Page 124 of Flirting with the CEO

"But don't think I'm off your back about those great-grandkids," she continued.

Colton put his arm around my shoulders. "Grandmother, give it a rest."

"Fine, fine. You’re off the hookfor now."

"Thank you. How gracious of you," he said in a sarcastic tone.

Everyone arrived in the next five minutes or so, and they all oohed and aahed over the puppy and my ring. I was a bit on edge because even though Colton had assured me she was potty-trained, I didn't want her to have an accident in Jeannie's house.

The food arrived twenty minutes later. We'd all reached a compromise. The boys were uncomfortable letting Jeannie cook for so many people, and she wasn't a fan of catering, so we'd decided to order in. There was a flurry of activity in the dining room as we all went to grab plates and put all the food containers on the table.

"Hmm," Jeannie said, surveying the order.

We'd gotten a bit of everything: Chinese, Italian, Mexican, even a few burgers.

"Hey, this is actually a great idea," Gabe said as we all sat down. He'd already filled his plate to the brim with something of everything. "This way we can eat a ton of stuff instead of just—"

Jeannie cleared her throat.

"Man, you trying to dig your own grave or something?" Maddox asked.

Gabe shrugged. "Sorry, Grandmother. I love your cooking. Didn't mean any offense."

"Relax," she said.

"You know the best part of you leaving for a month, Gran?" Nick asked.

Jeannie narrowed her eyes. "What's that?"

"We don’t have to worry about any matchmaking plans while you’re gone."

She started laughing. "I had a feeling that's where you were going.”

Colton tilted closer to me, whispering in my ear, “Watch a master at work.”

"Just so you know, I'll have more free time at Martha's Vineyard to think and make plans," Jeannie continued.

It was almost comical how fast Maddox's smile went from smirk to shock. Nick and Leo looked stunned. Gabe seemed to take everything in stride.

"But you three can relax for a bit," she said to my half brothers, then turned to Gabe. "I've got big plans for you once I'm back. I'm going to introduce you to all of my friends' granddaughters."

"Separately or all at once?" Gabe asked with what I thought might be fake bravado.

Everyone at the table started laughing.

Jeannie tsked. "Oh, this isn't a joking matter, young man. Although, if it makes you feel better, then by all means, don't take it seriously. Once I'm back, all bets are off."

"Aren't they always?" Gabe asked. "You know what, Grandmother? I'm looking forward to it."

---