Page 38 of The Exception

“Point taken.” He cleared his throat, straightening his silverware so it was perfectly spaced. “So, how was your day?”

I bit back a smile. Graham wasn’t typically one for small talk, but I appreciated that he was trying. “It was nice. And thank you for replacing my phone. You didn’t have to do that, but I’m grateful.”

This morning, a brand-new iPhone had been delivered to my suite. It was identical to my old one but with more storage. Even the case was the same, but it no longer had the smudge marks on it from that time I’d dropped it. And all the files had been restored, though I had no idea how he’d managed that.

“It was nothing.”

“Well, it meant a lot to me,” I said.

“Did you get to do much exploring today?”

“I checked out the spa. Lounged on the beach. You?”

“Mostly meetings.”

I wasn’t surprised, though the idea that he was missing out on such an incredible place saddened me. Not to mention the fact that he’d worked so hard on this location and he wasn’t even getting to enjoy his accomplishment.

I searched for a more neutral topic. Something Graham would enjoy talking about. Something that would prompt him to give me more than just a single-word answer.

“Has Atlas Blackwood visited the hotel since it opened?” I didn’t want to stick to “work” subjects, but I knew it was a safer place to start. It would help put us both at ease.

The waiter returned to the table with our meals. My dinner smelled delicious, but I could barely do more than pick at it while I listened to Graham talk about Atlas. For a fake date, I was surprisingly nervous. Maybe because I knew how much was riding on this. So, I sipped my wine, trying to balance my need to relax with my desire to remain clearheaded.

Eventually, Graham frowned at my plate. “Are you not enjoying your meal?”

“I—” I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth. The food, even what little of it I’d tasted, had been delicious. But I was so keyed up, I’d barely been able to enjoy it. “I am. I’m just…distracted.”

Graham leaned forward, placing his hand over mine. My pulse kicked up a beat. Especially when he angled himself so our foreheads were almost kissing. Energy sizzled between us, and I tried to focus on his words instead of the way his large hand felt blanketing mine.

“If you’re still interested in my offer, come to my room after dinner, and we’ll talk. For now, let’s try to enjoy our meal. Weren’t you the one who suggested this was foreplay?”

Was it my imagination, or was his voice deeper? I was convinced I’d imagined it, but then I met his eyes. His drank me in, like I was something he wanted to devour.

“Isn’t this cozy?” a man asked, snapping me out of the trance.

Graham’s eyes remained on me, despite the interruption. I expected him to yank his hand back from mine, but if anything, he tightened his grip ever so slightly. I forced myself to keep my hand on the table despite my knee-jerk reaction to hide it.

“Hey, Jasper.” I smiled at him, the motion feeling forced.

“Liliana,” he said. “Nice to see you again.”

I bobbed my head. “You too.”

“Brother.” Graham tilted his chin in acknowledgment, an unspoken look passing between them that I couldn’t decipher.

Jasper glanced from Graham to me, curiosity lighting his features. Finally, he asked, “What do you think of the hotel, Liliana? I trust you’re enjoying your stay.”

“Yes.” I swallowed, grateful for the change of topic. “Absolutely. It’s a lovely property, and all the staff have been so wonderful.” The words tumbled out of me, and I knew I needed to slow down.

“Good. I know you got to sample the pool last night, but hopefully you’ve been enjoying some of our other amenities.” He had a teasing glint in his eye, but I knew he meant no harm by it.

Before I could respond, Graham stood, folding his napkin and placing it in his chair. “Jasper.” Graham grabbed him by the elbow. “A word.”

I tried not to stare as Graham practically dragged his brother to the kitchen, disappearing briefly behind a door. I smoothed my hand over my napkin and picked at my meal, trying to ignore the curious looks of nearby diners.

A few minutes passed, and then Graham strode over to the table with a sense of confidence I envied. Everyone watched him—how could they not? He was enigmatic and exuded power as he sliced through the room with ease.

He skimmed his hand along the back of my chair, his touch a ghost on my skin that left goose bumps in its wake. This definitely felt more like foreplay than a business meeting. Especially when Graham leaned over, his breath tickling the shell of my ear as he rasped, “Sorry about that.”

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