Page 50 of Stick to the Deal
“Lord Firth, congratulations on your recognition for the conservation efforts at Pemberley. It is wonderful to see such modern advances at a historic estate.”
“Ravenscourt, my boy, thank you. Most of it is my grandson’s doing, but it is quite exciting. Congratulations to you on your recent marriage. Is this lovely young lady your bride?”
“Yes, let me introduce my wife, Nicolette.” I hold her close to my side.
“Of course, Edgar’s granddaughter. Good to see you, girl. Your grandfather was a very good friend of mine. Is your grandmother here tonight? I’d like to pay my respects.”
Again, at the mention of her grandmother, Nic stiffens. I squeeze her hip, wishing I could do more when she’s so obviously in distress. Her smile never falters, though her eyes pinch the slightest bit.
“Unfortunately, no, but I will pass on your wishes.”
“Firth, there you are.” My father blusters as he stumbles up on Nic’s other side, visibly drunk.
“Silverbrook, I was congratulating the happy couple.”
“Reginald is the lucky one. The boy has nothing to offer but sour grapes. Don’t know how he got this one to agree to marry him.” He grabs at Nic in an awkward half-hug with his hand entirely too close to her breast.
My vision tinges red. Tightening my own grip on her, I propel her in front of me and to the other side, far from my father. My chest puffs out as I stand at my full height and glare down at him. Not that he notices.
Lord Firth continues as if nothing happened. “So, Ravenscourt, your mother says you’ve been spending a lot of your time in New York. What’s been keeping you so occupied in America?”
“We bought a flat there. Nic is a gifted photographer with many clients in New York. You probably saw her work in the latest issue of Time magazine.”
“So you’re a house husband?” Father snorts like he’s made a joke.
“Actually, Reginald has been making connections within the publishing world of New York. He’s got a great eye for editing.”
“Yes, well, hobbies are important, I suppose. There’s Winston.” Without another word, he stumbles off towards another portly gentleman in the corner.
The night blurs in a string of meaningless conversations, none nearly as pleasant as the interaction with Lord Firth. Empty congratulations. Thinly veiled inquiries as to why we eloped so quickly. Nic handles it all with grace and poise. Redirecting the old biddies and charming the codgers.
It is probably the best Christmas Eve gathering I’ve ever had.
As the party winds down, my father disappears into his study with a few gentlemen—most likely to play cards. Nic hides a yawn, and I take that as our cue to leave.
I approach Mother where she sits with Lady Wentworth. “We’re going to say goodnight now, Mother. Happy Christmas.”
She turns briefly to glance at us both. “Yes, yes, dear. Happy Christmas.” She returns to the conversation before we’ve even stepped away.
Foster is waiting with our coats by the door. Nic gives him a quick squeeze as she takes hers. The older man beams as I help her slip the red wool on. Feeling bold, I grab her hand and interlace our fingers.
Without hesitating, she leans her head onto my shoulder. “Come on, let’s go home.”
Chapter 26
Ghosts of Christmas Future
The moon is high, streaming through the windows when we reach Reginald’s apartment. Shoes are kicked off at the door and coats tossed on the dining room table to be cleaned up tomorrow.
I stagger to the black leather couch and collapse across the cushions. “I feel as though I’ve run a marathon.”
That rare but sexy laugh rumbles through his chest; rough like it’s been rarely used. With one hand, he lifts my feet, moving them to his lap as he joins me on the sofa. “I always feel that way after a session with my parents.” His strong hands start kneading the sore muscles of my feet.
“Oh my god, don’t stop. I’ll give you anything if you keep going. Blow job, butt stuff. Name it, just don’t stop. Doing. That.” My head falls deeper into the cushion.
His lap shakes under my legs with his laughter. “Why the hell do women wear heels? They look like torture.”
“Probably because of a man.”
