Page 107 of Unexpected Kisses

We reach the glass doors to the magnificent building, which is owned by one of our new clients, Oliver Stone. Hayley holds the door open for me and I lumber through, then we make our way toward the elevator. The same guy from last time is waiting to press the button like people aren’t capable of pressing it for themselves. The elevator is as busy today as it was two and a half weeks ago.

Hayley chews on her bottom lip, fidgeting with her fingers. “Stop worrying. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out to read the message.

Cupcake:Your mom’s just arrived

Before I can respond, the doors open toFutureTech. I hadn’t told Sarah I had been summoned to the office, I figured she’d already know. As we step out of the elevator I tell Hayley, “Apparently Mom’s here.”

Her head snaps toward me. “What? This is strange.”

I nod. “It’s very unlike Grandfather. I wonder what’s going on?”

We announce ourselves to Lucy, and she buzzes Sarah to let her know we’re here. Within moments, Sarah comes into view from the hallway leading to Grandfather’s office, wearing creases between her brows I want to smooth out with kisses. She glances across to Lucy, then puts on a more professional expression.

“Good morning, Mr. Jackson. Ms. Jackson.”

Hayley totally breaks protocol, not reading Sarah’s tension, and moves in to hug her. “Sarah. It’s so great to see you.”

Sarah stutters, “Y-you too.” Her wide eyes catch my gaze over my sister’s shoulder as she awkwardly returns Hayley’s enthusiastic embrace.

Lucy’s watching it all go down as though she’s at the movies. All she needs is a tub of popcorn. I know Sarah’s uncomfortable about the office knowing about our relationship, but they’re gonna find out sooner or later. It may as well be sooner. That’s if they haven’t already worked it out after Sarah left with my grandfather to race to the hospital. Sarah told me all about sharing a ride with him and having to tell him about our relationship. I felt sick to my stomach that she was put in that position.

I glance across to make sure Lucy’s still watching, then I clear my throat. “Uh, Sis. You mind letting me hug my girlfriend?” I smirk at Lucy’s widened eyes, then focus on moving closer to my girl.

“Uh, yeah, sure. Sorry.” Hayley releases Sarah and steps out of the way, brushing her curls away from her face.

“Come here, Cupcake.” Coughing sounds from behind the front desk and Sarah shakes her head at me as a slow smile forms.

She moves into me, wrapping her arms around my torso. “I know what you’re doing and I’ll get my revenge later,” she whispers, her warm breath fanning across my ear. Between that and her words, a shiver makes its way down my spine.

“I’ll look forward to it,” I whisper, then pull back to wink at her.

She steps away. “Thanks, Lucy.” Looking at Hayley and me, she asks us to follow her and we make our way down the hallway to our grandfather’s office. My eyes drop to Sarah’s ass, wrapped in a tight dark gray pencil skirt; her calves look sensational in the heels she’s wearing. She knocks on Grandfather’s door, then promptly opens it when he tells her to come in. “Mr. Wainwright. Mr. and Ms. Jackson are here to see you.”

“Thank you, Sarah. Please show them in.”

“Certainly, Sir.” Maybe Ishouldtake the position, then she can call me ‘sir.’ The thought makes my dick hard. She turns back to us and we step across the threshold into Grandfather’s office. “I’ll bring in some drinks.”

“Thank you, Sarah.”

The door closes with a click and my eyes land on Mom, sitting ramrod straight opposite her father, her face pinched tight. I never wanted Mom and Hayley on the receiving end of Grandfather’s chauvinistic ways; it’s bad enough we have to deal with him at family events. I didn’t want them to have to deal with him when he’s in business mode and his misogynistic beliefs are at an all-time high.

I lean down the best I can to kiss Mom’s cheek. “Hi, Mom.”

She cups my cheek. She’s been different since my accident. More openly affectionate and even though I’m thirty, I’m loving this side of her. It’s something that’s always been missing in our household. “AJ. How are you feeling?”

“I’m doing okay. I’m getting around a lot easier, even if I am a little slow with these things.” I balance on my good leg and hold out my crutches to the side.

“You’re looking much better. If you need anything, your father and I are only a phone call away.”

“I know. Thanks, Mom.” I turn my attention to my grandfather as Hayley says hello to Mom and we both take a seat. “What’s going on?” I ask. Let’s get this meeting underway.

He leans forward in his chair, folding one hand on top of the other on his massive desk. “Your grandmother and I have been talking. Well, she’s been talking and I’ve been … uh … listening. She said she’d been holding her tongue for too long and it was time she told me some home truths.”

Hayley, Mom, and I glance at each other, and I know we’re all thinking the same thing: since when does Grandfather listen to anyone besides himself?

There’s a quiet knock on the door and all eyes turn toward it. Sarah steps in with a tray of drinks, which she distributes efficiently and we each thank her. As she turns to leave, Grandfather stops her. “Please take a seat, Sarah. This meeting involves you too.”

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