Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

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Hannah was practically vibrating with excitement on the screen Grayson, who was that? Whose house are you in? Is it my future granddaughter-in-law’s place?”

“Grandma, something’s come up. I have to go,” Grayson said quickly, his ears still burning. Before Hannah could protest further, he ended the video call.

Undeterred, Hannah scurried to the foyer and pounced on her son, Leo, who had just returned from work. “Leo, I’m getting a granddaughter-in-law, which means you’re getting a daughter-in-law.”

Leo’s expression remained skeptical as he handed his coat to a waiting staff member. He gently guided his excited mother to the living room sofa.

“Mom, lately the company gossip mill has been churning out rumors that Grayson has a son. Things are getting more and more ridiculous.” He sighed, a weary father’s sigh.

Then he said, “Please don’t believe every rumor you hear and get yourself worked up. With Grayson’s difficult personality, what girl would willingly put up with him? At this rate, I don’t know if I’ll ever hold a grandchild in my arms before I turn seventy.”

“But it’s true,” Hannah insisted, clutching his arm. “I was just on a video call with him. He was in a young woman’s apartment.”

She wisely omitted the detail about the intimate garment; it wouldn’t be proper for a future father-in-law to know such things.

“You must have been mistaken,” Leo said, patting her hand dismissively.

Hannah said seriously, “I was not. I heard a girl’s voice.”

“Regardless,” Leo stated firmly, “I will only believe it when Grayson brings someone home. Until then, I won’t put stock in any stories.”

Hannah huffed and gave him a light shove. “Just wait and see. It’ll happen sooner than you think.”

*****

Grayson stood by the balcony window for a few moments, letting the cool evening air calm the heat that had rushed to his face. Feeling somewhat composed, he turned back toward the living room.

His nose twitched. A faint smell of something burning hung in the air.

He recalled that Eloise was cooking and strode into the small kitchen. Sure enough, a wok sat on a smoking stove burner. He quickly turned off the heat and went to knock on the bedroom door.

“Eloise,” he called through the door, trying to sound normal. “Something’s burning on the stove.”

The door flew open instantly. Eloise, her face still flushed a deep pink, kept her eyes firmly on the floor as she brushed past him, darting into the kitchen and shutting the door behind her with a soft click.

She hadn’t looked at him once. Grayson stared at the closed door for a second, then a slow, amused smile spread across his face. ‘Was she actually blushing?”

In his bedroom, Noah had his ear pressed against the door, listening intently to the adult drama unfolding outside,

In the kitchen, Eloise dumped the charred contents of the wok, rubbed it clean, and took a deep breath. One dish wasted. Thankfully, she had bought plenty of groceries on her way home

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Chapter 26

A few minutes later, the kitchen door opened again. Grayson leaned against the frame. “Need any help?”

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“No. Please, just wait outside.” Eloise kept her back to him, meticulously trimming green beans.

Ignoring her refusal, Grayson walked in, picked up a carrot from the counter, and began washing it under the tap. He then found a peeler and started on a potato, his movements surprisingly deft.

Five years ago, this had been a common scene. Eloise used to cook often, saying eating out was unhealthy and expensive.

Fresh out of university, apparently without family support, living in a modest apartment in a nondescript neighborhood, and on a starter’s salary, she had been frugal.

Grayson, though hiding his wealth, had never wanted for anything. He’d started helping in the kitchen, initially more of a hindrance than a help, but eventually, they’d developed a comfortable rhythm.

He’d wash and chop; she’d fry and simmer. Sometimes, the domesticity would spark a different kind of heat, leading to stolen kisses and tangled limbs.

Grayson remembered one particular time they’d gotten so carried away they’d knocked a bowl of prepared ingredients to the floor, ending up ordering takeout instead.

A torrent of those warm, intoxicating memories flooded Grayson’s mind. He stood behind Eloise, his gaze intense, tracing the delicate line of her neck, the curve of her waist beneath the soft fabric of her loungewear.

Even without turning around, Eloise could feel the weight of his stare, like a physical touch.

‘What is he doing?’ she thought, her heart beginning to race. ‘He said I was ordinary, that I wasn’t his type. Why is he looking at me like that now?’

She was terrified he might try something. They weren’t in a place for that kind of intimacy anymore.

To her relief, after two tense minutes, Grayson finished rinsing the potato, set it down on the cutting board, and walked out of the kitchen without a word.

Eloise let out a shaky breath she hadn’t realized she was holding That was… intense.’

Grayson retreated to the balcony window, needing the air again. Eloise had a dangerous pull on him. Being near her threatened his carefully constructed control.

For five years, he’d fueled his resolve with the anger of her rejection, forcing himself not to seek her out, not to learn anything about her.

He was afraid that if he got close again, he’d spiral, becoming irrevocably entangled. He’d told himself time would erase her. Yet here they were. His sanity was crumbling.

Despite repeating the mantra that she was materialistic and shallow, it was useless. When he couldn’t see her, he thought of her. Now that he could, he wanted more.

By the time Eloise finished cooking and carried the dishes to the small dining table, Grayson was gone.

She stood there for a moment, confused. ‘When did he leave? How rude, not even saying goodbye’

She had made extra portions, thinking he would stay. Now it would likely go to waste,

She called Noah out for dinner. The boy looked around the empty living room, his brow furrowed, “Where’s Mr. Pierce?” “He left,” Eloise said, shrugging as she served spaghetti onto Noah’s plate.

Noah’s frown deepened. He picked up his fork, poked at his food and then asked quietly, “Mommy… did you two have a

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Chapter 26

fight?”

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Eloise paused, a piece of broccoli suspended in her fork. “No, we didn’t. He probably had something urgent to attend to.”

“Okay.” Noah sounded unconvinced but didn’t press further.

He thought about how strong Grayson’s arms had felt in the pool that afternoon, how his deep, calm voice had coached him, making him feel safe and brave. It had been wonderful..

“Eat up, sweetie,” Eloise said softly, placing more meat and vegetables onto his plate.

Noah nodded. “Thanks, Mommy.”

*****

Grayson left Maple Apartments and drove aimlessly through the city streets, a restless energy churning inside him.

Feeling agitated, he decided to call Rhys and Colton for a drink. Only Rhys was available; Colton was reportedly traveling.

They ended up in a private booth at one of Ekloland’s most exclusive clubs. Rhys watched as Grayson downed several glasses of amber liquor in quick succession, making a significant dent in a newly opened bottle of whisky.

“Whoa, easy, man,” Rhys said, eyeing Grayson with concern. “What’s bothering you? Not in a good mood?”

Grayson shot him a dark look. “If I were in a great mood, would be here with you?”

“Hey,” Rhys protested, feign

offense. “You could call me when you’re happy too, you know.”

Grayson ignored him and poured another drink.

“Grayson, you’re going to be on the floor if you keep this up,” Rhys warned.

Grayson muttered into his glass, “Maybe that’s the point. Passed out, I won’t be able to think about her.”

“What was that?” Rhys leaned in, not catching the words. “Just tell me what’s bothering you. Maybe I could help.”

Grayson didn’t plan to explain. He gulped down two more glasses. “Order more.”

Rhys’s eyes widened. “You can’t be serious.”

Grayson shot him a glance. “Are you going to order or not?”

Seeing the stubborn set of Grayson’s jaw, Rhys relented. “Fine.” He stepped out briefly and returned with a server who brought in another bottle.

Grayson poured himself a generous measure, ignoring the glass Rhys had pushed toward him.

Rhys studied his brooding face. “Did you and that girl have a falling out?”

Grayson leaned his head back against the plush leather sofa, massaging his temples. “No.”

“Did you confess your feelings and get shot down?” Rhys venture, trying to lighten the mood.

Grayson opened one eye to glare at him.

“Okay, not that.” Rhys tapped his chin thoughtfully, “Did you see her getting cozy with another guy? Are you jealous?”

Grayson kicked his shin lightly under the table. “Get lost.”

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Chapter 26

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