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Page 111 of The Damaged Billionaire's Obsession

“Yes, lay off your brother, Grant,” Ingrid says into the silence. If the rest see Ethan and I having a moment, they don't say anything.

“Fine, Ingrid. Mom. Whatever. When are you guys going to get married, anyway?” he asks pointedly.

It seems Grant is on roll tonight.

“And that there is our cue to bid you goodnight. I'll leave you guys to battle it out. Remember, Bonnie’s here so you boys behave.” Luke gets up and pulls Ingrid to her feet as well.

Luke comes towards me and holds out his hand. As soon as I take it, he pulls me up and into a bear hug. For a stupid moment, I want to cry. I can’t remember the last time I was hugged by a father figure.

“It was really nice finally meeting you, Bonnie. You’re delightful.”

“Thanks,” I manage past the knot in my throat.

“My pleasure. I look forward to seeing more of you around here.”

Ingrid also gives me a hug, and I thank her for the delicious meal.

They leave with hearty goodnights to their sons.

I observe his family’s easy camaraderie with a mix of envy and sadness. They’ve had their share of challenges with poverty and Ethan’s mom walking out, and Ethan’s unexplained aggression and intense struggle with PTSD, as well as his eye condition, butthey’ve come through all of those because they love each other fiercely and unashamedly.

As soon as they leave, Ethan is on his brother. “Grant, you’re such an idiot.”

“You’re welcome. I’m sure Pop doesn’t want to see you making out with your girlfriend.”

“He makes out all the time withhisgirlfriend.”

“Yeah, like Mom and Dad make out. You guys are like a high voltage tension wire, and sparks were starting to fly everywhere,” Grant says and illustrates his point with his hands.

Grant is right. Ethan could have kissed me right then, and I wouldn’t have minded. I already feel so comfortable with Ethan’s family.

“Besides, I’m just saying what’s on everyone’s mind. We need to hurry Pop along, otherwise, he won’t do it. He’s scared of the commitment of marriage.”

“I really don’t think you’re qualified to question anyone’s relationship, Grant, not until you’re done crashing a certain Parisian wedding,” Ethan snarks.

That effectively shuts Grant up, for a whole five seconds, anyway. “Asshole!”

“Why, is it too late? They pronounced them husband and wife already?” Ethan says, delighting in tormenting his brother.

Grant uncurls his lean frame from the floor, comes towards me, and gives me a sound kiss on my cheek. “I’ll bid you goodnight.”

“Aw, not you, too. Grant, this is no time to be sore. If you want to crash it, you’ll need wingmen, and Bonnie and I are happy to pitch in.”

“Fuck off!”

“Grant, please stay.” I grab his hand. “Ethan, stop winding him up.” I don’t even know what wedding they’re on about, but I didn’t want Grant getting pissed off at his brother. Although,Grant has been on Ethan’s case a lot tonight, so maybe he should have a taste of his own medicine.

“See, Ethan. Bonnie sounds like Ingrid already. She’s a keeper.” He sits on the edge of our couch.

“She’s a keeper, man,” he repeats.

“Don’t change the subject. What are you doing about Dalia?”

“Dalia?” I ask, looking at Grant with new eyes.

“There’s a woman called Dalia who he’s crazy about. It didn’t work out between them a couple of years ago. My brother has since been unable to move on. Now, she’s getting married soon. In Paris. Did I leave anything out, bro?” Ethan revels in filling me in.

Suddenly, it comes to me. “You don’t mean Dalia from the Century Gallery?”




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