“I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to remind me of our conversation at the house and probably reiterate all the things I said to you. But stay with me, Mallory. Please.”
I can say no. It’s on the tip of my tongue. But instead of just giving in to him, going along with the look in his eye because I have no other choice, I realize . . . I do have a choice.
Studying his features, I let myself pause. Gazing in his eyes, feeling the energy rippling between us, I know my answer and it’s because it’s what I want—not because it’s what he wants.
“Yes, Graham,” I say. “I’ll stay with you.”
His lips find mine in a kiss that has nothing to do with sex, nothing to do with being in an alcove away from his family. And that says more than any words ever could.
Mallory
“THANK YOU,” I SAY, HANDING a man in a tux my keys. He looks at my car and crinkles his face. “It’s just a few takeout bags. Don’t pretend yours doesn’t look like that.”
“Whatever you say,” he grumbles, climbing into the driver’s seat.
If today was any other day, I would rip him a new one for implying I’m less than a vision of cleanliness. Maybe I am. That’s not the point. The point is only assholes point it out.
“Hi, Mal!” I look up to see Sienna and Camilla coming towards me. In matching yellow bridesmaid’s dresses, their hair swept up in fancy chignons, they look beautiful. “That dress on you is gorgeous. Graham’s going to die,” Sienna gushes.
“It’s Joy’s,” I say brightly. “It’s pretty, isn’t it?”
“I love how it tucks right at your waist. And that pink is definitely your color,” Cam smiles. “Did you just get here?”
I nod, looking around the Farm. Soft, twinkling yellow lights lead down the path towards the back of the house. Fabric in shades of yellows and pinks is draped over the walkway, creating an inviting, stylish ambiance. Guests bustle around, some with champagne flutes in their hands, all dressed to the absolute nines.
It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Simple and elegant at the same time. Very Landry.
“We need to be going inside,” Camilla says. “We have a few pictures to take before the wedding starts.”
“I still can’t believe Lincoln is getting married,” Sienna laughs. “I never thought he’d be first. As a matter of fact, I thought he’d be last.”
“Me either,” Camilla agrees.
“You’re staying for the reception, right?” Sienna asks me.
“Um, I think so. I’m at Graham’s mercy.”
“That sucks.”
“Why?” I laugh.
“Because he never stays long at things. He stays until the moment he can leave,” Camilla answers. “He’s not a people person.”
I yelp as a hand presses against the small of my back. When I look back, my eyes lock with Graham’s. It’s a mixture of all-out fire and the sweetest warmth I can imagine.
“Hey,” he whispers, his palm pressing into me a little more. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“We’re out of here,” Sienna scoffs playfully. “I think we’re getting pictures in just a few minutes, G. Don’t be late. Mom is already an emotional mess.”
“I won’t,” he says to her, his eyes still on me. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course,” I say, finding my voice.
“I hate I couldn’t pick you up and bring you here myself. But, being Best Man and all, I had duties to fulfill.”
He offers me the crook of his arm and I take it. It’s impossible to miss the twinkle in his eye as we make our way towards the archway next to an open-air structure. It’s loaded with flowers—a happy, carefree, elegant visual as soft music plays from hidden speakers.
“After the ceremony, the reception is in there.” He points to an open-air structure that nearly glows from the candles lit inside. “I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good.”
Our steps slow as Graham’s father rounds the corner, spying us, and makes a beeline our way. I start to remove my hand from Graham’s arm, not sure if it is appropriate, but his hand clamps down on mine, making it impossible to move.
“I didn’t know you were joining us today,” Mr. Landry says. “It’s nice to see you, Mallory.”
“It’s nice to be here, Mr. Landry.”
“You can call me Harris.”
“I’ll try,” I laugh. “You’re technically my boss.”
“Graham is your boss. I’m just an old man that makes sure his son doesn’t get out of line.” He looks at Graham and smiles proudly. “I have a feeling he’s doing just fine.”
My heart fills, even more so when Graham squeezes my hand. Mr. Landry looks at me again. “I wanted to thank you again for helping sort out that contract this week. I’m not sure it would’ve gone through without you, Mallory.”
“What are you talking about?” Graham asks, his brows pulling together.
“Lincoln’s contract for the foundation he and Danielle are starting had a few hiccups. I mentioned it in passing when I was in the office for Ford’s meeting, and she jumped right in and helped get some details straightened out.”
Mr. Landry smiles proudly at me. He’s handsome, an older version of Graham, with a deep voice and an easy charisma. I can only imagine what he was like in his youth.
“I didn’t know this,” Graham looks down at me, a look of intrigue on his face. “When did you do that?”
“That’s why I stayed late the other day,” I remind him. “Remember?”
Mr. Landry clasps Graham’s shoulder as he heads towards the house. “Pictures in a few minutes, son.”
“I’ll be there,” Graham says, still looking at me. He turns his body to face mine, a little smile trying to break across his face. “Why didn’t you mention Lincoln’s contracts to me?”
“You were busy,” I explain. “You had all of Ford’s things on your desk and Lincoln’s contracts were something I could handle quickly without your involvement. There were no decisions to be made, just a shuffling of information.” When he smiles, I return it as my heart flutters in my chest. “I was just trying to take a few things off your plate, Graham. I hope that’s okay.”
He bends down and presses the simplest kiss against my lips. I see it coming, but it’s quick enough that there’s no time to prepare. When he pulls away, I’m breathless.
“Thank you,” he whispers almost reverently.
“For what?” I say, my voice sounding shakier than I’d like. “For doing my job?”
He just smiles. “For so many things.”
“That sounds like a cop-out,” I laugh.
“It is, in a way. I . . .”
“Graham!” We turn to see Sienna standing on the back porch. “Mom is freaking out. We never, ever wait on you. She’s certain the world is falling apart today.”
Graham chuckles and indicates for her that he needs one second. His gaze returns to me as he forces a swallow. “I don’t want to be here long tonight. I’ll make my speech, watch them cut the cake or whatever, but we’re leaving as soon as the opportunity presents itself.”
“Your sisters warned me you do this,” I laugh.
“I probably do,” he sighs. “But tonight . . . it’s different.”
“Okay.”