Page 40 of Under His Touch
My heart stalls. “I want that, too.”
“My place or yours?” he asks.
I grin at his cheesiness. “How about winner chooses,” I say, and take his hands in mine for a thumb war. He laughs out loud and the sound takes me back, reminding me of the Alec I once knew. Only problem is, I’m beginning to like this version of him a little too much.
CHAPTER TEN
Alec
PHILLIP PULLS THE limo up to the curb, and I thank him as I exit the vehicle.
I step inside the building where the anniversary party is well underway and take the elevator to the top floor. I’m a bit late but I had some last-minute things to take care of that kept me tied to my desk. When I enter the Skylark, I look around and finally spot Megan talking to Sara. My heart kicks into gear the second I see her, but then worry seeps into my bones. I can’t tell what they’re discussing but from Megan’s body language, I’d hazard a guess that it’s something very important. I take a step toward her when I’m stopped by Megan’s aunt and uncle.
Jeannie opens her arms wide, her smile sincere and genuine. I always loved that about her. She was down-to-earth, and very motherly, which was something Megan needed after losing her folks.
“Alec,” she cries out, ecstatic to see me, and I bring her in for a big hug. “I understand you’re to thank for all this,” she says, widening her arms and glancing out the floor-to-ceiling window, with the view of the Hudson River, Empire State Building and Midtown Manhattan.
“Just made a call. This is all Megan,” I say, giving her the credit.
“How are you, son?” Dave asks, and gives my hand a shake.
“Doing well. How about you?”
“Counting down the days to retirement,” he says, and we both laugh. “Come on, what are you drinking?” He puts his hand on my shoulder to lead me to the bar. I excuse myself from Jeannie, who is already greeting other arriving guests, and take in the cozy atmosphere as we head to the bar at the back. We both take a seat and I order a brandy.
“What’s this about you getting married?” Dave says, and I laugh. He always was one to get right to the point, much like Granddad, which is why they’ve always hit it off.
“I guess you’ve been talking to Granddad.”
“Ran into James on the golf course the other day.”
“Granddad was playing golf?” I say. Yeah, he’s far more agile and sly than he’s letting on.
“Winning, too,” he says with a chuckle. “He told anyone who would listen that his grandson would soon be making a big announcement.”
“I bet he did.”
“Who’s the lucky girl?” he asks, and my gaze instantly goes to Megan. Dressed in a sexy black cocktail dress, with her hair pinned up, showcasing her neck, she’s the most stunning woman in the room. Jesus, I’ve never seen her more beautiful. Maybe that’s not entirely true. A well-sated Megs in my bed, all sleepy, and warm. Yeah, that’s one hell of a look on her. But those days must come to an end. My own brother couldn’t keep his dick in his pants—the spread in Starlight proved that—and he was engaged to a woman he loved. We just don’t have it in us and I can’t—won’t—hurt Megs like that.
I turn back to Dave, who is watching me carefully, and try to get my shit together. “We’ll be making an announcement soon,” I say. “Right now, it’s hush-hush.”
Dave laughs at that. “Well, it’s nice to see you and Megan together again. Here I used to think you’d one day put a ring on her finger.”
I give a humorless laugh. “We’re just friends,” I say, the lie catching in my throat.
“That’s what she says, too.” He takes a long drink from his glass, draining the amber liquid. “James also told me about the great things you’re doing at the university.”
Fuck, are none of my secrets safe with that man? And honestly if he’s so disgusted with my lifestyle and what I do for a living, why is he talking about my charity work. I keep that private.
“There you are,” Megan says, coming up to us. Her gaze goes back and forth between the two of us. “Wait, what was that about the university?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly.
“Oh, okay,” she says, my words taking her back a bit, judging by the way she’s blinking rapidly. “I was beginning to think you changed your mind about coming.”
“Just had some last-minute things to take care of,” I tell her.
She gives me an odd, almost edgy look, and I frown, hoping everything is okay between her and Sara.