Page 88 of Matchmaking the Rival

Leo turned to Spencer. “Although you were going out with that chick a few months ago.”

Spencer waved his hand. “She’s been gone from my life for a while.”

“Come on, let’s get you your prize for making me lose,” I whispered in her ear, immensely enjoying the way her skin turned to goose bumps.

I put an arm around her waist, leading her up to the bar. We each got one of their blends—carrot and apple. Watching Meredith slurp her juice and enjoy it with her eyes closed, humming in contentment, was testing my control. I led her behind the bar, needing to be alone with her.

"Why don't we go back to your brothers?" she asked once we emptied our glasses.

"Just want a moment alone with you. You look amazing in these clothes."

I kept my hand on her waist, brushing my thumb along her skin. I wanted to devour her.

"Sorry you lost because of me."

"It wasn't you. My mind was still on what Maddox said, that Grandmother is having two family dinners.” I didn't know why it was impacting me that much. “It annoys me that even so many years later, it still takes a lot of effort for us to come together as a family."

I understood why Grandmother did it. If we got together too often, there was always a risk that we’d end up in an argument.

Stupidly, I felt betrayed because she’d kept this from us. What the hell? I wasn’t five years old.

“Families are tough. When I’m with mine, I basically have to play referee over who gets to talk more,” Meredith commented.

“We also have to play referee in my family, but it’s to make sure no one’s fighting too much.”

Our family experiences were completely different, and I was sure it was also shaping our expectations for the future in wildly different ways.

“I think it's great that you all are making an effort.”

I shook my head. “Sometimes it gets on my nerves. It shouldn't be an effort.”

“You guys have a terrible history. I don't think most people would even contemplate getting to know their half brothers. Tensions are bound to happen from time to time. But just because some things aren't easy doesn't mean they're not worth it.”

Meredith was amazing. She didn’t shy away from challenges. Most people were the exact opposite. In fact, Esther had even gone as far as insisting that my half brothers probably weren't legally entitled to Whitley Industries, and we should get rid of them. And she and I weren’t even that close. I was actually pissed she’d said anything at all. It wasn’t her place. But Meredith was different, and I wanted to hear what she had to say. I respected her.

She put her hands on my neck. The heat from her palms seemed to melt the tension there. I could feel the calm seeping deep into my body.

“That’s better,” she murmured. “You were so tense.”

“Youmade it better.”

Being around Meredith was addictive. She was incredible in so many ways. She exuded confidence, always had, and I loved that about her.

A beeping sound came from somewhere close.

“It’s not my phone," I stated. "I don't keep it on me when I'm at the club."

“Oh, it’s a rule? I didn’t know. Let me just check who it is.” She took it out from her back pocket, frowning at the screen. “Sonya said she wants a meeting tomorrow. That's strange. She never messages on weekends, or even outside of business hours during the week.”

“What do you think it's about? There's been no word on the sale. My CFO reached out, but it didn’t go anywhere,” I mentioned, not sure if Sonya had told Meredith that.

“I asked her, and she was vague about it. Either she’ll circle back after the holidays or she’s dropped it." She put her phone back in her pocket. "Never mind. I'm going to worry about that tomorrow. Today is all about getting to know your half brothers and seeing you move that gorgeous ass on the court.”

She was smiling, but I felt the change in her body. Her shoulders stiffened, and her arms were tense.

I took a page out of her own book. I wanted to help her get rid of the tension, so I pulled her even deeper behind the bar where no one could see us. Then I palmed her ass with both hands.

“Hey, I didn't say that to give you ideas.”

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