Page 68 of Worth the Risk

Igive my best grin, with my swagger out in full force, as I sit on the sofa across from Piper’s grandmother who is examining the gift I brought her, completely welcoming the fact that I showed up unannounced and without Piper’s knowledge.

“Don’t worry, I made sure it was top quality,” I assure her as she sets the bottle of vodka, ideal for martinis, to the side. Adjusting my suit jacket, I didn’t put it on for her, but I know this outfit gives me an extra edge.

“You get points for the initiative. My granddaughter has no idea you’re here, and I think I like that. Although she will be here soon.” The woman’s red polished nails tap the sofa arm.

“Well, my schedule is a bit tight these days, and I’m in the city, as our season is about to start. I had an hour to spare and figured that I should cross some essential meetings off my list,” I explain and insinuate meeting her.

She understands and a smirk spreads on her face. “My granddaughter talks about you, and don’t take it personal that she hasn’t dragged you to meet me. I can be… opinionated.”

“You have good judgment.”

A sound escapes her as she stands and walks to a tray of crystal glasses and alcohol choices in well-designed bottles that hold expensive alcohol along the side of the living room. She goes straight for a scotch, stopping mid-pour to look at me and question with her eyes.

“I never let a good-looking woman drink alone and my driver is downstairs.”

I may be laying it on thick, but I can tell she likes to play along, and a minute later when she hands me a glass of amber-colored liquid, she pauses to study me once more before returning to her seat.

This place screams old money or at least decorative tastes that take you back to another era.

“So, what really brings you here, Hudson Arrows?” she asks before taking a sip.

I lean back, confident. “Truthfully, I’m being a selfish man. I’m crazy about your granddaughter, and I figured that I would throw in some tradition. It might make Piper blush like a rose, but I’m used to that.”

Ruth snorts a laugh. “I’m sure you keep her satisfied.”

My eyes bug out slightly, as this lady’s humor is on par with my own. “If I wait for Piper to invite me, then I may be waiting a while, and I know you’re important to her.”

“Piper has reason to hesitate, as I’m sure you know about her past relationship. But she also hesitates to accept anything good that enters her life. It’s in her nature. When she had her bat mitzvah, she questioned me for six weeks if the necklace I gave her wasn’t too much. She has a kind heart, but make no mistake, she has a backbone and can be stubborn and confident when needed.”

“Couldn’t agree more. I’m just a little stuck, as my niece wasn’t thrilled with the news about Piper and myself, and I know it’s keeping Piper down.”

She waves off my notion. “April and Piper will find their way back to one another. Something will bring them together again.”

I hum at the thought. “I think so too. Maybe I should do more, I’ve kind of stayed on the sidelines.”

Her eyes stay fixed on me and don’t blink. “As much as I’m sure my granddaughter’s friendship suffering from her choice of gentleman suiter is a topic of discussion, I’m more interested in your mention of being a traditional guy.”

I laugh, as she sees right through me. “Fair enough. I’m sure you’ve done your research on me, so I don’t need to go over my backstory.”

“Certainty have, and the media loves you, as do the women at my Tuesday-night book club.”

“Fun.” I move quickly on. “I just need you to know that my intentions are honorable, and I hope when the schedule allows, that we can have dinner together. Until then, I promise that I’ll take care of Piper, always.”

She lifts her nose and folds her hands over her skirt. “Sounds like some long-term plans.”

“They are. I’ve made it clear to Piper what I want in life, and she’s still around which tells me she thinks I’m a keeper.” I tone down my cockiness for a second.

“You’ve kept her busy the last few months, that’s for sure. I have a talent, they say. I can judge someone’s character within ten seconds, and my thought about them will never change. Unlucky for many, but exceptionally lucky for Piper, as I’m never wrong.”

The corners of my mouth twist while I wait for her to continue.

“I have a good feeling about you.”

“Only good?” I joke.

“You would get an extra point if you tell me you have a Jewish grandfather or something, but meh.”

I chuckle because her face is dead serious. “If I say I have every intention of making her my wife, would you still have a very good feeling about me?”

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