Page 12 of The Mastermind

Most people wanted to touch my car, and I didn’t blame them. The Bugatti Chiron was an exceptional piece of art. I didn’t drive it often. It was part of my rare automobile collection. I appreciated its distinguishable design—horseshoe grill, symbolic C-bar on the side, pronounced design lines, and glass roof.

I saw Audri hesitate when her fingers were inches from my car. What hadpushedher to do it? What had she been thinking when she ran her fingers over the logo?

My erection had twitched when she caressed the beautiful design—definitely not an appropriate reaction. I hadn’t reacted to Teresa when she had offered herself, and she had the perfect body that would surely satisfy any man. My response to Audri perplexed me.

I didn’t like losing control, especially when I specifically ordered my brain to leave her alone. Control—of my life, my mind, and my desires—was important for a man like me.

I needed to move, do something.

“Excuse me.” I shifted around her, opened the car with my fingerprint, and retrieved a binder and a rolled-up map.

“Oh, crap. You just reminded me.” She turned to her car, opened the door to her back seat, and retrieved a box labeled Colorful Taste Buds, a bakery shop I’d passed several times but hadn’t tried.

“Let me help you.” I took the massive gift bag from her hand, so she could take care of the pastry.

“Thank you.” She smiled as we both walked toward the house. “My car isn’t as grand as yours, but you can touch it. You havemypermission.”

A smile crept onto my lips. “That’s very generous of you.”

Audri strode into the main entrance and ogled at the glittering chandelier in the marbled foyer. “Wow. Grayson iscrazy.With a capital C!”

She walked into the spacious living room, where a group of Grayson’s friends waved at her, and she returned the gesture. She followed me into the kitchen, where I placed the gift bag on the kitchen counter, and she set the baked goods next to the catered foods.

Grayson entered from outside through the back door. “Hey! Glad you’re here. You’re never late. I was getting worried.” He opened his arms to her, and she walked into his embrace.

“Some stuff came up at work, but I’m here now. This is an unbelievable house, Grayson. I love the view, by the way.”

“You need to come by when it’s daylight. You’ll see more of the riverfront.” He leaned back and looked down at his sister. “I can design a house just like this for you, anytime. Just let me know.”

“You know I’m old enough to get my own home, right? But thanks.” She patted his cheek. “I’m not sure what kind of house I want yet. For now, my downtown apartment suits me fine. Has Mom seen this yet? Has Uncle Derek? I bet he’d love it.”

“They stopped by earlier today and brought some food. She already packed several containers for you to take home.”

“Awesome. I won’t need to cook for a few days. Mom’s the best.” Audri pointed to the pastry box. “I got you some cupcakes.”

Leaning against the counter, I studied the siblings. There was an admirable love between them. My relationship with Brian was far from admirable.

“How’s everything?” Grayson asked. “You look tired.”

Tense lines formed on her forehead and disappeared before Grayson saw them, but I caught the anxiety in her eyes. Getting where I was today required keen observation, and I’d always had a knack for details regarding Audri. The way her eyebrows quirked, the glitter in her eyes when she was surprised or fascinated with something—like my car—and the casual dismissal of an important issue she didn’t want anyone to worry about.

“Just some work issues,” she said. “Nothing major. I’ll tell you later. Enjoy your party.”

When I saw her earlier today, she looked stressed. The corporate world could be draining. What was bothering her? The official sale of Lafayette Marketing hadn’t been disclosed yet, but she’d soon find out that I would be her new boss. I wondered how she would react.

Gisele, Grayson’s current girlfriend, approached and slid her hand up his arm. She wore a fitted black dress that showed off her curves. “Can I check out the bathroom inyourbedroom? I’m in need of refreshment.”

Audri and I exchanged an amused look at the seductive tone.

I’d just met Gisele minutes ago, and she seemed like a sweet girl. Unlike me, Grayson had girlfriends he introduced to people.

Grayson dropped a kiss on Gisele’s lips. “Later.”

“I’ll be fine, Grayson,” Audri said. “I can show myself around.” She opened the pastry box, took out a chocolate cupcake, placed it on a plate she’d grabbed from a stack on the counter, and offered it to me. “Chocolate okay? Or have your taste buds changed over the years?”

I didn’t know why I liked that she remembered I preferred chocolate.

“Nothing’s changed. Thank you.”

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