Page 128 of The Exception

Jasper peered up at me, and Sloan’s smile was soft when she said, “Gran and Pops would be proud.”

I nodded. “If only they could see us now.”

* * *

When Knox openedthe door to his house, I held up a bottle of whiskey.

“Welcome,” Knox said, accepting it from me. “Thanks. Jasper’s already here. Nate’s running a little late but should be here soon.”

I followed him into the house. “Can I get either of you a drink?”

“I’ll take a whiskey,” Jasper sighed, sharing a look with me.

The board meeting had started off well enough, all things considered. But then it had turned into a complete shitshow. Many of the board members were pushing back hard—on the validity of the clause in my grandfather’s will. On the way my marriage to my former assistant would reflect on the brand in light of our other recent scandals.

I tried to let it roll over me, but their comments rankled. They weren’t pleased about my new schedule—alternating between France and LA. They questioned my commitment to the company. But when they tried to talk about Lily, I’d drawn the line.

“Graham?” Knox asked, saying my name as if it weren’t the first time.

“Hm?”

“A drink?”

“I’ll have the same, please.” My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. “Pierce is on his way too.”

“Great.” Knox clapped a hand on my shoulder, handing me a glass of whiskey with the other.

I pocketed my phone. “No Jude?”

Knox shook his head. “He’s at a team function for the Leatherbacks.”

“We could’ve rescheduled.”

“It’s fine.” Knox poured Jasper a glass. “It’s a smaller community outreach project, and it’s good practice for him.”

I tilted my head. “Why? Are you thinking of stepping down?”

I was teasing, mostly. Knox was in his late forties, and he was passionate about the pro soccer team he owned. But his priorities had shifted a lot now that he and Kendall were together.

“Not any time soon.”

It wasn’t long before Nate arrived, and Pierce along with him. Though Pierce seemed withdrawn, closed off.

“You good?” I asked.

He gave me a curt nod. “We’ll talk after.”

I frowned, hoping everything was okay.

Drinks were poured and cards were dealt.

Nate leaned over. “Hey. Did you hear about the Hawks?”

The Hollywood Hawks were the local NHL team, and they’d recently hired Emerson’s dad, Declan Cross, as the new head coach. I hoped he’d be able to turn the team around.

“Holden Hansley?” I asked. There’d been rumors of a trade, but it seemed too good to be true.

Nate nodded, confirming my hopes. “Declan’s pretty excited.”

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