Page 104 of An Engagement for Erica

She didn’t even do that the first time she wore it in front of his grandfather.

Now that they were in a relationship together, she was.

He couldn’t figure it out and shouldn’t have been surprised his grandfather noticed it.

Even in his weakened or confused state.

Guess it just went to show his grandfather was much stronger than he thought.

“He’s not confused,” Michael said, coming in and handing Tucker a glass of whiskey.

He ground his teeth as he accepted it and threw the amber liquid back.

“Michael didn’t tell me,” his grandfather said. “Though I badgered him to death about it yesterday and pointed out everything that I remembered and then witnessed between thetwo of you. I’d like to know the truth because even threatening to terminate his employment didn’t get him to open his mouth.”

“I tried to cover for you,” Michael said.

He snorted. “You’re not afraid of him,” he said, knowing that he was trapped.

“Nope,” Michael said. “But it’s not my place to speak of anything.”

He didn’t believe that but appreciated it just the same.

“Erica and I are dating,” he said. There didn’t seem to be a way he could get out of this.

“I could see that much. I don’t understand the engagement and why you’d lie about it.”

“I tried to explain it to you,” he said. “You were getting worked up. I didn’t want that. I just went along with it. At the time you saw us together, we hadn’t even started to date. Not really. It was more like dancing around each other.”

He went on to explain the situation from prior to that day.

“And she just agreed with no questions asked?” his grandfather said, smirking.

“She asked a lot of questions and I told her why I was doing it.”

“Why is that?” his grandfather asked. “Let me know your reason.”

If his grandfather could throw cold water in his face on things, he was going to do the same to him.

“It was giving you something to fight for. You said you wanted to be dancing at the wedding. She knows I’d do anything for you. I owe you so much.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” his grandfather said fiercely. “You got to where you are on your own.”

“I don’t know where I’d be if you didn’t get us out of the house and you know it,” he said softly. It was the one person he could be raw with his emotions with. The only one whounderstood what he went through. “You made me the man I am. I’m not ready to lose you or worry about you giving up.”

His grandfather laughed and he didn’t like that response. As if his motives weren’t worthy.

“Those were the drugs talking. I can’t believe you would have thought otherwise.”

He felt a little like a fool when it was said that way. Knowing everything that he did about his grandfather.

“I panicked,” he said honestly.

“You aren’t known for that,” his grandfather said, lifting an eyebrow. “You can tell Erica now that she doesn’t have to pretend. I can see it makes her uncomfortable.”

“I’d rather not tell her just yet,” he said.

His grandfather only frowned. “And why is that? Or do you think what you’ve got started would stop if she thought she didn’t have to play some role?”

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