“Thank you, Grayson.”
“You’re welcome and it’s true. I think you are amazing, and I was hoping we could have dinner together tomorrow night. That’s if you don’t already have plans.”
“I’d love to have dinner with you. How about we have dinner here? I’ll whip us up something really good. Say around six thirty?”
“It’s a date. You won’t be in the office tomorrow, right?”
“No. Not tomorrow. I’m spending the day here working on the building.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow evening. Looking forward to it.”
“Me too.”
“You’ve had a long day and must be tired. Relax for the rest of the evening. The design can wait until tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”
“Good night, Grayson.”
With a wide grin across my face, I set my phone down and got up to make a cup of tea. Grayson was right. I was tired, and the design could wait until tomorrow when I was refreshed from a good night’s sleep. Once the hot water was ready, I poured it into a mug and slipped in a tea bag. Taking it over to the couch, I pulled up the notes in my phone and started planning our dinner for tomorrow night. But first, I had a question for Grayson.
“Do you like Italian food?”
“I love Italian food.”
“Good. Then I shall cook Italian tomorrow night.”
“You already have my mouth watering.”
“You may not like it.”
“I’ll love it.”
“We’ll see. Good night.”
“Good night.”
The next morning, I got up early and headed to the market to pick up everything I needed for dinner before I started my work for the day. I bought more than I could carry, and as soon as Sammy saw me, he opened the door and grabbed a couple of bags from me.
“Here, let me help you with these,” he spoke.
“Thanks, Sammy. I honestly didn’t intend to get this much.”
He followed me in the elevator and up to my apartment. After unlocking the door, we stepped inside and set the bags down in the kitchen. I reached in my wallet and pulled out some cash for a tip.
“No, Harper, I can’t accept that.”
“Oh, come on, Sammy. I wouldn’t have made it up here if it wasn’t for your help.”
“It was my pleasure to help you.” A smile crossed his lips.
I don’t know why, but I had this overwhelming need to tell him that I was pregnant. I didn’t want him to be shocked when I started showing.
“Thank you, again. I think there’s something you should know about me since we talk just about every day.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“I’m pregnant, the father isn’t in the picture, and I used a sperm donor. Don’t judge.”
“Congratulations, Harper. What exciting news. I would never judge. I think it’s great.”
“Thanks. I just wanted to tell you so you’re not shocked when I begin to show.”
“I’m happy you told me. Enjoy the rest of your day.” He smiled as he gave a nod of his head.
I liked Sammy. He was an older gentleman in his late fifties who stood about six feet tall with short salt and pepper hair. He was very kind and there was something about him that made me feel comfortable. In a strange way, he reminded me of my father. Maybe it was his broad shoulders and the way he carried himself.
I worked on the design for the high rise all day, talked to Laurel and Charlotte and then it was time to prep dinner. I wanted nothing more than tonight to be perfect. A perfect dinner with a perfect man.
Chapter 19
Grayson
I climbed out of the car and walked through the doors of The Grill where I met Julius for lunch.
“Sorry I’m a few minutes late,” I spoke as I slid in the seat across from him. “I got stuck on a conference call.”
“No worries, bro.”
I picked up the menu and looked it over.
“I think I’m just going to get the lobster salad.”
“That’s it?” Julius asked.
“Yeah. I don’t want to eat too much. Harper is cooking dinner for me tonight.”
“So I take it things with her are going as planned?”
“Yes.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “My grandfather wants to meet her after I sang her praises at dinner last night. I have no doubt in my mind that once he meets her, all doubts about signing the company over to me will be gone.”
“I’m still not comfortable with this, Grayson. Do you even remotely like her?”
“She’s a nice girl and I enjoy spending time with her. But if you’re asking if I’m getting emotionally involved, the answer is no. I’m physically attracted to her which is a bonus because it makes my plan a lot easier. The four of us should get together one night.”
“And you don’t think she’ll recognize me? Have you forgotten I’m the one who delivered her flowers?”
“You were in street clothes and dark sunglasses. She won’t recognize you.”
“I don’t know. Like I said I don’t want any part of this.”
“Too late, bro. You’re already in. She’s going to think it’s weird if I don’t introduce her to my friends. You need to play your part. At least until I get my company.”
He sat across from me and slowly shook his head.
“Everything is going to work out. Don’t worry about it,” I said.
“I just don’t see how fucking with someone’s life and emotions is going to work out.”
I left the office early to go home, shower and change clothes before heading over to Harper’s apartment. On my way there, I had Damon drop me off at the florist so I could pick up a dozen baby pink roses for her.
“Good evening, Mr. Rhodes.” Sammy smiled as he held the door open for me.
“Good evening, Sammy.”
“Beautiful roses.”
“Thank you. They’re for Harper. She’s having me over for dinner.”
“Ah. I helped her earlier with her groceries. She’s a great woman.”
“She is.” I smiled as the elevator doors opened and I stepped inside.
Knocking on the door, I stood there holding the bouquet of roses behind my back.
“Hi.” A wide grin graced her face as she opened the door.
“Hi. These are for you.” I handed her the bouquet with a smile.
“Grayson, they’re beautiful. Thank you. Come in.”
The moment I stepped inside, the aroma of a home cooked meal smacked me in the face.
“Wow, Harper. It smells delicious in here.”
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. Everything is just about done.”
She went into the kitchen to place the flowers in a vase and I walked over to the table that was set.
“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” I spoke as I walked into the kitchen.
“It was no trouble at all. I love to cook. You can take the salad over to the table.” She handed me the large wooden bowl which held a beautiful-looking antipasto salad.