Fat Cat Liar

“We’re moving forward—together. In the meantime, I’m staying here with her until after the new year, and then I’ll return to the city. Greer will continue to work as long as it’s safe for her and the baby. She’s agreed to train Haley completely on the inner-workings of her business so we can both have some time off when the baby comes.”

I nod in agreement as he tells them everything we discussed this morning.

“I’d like to be married before the baby comes, but I have my work cut out for me. Until she gets tired of turning me down, I’ll have to up my game.”

He says the last statement so bluntly it takes my brain a second to comprehend. “Lawson!” I shriek and try to step away. Of course, this doesn’t work and his arms flex tighter.

“Stop mentioning that.”

“No.”

“If you know what’s good for you, you won’t bring it up again today,” I hiss, my face flaming.

He’s not deterred, kissing the side of my head. “Today, I’ll give you the rest of the day.”

“The boy has no humility,” Dad grumbles.

“Don’t encourage him.”

“You’re the one who picked him, Greer. Now, we’re stuck with him. Too bad you didn’t meet Clay first.”

This gets Lawson’s attention and he growls, gripping our joined hands tighter. Clay stands taller, straightening his shoulders, and flashes me a killer smile.

I start to laugh again, everyone joining in except Lawson.

“These assholes are never getting around our baby,” he announces, which only increases our hilarity.

“Can you let her go so I can give her a hug?” Jarod quirks an eyebrow at Lawson, who releases me with a grunt.

Jarod folds me into his body, leaning into my ear. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks.”

“Promise me something. Remember how much he loves you.”

“I’ll try.”

“Because you’re going to need reminding—a lot.”

“What do you mean?” I tilt my head back, but he’s not looking at me; he’s staring over my shoulder.

I twist to find Lawson smirking openly in a way that causes my stomach to flip. He’s up to something, and judging by the twinkle in his eye, I better be ready for anything.

Chapter 28

Lawson

I watch from the back terrace as Greer hugs her father goodbye before he boards his helicopter. Her face turns to me, her bright smile as blinding as the sunlight on the snow. He, on the other hand, is scowling.

It’s no secret he wanted her flying back with him, but she stuck to her decision to drive with me tomorrow. He didn’t like it, openly trying to change her mind until she shot him a look of warning that ended his tirade. I tried to remain passive, but the exchange added to the never-ending list of reasons why Greer Palmer has the ability to own the men in her life.

I discovered that Kevin has multiple personalities—or maybe he just does with me. The man worships his daughter and doesn’t let me forget that’s the only reason I’m around. Greer’s happiness is the most important thing in his world, and he’s coming to understand we have that in common. But the few times we’ve found ourselves alone, he’s expressed his tolerance for me is slim.

She kisses his cheek and huddles tight to avoid the wind picking up as she heads back. I meet her halfway, tucking her close to shield her until we get into the house.

“I have to admit I’m surprised Kevin didn’t snatch you into the helicopter and force you home with him.”

Her head snaps up, eyes wide, and she chews on her bottom lip. “He may have tried,” she admits shyly.