Page 111 of Forever with the CEO

I stepped next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. “Right. I have a request of everyone. No questions today.”

Half the group started to talk at the same time.

Maddox shook his head. “Dude, making a statement like that is only going to make matters worse.”

I ran a hand through my hair, taking in everyone’s curious expressions. He probably had a point. Fuck, why did I think this was a good idea? I should have explained what was happening a few weeks ago, at least to my brothers. Told them that Allison and I weren’t just platonic roommates anymore.

“Don’t put Allison on the spot, please.”

“I hate to point this out,” Leo said, “but you kind of did. What the hell, man? Should have found a dark corner of the house or something.”

That had the effect of breaking the ice, so to speak. Allison started to laugh. At least she was relaxing a bit. Leo and I began laughing too. The rest of the family was just murmuring, but I knew they weren’t going to push. We were all close and nosy, but we respected one another’s boundaries.

Once everyone settled down, Granddad said, “Let’s change topics. No one needs us to meddle.” He was looking sternly at Gran, who, to my astonishment, nodded.

“Of course, of course,” she said.

But as everyone dispersed around the garden, Gran made a beeline for us.

“I will only say one thing on the topic. I know that you two started this for noble reasons, but I was certain there was something between the two of you long before you walked down that aisle.”

“Really?” Allison asked.

“Don’t encourage her,” I warned.

“Nick, I’m speaking from my heart,” Gran admonished. “The way Nick worried about you and wanted to make things easier for you, dear, it spoke volumes. And then at the wedding, you two... Well, there was something, and it was very obvious to me. I think for some of the others in the family too. I’m glad you two saw it as well.”

With that, Gran turned around and headed to the porch, where the catering team had already brought out food.

Allison was completely silent, and that kind of put me on edge.

“Allison? What are you thinking?” I asked.

She glanced up at me. “Your gran is adorable. But her spin on this is very... romantic.”

Shit. Does she not feel the same way I do? Figures that I’d fall for someone who doesn’t reciprocate.

“Don’t worry about her, okay?”

“I just don’t want to get her hopes up.”

Damn. Maybe all I’d get was a marriage with benefits after all...

“Let’s go enjoy the food. Don’t worry about getting anyone’s hopes up. If they do, it’s entirely their fault.”

“And yours, mister, for kissing me right here in this yard.”

I growled, leaning closer. Now that everyone had seen us, I didn’t really care what else they saw. And besides, I’d already used up all my self-restraint for the day.

“Nick! The food is here.” She took a step back before adding, “I’m going to bring out Annie and Jack.”

There was no need for that because Spencer came out with them and Ben. Penny was right behind them. Gran immediately went to her and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes went comically wide as she glanced at me. I tilted my head, shaking it, and she smiled sheepishly.

Why was everyone getting their hopes up? They were acting as if we’d just announced that we were inviting them to a real wedding.

Penny immediately pulled Allison to one side.

l said loudly for everyone to hear, “Allison, if you need rescuing from Penny or anyone else, just holler and I’ll come get you.”

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