Page 17 of Christmas with My Ex's Dad
“Griffin, it’s time for your speech.” The unexpected interruption steals our moment. An employee from GreenFrame Construction stands beside us, expectant.
Griffin’s gaze lingers on me, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Hold that thought,” he murmurs, his hand brushing lightly against my arm before he strides towards the stage with purpose.
As Griffin takes the stage, I find myself captivated by him all over again. His confidence, his charisma, and the way he commands the attention of the room leave me breathless. I watch as the spotlight illuminates him, and the entire room falls silent, hanging onto his every word.
“Good evening, everyone,” he begins, his voice resonating throughout the hall. “It’s been an incredible year for GreenFrame Construction, and I am proud to stand before you tonight to express my gratitude.”
His sincerity and passion shine through each word, and I can feel my heart swell. He speaks of the company’s accomplishments and the tireless dedication of his employees, painting a vivid picture of the collective effort that brought them here, to this celebration.
“Without each and every one of you,” Griffin continues, locking eyes with various members of the audience, “we wouldn’t be here. You’ve shown resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. For that, I am truly thankful.”
The crowd erupts in applause, and I find myself clapping along, unable to resist being swept up in the emotion of the moment. As his speech comes to an end, Griffin’s eyes scan the room once more, eventually finding mine.
“Here’s to another year of success, growth, and making dreams a reality,” he finishes, raising a glass in toast. “Thank you all.”
The applause fades, replaced by the hum of conversation and laughter as people mingle once more. I stand in the back of the room, hands tightly clutching my wine glass, my eyes never leaving Griffin.
“Did you enjoy the speech?” A familiar voice startles me, breaking my reverie. It’s Kyle, standing a few feet away, his gaze filled with curiosity.
“Y-yes,” I stammer, taken aback by his sudden appearance. “It was very inspiring.” My mind churns, trying to shift my focus from the realization that just moments ago had rendered me breathless.
“Griffin certainly knows how to captivate an audience,” Kyle muses, watching him interact with a group of employees. “But then again, so do you.”
A flush creeps up my neck at the insinuation, but I refuse to let it rattle me. “That’s kind of you to say, but I think tonight is about celebrating Griffin and his company.”
“Of course,” he concedes. “I just thought you should know that you’re not the only one who noticed him.”
“Excuse me?” The words come out sharper than intended, my newfound vulnerability making me defensive.
“Relax,” Kyle smirks, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not here to cause trouble. Just saying that some of us have seen the way you two look at each other. You’re good for him, Faye. He needed someone like you.”
Needed someone like me?
The fact that his employees think we’re good for each other makes me tingle in all the right ways.
14
GRIFFIN
Iwish I could call off and just spend the day with Faye…I mean I suppose I could but I’m pretty sure she has to work herself so what would be the point.
The steam from my coffee curls around my face as I take a final sip, savoring the bitter taste that jolts my senses awake. I catch the soft patter of her footsteps coming, and a small smile plays on my lips. Every day feels brighter with her here.
“Morning,” she greets as she breezes past me, a trench coat tightly belted around her waist. I can sense her urgency in the way she moves. She leans in, pressing a quick kiss to my lips, and whispers, “I’ve gotta go.”
“Wait.” My brows knit together as I grab her wrist, stopping her mid-step. “What’s the rush?”
Faye giggles, trying to wriggle free.”I’m going to be late for work,” she says, and I notice the slightest hint of anxiety in her voice.
I study the oversized trench coat draped over her slender frame. My eyes narrow, curiosity piqued. “What’s with the coat?” I ask.
“Nothing. Just… cold outside.” Faye stammers, avoiding my gaze. Her fingers nervously toy with the belt cinching the coat tight around her waist. I don’t buy it. There’s something she’s not telling me.
“Let’s see what you’ve got under there.” I step closer, my tone teasing but firm. She tries to stop me, holding the coat closed, but I gently brush her hands aside, undoing the buttons one by one. “Come on, don’t fight me.”
When the coat finally falls open, my breath catches. Beneath it, Faye is wearing a revealing, sexy two-piece outfit—delicate lace and straps that leave little to the imagination.
“God, Faye,” I murmur, my voice catching in my throat. Heat surges through me, and my gaze darkens as my body responds immediately. I take a deep breath, struggling to maintain control. “No.”
