Page 15 of Forever with the CEO

“Had brunch at my grandparents’ house.”

“Wow. Your grandparents are still alive? That’s amazing. How old are they?”

“Well into their nineties, but you wouldn’t know it.”

“And you’ve got a lot of brothers, right? I’m sorry, I’m not really up-to-date with your family. I know the Whitleys are prominent and known all over Boston, but I guess I’ve either not paid attention or have been living in my closet.” We both laughed at my joke.

When he set down his half-eaten skewer, I noticed the veins on his forearm move with the motion. I had no clue how I could find that sexy, but I did. Clearly I was losing my mind.

“There are eight of us. I have two brothers and five half brothers.”

“I think I read something about the Whitley family, but I really don’t remember the details.”

Nick frowned. “My father had a double life.”

I gasped. “Oh, I didn’t put two and two together. Wow. I assumed that maybe... You know what?” I cleared my throat. “Let’s not get into that. Sad topic and all that.”

Nick curved up a corner of his mouth. “That it is, but I don’t mind telling you.”

Now I was curious. “Okay. But only if you want to.”

“The story had an unfortunate beginning, but all of us brothers are on very good terms right now, and we’re especially close to our grandparents. We get together as often as we can. Most everyone’s married. The only ones who are still engaged are Maddox and Leo, so it’s always a full house.”

“That must be something.”

“Yes. By the way, my grandparents actually offered to look after the twins if you feel like you need help at any time.”

I jerked my head back. “But they don’t know me or the kids.”

“I know that. That’s just how they are. Obviously, you’d get to meet them and everything, but it’s just something to keep in mind.”

I was touched in ways I couldn’t even express. These perfect strangers just offered to spend time with the twins when not even Nora’s best friend ever had. I swallowed hard, thinking how kind Nick’s family was.

“Thanks. I like your grandparents already.”

He winked at me. “Something tells me they like you too.”

“How come?”

“That’s a story for another time.”

It didn’t seem like a sad story, just one he was keen to avoid for now.

We finished our skewers, then left the counter. It seemed to be an unspoken agreement between everyone that once you finished the meat, you moved away to make space for the next customers.

“Let’s get a drink,” Nick said.

“Yes, please. Something with alcohol. Not too much, though.”

He smiled. “Don’t worry, Allison. I’ll take great care of you tonight.”

“Just don’t get me drunk.”

“Would never dream of it.”

After checking what they had on offer, he said, “White wine?”

“You’ve read my mind. I’ve never really been a cocktail girl.”

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