Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

55 vouchers

When Eloise turned around, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Standing there was Grayson. She blinked hard, thinking her mind was playing tricks on her.

When she opened her eyes again, the tall, unmistakable figure was still there, and worse, he was walking straight toward them.

Eloise’s heart hammered against her ribs. ‘This is it. I’m done for. He’s going to see Noah!

In a panic, she started tugging at Noah, trying to shuffle him behind her to block him from view.

Noah, however, had already spotted Grayson. Peeking excitedly around Eloise’s legs, his eyes were wide.

Noah’d seen pictures of Grayson on Eloise’s phone. ‘The tall man with the long legs walking toward us looks exactly like my daddy!‘

Juliette, meanwhile, was intently following a salesperson around used sedan, completely oblivious to the drama unfolding nearby.

Grayson closed the distance quickly, stopping right in front of them.

Shielding Noah behind her, Eloise offered Grayson a strained smile. “Mr. Pierce, what a coincidence. Are you here to buy a car too?”

Grayson wasn’t wearing a suit that day, just simple jeans and a black shirt, yet he still carried an aura that made him stand out in the crowded lot.

His gaze settled on her, sharp and assessing. “Why do you look so guilty? Done something you shouldn’t have?”

“Guilty? Me? Don’t be silly, Mr. Pierce,” Eloise laughed, the sound brittle and forced.

Grayson rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking she indeed didn’t know how to lie.

Extremely nervous, Eloise felt like bolting, dragging Noah with her. But that would only make her look more suspicious.

Grayson’s eyes dropped then, landing on the small head that had successfully popped out from behind Eloise again. A pair of bright, curious eyes were staring right back at him, taking his ull measure.

“And who is this?” Grayson asked.

“Oh, him?” Eloise laughed again, the sound hollow. “He’s… he’s my brother’s child.”

Noah blinked up at her. ‘Why is Mommy lying?”

Grayson studied the boy. ‘Eloise mentioned an older brother back in the day. Five years have passed. It is plausible her brother has a family by now!

“If he’s your brother’s child, why is he with you?” Grayson presse

“My brother and his wife are very busy. No time to look after Noh, so he’s staying with me for a while, Eloise said.

“And you have the time to look after a child?” Grayson asked.

Eloise opened her mouth but no sound came out. He’s got a pot. I’m living a busy, single, working–woman life. How am I supposed to explain this?”

In the tense silence, Noah’s clear, childish voice piped up, saving the day. “My mommy and daddy are getting a divorce.

1/4

15:54 Thu, Feb 12 GDG.

Chapter 9

They don’t want me right now. And my grandma is sick. So I have to stay with Aunt Eloise.”

Eloise nearly sagged with relief. ‘My brilliant boy. He gets his quick thinking from me.’

༢., 44%

55 vouchers

Grayson felt a unexpected pang of sympathy. His initial line of questioning faded. Strangely, he also felt an inexplicable pull toward the child, a desire to connect.

He gently patted the boy’s shoulder. “How old are you?”

Noah looked up. “I’m four.”

Grayson asked, “May I have your name?”

Noah answered truthfully, “Noah.”

Noah couldn’t understand why Eloise was lying to Grayson. ‘Mommy has always talked about finding Daddy. But now Daddy is right here, and I can’t call him.

‘Mommy doesn’t seem to want Daddy to know about me.

‘Between Daddy and Mommy, my loyalty is never in question. I’ll always stand with Mommy. I’ll help her with the story.

I’m sure she has her reasons, and I’ll wait for her to explain them when she’s ready,‘ he thought.

Grayson withdrew his hand, his attention shifting back to Eloise The years had refined her features, smoothing away the last of her immaturity, leaving her cheekbones more defined, her face more strikingly beautiful.

Her skin was smooth and seemed to glow, her attractive eyes clear and bright. Her lips, though not heavily colored, looked soft and inviting.

Grayson cut that dangerous train of thought off abruptly, forcing his focus elsewhere. “So, you’re here to buy a car?” he asked, changing the subject.

Eloise nodded, grateful for the shift.

“Seen anything you like?” he asked.

She shook her head gently. “Still looking.”

“Eloise, who’s this?” Juliette’s voice cut in excitedly. She had suddenly materialized behind Eloise, her eyes scanning Grayson up and down.

Up close, Juliette found Grayson even more handsome.

His eyes are a bit too cool, though. Then again, most really good looking guys have that aloof thing going on, she reasoned.

She’d been checking out a car when she spotted this stunning man talking to Eloise and abandoned the vehicle immediately.

Juliette had heard Grayson’s name many times but had never se him in person. She had no idea the man standing before her was Eloise’s ex–boyfriend and Noah’s biological father.

When Eloise had asked her to find information on Grayson year ago, she hadn’t provided a photo.

Eloise hesitated, unsure how to introduce Grayson, thinking Julie would hit the roof if she knew who he really was Just then, Grayson took the initiative. “Hello, I’m Grayson.”

“Grayson? You’re Grayson Pierce?” Juliette’s voice rose in recognion and sudden intensity, drawing a few glances from people nearby.

2/4

15:54 Thu, Feb 12 G D G

Chapter 9

Grayson’s brow furrowed slightly. “You know me?”

44%

55 vouchers

Juliette’s expression shifted from curiosity to something harder, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him, her jaw tightening.

Reacting instantly, Eloise took Juliette by the arm and hurried her out of the shop.

Noah didn’t follow. He stayed put, looking up at Grayson.

Grayson watched the two women go, perplexed. ‘Is that Eloise’s friend? She seems to have a serious problem with me. Why did she gave me that fierce look?‘

He looked down to find the little boy, Noah, still staring intently at him. “What is it?”

“Sir,” Noah began, choosing his words with a care that seemed beyond his years, “what’s your relationship with my… my aunt?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify