Page 12 of Flirting with the CEO

"Everyone finds happiness in their own way," I said in a measured tone.

"Well, yes, but you have to admit that ever since they each found their better halves, Jake, Cade, and Spencer are much happier."

She was right, but if I openly agreed with her, I’d be digging my own grave.

"I'm glad things are working out for my brothers" was all I said.

Grandmother shook her head. "Colton, do I really have to spell it out?"

"No, I would prefer it if you don't, actually."

"My darling boy, when's the last time you brought home someone to meet us?"

"I don't even remember."

She nodded. "Exactly. Don't you think it would be good to have a woman by your side? Someone who can shake some sense into you?"

"Colton? I need—” Zoey said, stepping into the office before stopping in her tracks. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company."

She looked at Grandmother, who rose from her chair with much more agility than I thought she had.

"Don't mind me. You can come in for whatever you need."

Zoey looked at me, and I nodded. She walked with quick steps toward my desk. She was insanely attractive in her pencil skirt and high heels. The sway of her hips did not go unnoticed.

"I’ve got a report with suggestions that will help you improve communication with your team and others. I thought you might like to review it.”

I only took a glance at the stack before looking back up at her. "That’s a big stack for one report. It might take me some time."

She cocked a brow. "We can go through it together if you want. I'll send you a calendar invite for an appointment to review it."

She was persistent. I liked that. Damn it, I liked her even though I disliked the fact that she was here at all.

"You’re the new consultant, aren't you?" Grandmother asked.

I whipped my head to look at Grandmother. How the hell did she even know about this? One of my brothers probably blabbed.

"Yes," Zoey said. She sounded as stunned as I felt. "I've only started here, so forgive me, but I'm not sure who you are."

“I'm Colton's grandmother, Jeannie Whitley. Nice to meet you." She held out her hand, and Zoey shook it.

"You look familiar." Then Zoey snapped her fingers. "Oh my God, you look so much like one of Mom’s favorite actresses, Gina Delaware. You could be her twin."

Grandmother smiled from ear to ear. "Darling, thatisme. It's my stage name."

Zoey's mouth formed anO, and I felt a stirring in my boxers. Fucking hell. I liked to be in control of my business and my life, but when I was around Zoey, I didn't even seem to be in control of anything.

"I can't believe it. Wow, Mom would freak out if she knew I met you." She looked from Grandmother to me and then back to her. "Would you mind if we took a picture? It would truly mean a lot to Mom if I sent it to her."

"Of course!" Grandmother replied. I hadn’t heard her sound so happy in a while. This was a rare thing. She'd been a theater actress her whole life, but while she'd done well, she wasn't what you’d call a household name. "Colton, will you be a dear and take a picture of us?"

"Sure."

Zoey handed me her phone, and then she stood next to Grandmother, who immediately put an arm around Zoey's shoulders, pulling her into a hug. Zoey hesitated for a moment but then returned Grandmother's hug. Damn, she looked cute. I couldn't believe she was so happy that she could do this for her mom. I snapped a few pictures before handing her the phone.

Zoey grinned. "I'm going to send this to Mom right now. She's going to be thrilled.”

“Is she an actress too?” Grandmother asked.

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