, pretty sure that they were going to be tied up in the town for a while. Plus, he saw how rattled Gryphen was, and he knew when he felt like that, he needed a distraction.

It looked as if he was playing evening festivity planner for the two men.

It was about finding a way to stall for Gryphen so he could have his dinner, and not let on that Ian had also planned something romantic.

Then, he had an idea.

Pulling out his phone, he hated to be the bearer of bad news but someone wasn’t getting their romantic evening plan.

Not tonight.

He sent a text to Ian and lied his ass off.

‘I just got back from the town, and I couldn’t get skates in Gryphen’s size. They will be in later tonight. Can you push your little adventure to tomorrow? The ring will be done around the same time. Let me know—G.’

He hit send, and hoped the bossy man that hovered wouldn’t find the text.

While he’d been crystal clear that he wasn’t interested in Ian, the man still came across possessive and suspicious.

Honestly, he couldn’t blame him.

Graham swore if he ever found love again, he’d hold on, and he’d not make the same mistakes he’d made the last time.

He’d do better.

He’d work harder.

He’d…fight.

As he waited for Ian to reply, he got their dinner prepped, and went with a succulent ham. He was trying to accommodate for American tastes, and he knew it was something they’d likely enjoy.

He also had to get the dining room set up like he’d promised Gryphen. If the man wanted a formal dinner, he’d give him the works.

The fine China.

The candles.

The whole thing.

After all, Callen had told him to let them have anything they wanted. Apparently, the woman he married favored these two men.

While he’d read about Elizabeth Blackhawk, and seen her on the telly, he was fascinated to meet her. Oh, he was sure that day would happen.

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