Fat Cat Liar

“You’ve shocked them into silence!”

“Let’s enjoy it while it lasts,” I joke, trying to pull her back into my arms.

“Lawson!” She swats at me and jerks her head for me to continue.

I turn my focus to them and explain. “I spoke to Uncle Rob and Grandpa. I’m not leaving Morris. After the holidays, we are going to meet and come up with a transition strategy. Rob and I will work in tandem until the Palmer Laboratory goes into phase two, and then I will step into the role.”

“Wow.” Dad blows out a breath and looks at Greer. “Did you have anything to do with this, Greer?”

“Not really, it was Lawson’s decision.”

“It was all because of her,” I tell them, winking at her.

“Well, I have to say you’ve performed a miracle. We’ve been trying to convince him to reconsider for a while.”

Greer’s face blushes at the compliment.

I steal a glimpse at Kevin, who’s grinning smugly. His eyes tell me he knew this would happen. Hell, he predicted in my office that she wouldn’t let me walk away from my place in the family business.

“Does nine tomorrow morning sound good?” I ask him, going back to the subject of the project before my dad has the chance to push further.

“Yes, Lawson, nine is fine,” he answers, gulping the last of his cocktail to hide his grin.

Like earlier today, I know all is not forgiven when it comes to Kevin Palmer, but slowly, I’m making progress.

Chapter 27

Greer

A prickling sensation tickles the skin below my ear, sending me deeper into my pillow. His warm breath and tongue skim the edge of my jaw, leaving a trail of wet kisses. I don’t dare open my eyes and risk losing the best part of the dream. Every night, I slip into the same unconscious thoughts where Lawson is with me, teasing me with his lips, tongue, and seductive whispers until I’m pleading for more.

This morning is no different. My breath hitches when his fingers trace over my collarbone and ever so slowly glide down over the swell of my breast and stop to circle my nipple. Even through the fabric of my shirt, I can feel the edge of his nail as it scrapes gently around the hardened peak. A surge of desire shoots through me, sparks of heat searing my veins. I moan into the pillow, clamping my legs together to stop the quenching need building.

Soft scruff nuzzles my cheek as Lawson crowds in closer, his body curling around mine. His firm chest is to my back, his strong arms wrapping protectively, his hips pressed so close his hardened length settles at the small of my back.

It all feels so life-like and real, even the scent of him lingering in the air around us. I snuggle deeper, wiggling my hips, and throw a leg back to tangle with his.

A sharp hiss sounds, and my eyes fly open at the all-too-real hand now cupping my breast and the scorching burn racing over my skin.

I’m not dreaming.

Lawson is in bed with me.

My bed… in my room… in my family home…

“Lawson?” His name comes out hoarse.

“Merry Christmas, baby.” He shifts so I can roll into him.

Early morning light streams into my room, but I still blink several times to clear the hazy film over my eyes. His face comes into focus, and my heart speeds for a different reason than seconds before.

His NYU baseball cap is so worn the bill is ripped almost to shreds. He’s wearing his contacts, making his golden-green eyes more piercing than usual.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ve left me alone the last two nights, so I took matters into my own hands.”

“Our families are here! If my dad discovers you