Page 34 of Entwined (Monarch)

“Don’t make fun of me. Snorting is one of my more endearing qualities.”

I walked through the door and into the kitchen, following Siena. Her grandparents were sitting at the table enjoying a nightcap.

“Grams, Pops. Look who I caught lurking in our bushes.”

I shot her a look of mock irritation.

“Oh, what a nice surprise.”

Siena rolled her eyes at her grandmother.

“Michael.” Sal half stood, outstretching his hand to me. “What brings you by?”

“Well, besides playing hide-and-seek with Siena here, I was actually just bringing your dishes back, Mrs. Moretti.”

“Now, now. We’ve been through this already, Michael. Call me Sophia.”

“Sophia. Sorry.”

“Sit, sit.” She patted the seat next to her. “No formalities needed in this house.”

I placed the dishes on the table. “Sorry. Just the ingrained training of my mother.” I immediately felt at home with them as I took a seat.

“No need to be sorry. Unless you call me Mrs. Moretti again.” She wagged her finger at me, a sparkle in her eye. “Can we get you anything? Coffee? A nightcap?”

“Coffee’d be great.”

I topped off my mug with a massive amount of cream. Siena smiled at me and gave a nod of approval. “Just like Pops and me,” she said, bringing her mug to her perfectly pink, pouty lips.

My eyes were glued to hers. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. But like me, she also didn’t have the strength to look away.Good. Keep your eyes on me, beautiful.

Ever so slowly, the corners of her delicious lips creased into a smile. I felt the quirk of my lips, and the look that passed between us was heavy and sensual. The suggestiveness of her expression shot a bolt of heat right through me.Thank god I’m sitting at the table,I thought, wondering how in the hell I’d explain my current awkward physical situation to the woman’s grandparents.

Sal cleared his throat, and I immediately felt sheepish. “How are things going over at Grayson’s?”

I begrudgingly tore my eyes away from his gorgeous granddaughter. “Fine, for now.”Jesus Christ, Blaire, keep your fuckin’ head in the game. You’re in their house, for fuck’s sake.I shifted in my chair, trying to alleviate the ache in my balls. “There’s still a lot to do. Still a lot up in the air.”

“You’re not done yet?” Siena asked me.

I laughed. “Not even close. There’s a lot of balls being juggled. Lots of decisions to be finalized.” My mind jumped to my father and the wrath I had endured during our latest conversation.

A schoolgirl giggle escaped her, and she covered her mouth.

“Siena, really now? Do you have to be so crass?” I laughed, feeling the immediate need to poke fun at her. I couldn’t help but tease her. Plus, I needed to lighten my own thoughts and forget about my father’s ultimatum.

“You’re the one talking about balls.”

Sophia and Sal exchanged a look and erupted in laughter.

“See?” She jerked her thumb at them. “They’re just as bad as I am.”

They didn’t stop laughing, which made Siena and me laugh harder. They were so easy to talk to, so easy to get along with. So easy to just sit with and beme.

“Where do you think I get it from?” She shook her head mockingly.

“Keeps us young at heart, Michael,” Sal said, a twinkle in his eyes.

“I bet,” I agreed. Who could argue with that logic? “I’ve been on the phone all day talking with planners, contractors. Everyone and their mother.” I didn’t dare mention my father. I knew where that might lead and was willing to do anything to avoid that cataclysmic disaster.

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