Page 25 of Masked Love

“I see,” he replied calmly, but I knew him well. He wasn’t happy about it. The calmer he was, the more you had to be wary.

Then Grandfather eyed me. “This is reckless, Xander. I’m sorry, Greyson. No offense to you, but this is highly unprofessional.”

“None taken,” he mumbled, hiding his face in his stew. I grabbed his thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze to let him know it was all going to be okay. I’d expected this.

“You’re right. It is unprofessional. Greyson and I have talked about this at length. Being open about our relationship was myidea. He was against it. He also offered his resignation, which I denied.”

Grandfather took a bite of the stew, and I was ready to hear his blunt words. “He also has nothing to offer you.”

“You’re wrong. First, I don’t need more money. I have more than I can ever spend. And Greyson doesn’t care about wealth. Those other men you tried to pin me down with, like Matthew, were not my type. I want love, not to increase my stock portfolio.”

“Doyou love him?”

“It’s still early yet. We’ve just started this thing between us.”

“You two are not a good match,” he insisted.

I put down my fork and took a sip of wine, choosing my words carefully. “Grandfather. It shouldn’t matter who I want to be with. You gave me no requirements, not that I would’ve followed them, anyway.” I reached for Greyson’s clenching hand on his lap. “He’s a perfect match for me when it comes to personality and companionship. We have surprisingly a lot in common. Greyson is also a good soul, full of kindness and patience. Most of all, he makes me laugh and feel good.”

Greyson squeezed my hand back, and when I looked at him, he smiled at me, and then he looked at my grandfather. “I understand your worries that I would take advantage of Xander and his wealth. It’s not something I would ever do. I chose this line of work because I enjoy it. I could’ve picked something else after college—a bigger job or starting a business, but I love helping Xander, and he needs it. Being a personal assistant calls out to my organizational needs. While we’re still new, and anything can happen, I’m very much enjoying your grandson’s company. He’s an amazing man, and I hadn’t really realized how much until I got to know him. He’s so down-to-earth, kind, fun, and he makes me laugh. These are all things that I look for in a partner. I would never hurt him intentionally.”

At least Grandfather listened to him. He set down his fork and nodded. “Very well. As long as you’re happy, Xander. That’s the most important. I was just hoping to be a great-grandfather before I kicked the bucket. You should've settled down sooner.”

He was old-fashioned, so I forgave him for that. “I am happy.”

“Then it’s settled. You have my blessing.”

A weight I didn’t know I was carrying lifted from my shoulders, and I breathed out a silent sigh. “Thank you.”

“So, when’s the wedding?”

Sounds of sputtering and coughing filled the large room as Greyson choked on his wine. “Wedding?” he squeaked.

“Let us spend more time together, Grandfather, before we get carried away.”

“Fine,” he grumbled. “Just remember, I’m not getting any younger.”

“Yes, so you keep reminding me,” I teased.

He harrumphed and ate his dinner, but I knew I had him.

Greyson and I said our goodbyes right after dinner as Grandfather tired easily, and the nurse needed to get him ready for bed.

When we stepped outside, I pulled Greyson into a hug. “I told you he’d love you.”

“I think ‘love’ is stretching things.”

“Well, he didn’t give you the boot, so…”

“Yes, let’s think of the positive aspects,” he chuckled, rolling his gorgeous chocolate eyes, then shoved his glasses up his nose with his finger.

I took both of his hands and pressed my lips to his. “I really like where this is going between us. We mesh really well in every aspect. I hope there’s more ahead of us.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but I’m still worried about your reputation and what everyone at work thinks.”

I cupped his face and placed a gentle kiss on his pillowy lips. “You let me worry about that.”

“Icouldstill quit and find a new job.”

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