Page 62 of Not A Whisper

Too bad his handsome features can’t distract me from the hurt that billows through me.

This is the young man who promised me a real chance at a relationship only to hide a secret engagement from me. Does it matter that Garry set it up? Would I be as upset if Grant had come to me immediately and told me about it? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know. But Grant never gave me the benefit of the doubt. He didn’t trust that I would understand and help him. If he doesn’t trust me, what’s the point of being together?

Tamping down the painful twist of my heart, I force myself to relax.

“Grant,” I greet with a polite smile, my stomach clenching as I brace myself for… well,anything. Grant has never approached me at the desk except for once. Andthatwas simply to lure me away from it so Jason and Trip could retrieve the file that they would blackmail me with.

While I don’t think being blackmailed again is in my immediate future, I can’t be positive that his presence is a good thing.

“How can I help you?”

Beside me, Jonathan sighs dramatically. “Cut the shit, I know you’re seeing each other. Say whatever you want. My lips are sealed.”

I shoot Jonathan a dark glare. Immediately he raises his hands in surrender. “I'm just saying.”

“You could say it a little softer,” I growl through clenched teeth.

Grant glances over at my coworker and his smile shifts from smug to charming. It’s like a light switch with how quickly and easily it flips.

“I don’t think you’ve properly introduced me to your friend,Bri.”

I’m not sure I appreciate the informality at my job. My teeth grind together as Jonathan snickers.

“See? Grant doesn’t mind dropping the charade,” he says, looking at me then back at Grant. “I’m Jonathan, Briella’s best friend.”

“That title is for Pianna. I’d say you’re a tolerable acquaintance at best,” I object but can’t hold on to my ire. “Jonathan, Grant. Grant, this is Jonathan.”

“Let your dad know that we appreciate his donation to the library. AERO is going to be a huge game changer for us,” Jonathan tells him.

Grant’s smile doesn’t waver nor do his eyes flash at the mention of the man he hates. “I’ll certainly let him know.”

He turns back to me, and I raise a brow expectantly. “Is there something I can do for you or am I simply supposed to bask in your presence?”

“Bask away, if you want.” He lets out a soft chuckle. “In the meantime, I’m here to drop off lunch for my fiancée, since I noticed you left without anything to eat this morning.”

What the FUCK.

My jaw drops. What the hell is going on? Why would Grant bring this up in front of others? That title is a joke between the four of us. Doesn’t he know what comes with that type of announcement?

Jonathan’s loud gasp echoes around us. “You’reengaged? How dare you not tell me! Where’s the ring? How long have you two really been seeing each other and keeping it from me? Oh you’re in so much trouble.”

Jonathan grabs my wrist and yanks me toward him. My desk chair rolls in his direction, but I ignore my friend to glare at Grant.

“He’s joking, Jonathan. He must have gotten me confused with hisrealfiancée.”

I dare Grant with my eyes to say otherwise. His smile falters, but somehow, he manages to hold onto it. Those auburn eyes flash with regret though, making me feel a little better.

“No, I mean you.”

I pull my hand away from Jonathan who sighs with disappointment. As he rolls back to his side of the desk, he mutters, “You two are so complicated.”

He has no idea.

“There’s nothing complicated about us,” Grant says, shrugging. “Briella is my?—”

I wave my hand, cutting off whatever he has to say.

“Drop it, Grant. I never actually believed it anyway.” I shrug. “In any case, that word feels a bit overused lately.”

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