Chapter 21

Anya

I can't believe my older brother is getting married. And to Hartford of all people. I love Hartford. She's like a sister to me—we've practically grown up together. My heart swells with joy and disbelief.

Unable to contain my emotion any longer, I rise from the table and envelop Hartford in a warm hug. The rest of the family follows suit, standing up and surrounding Paxton and Hartford with congratulatory embraces.

"I can't believe you'll finally be my sister," I tell Hartford, my voice thick with happiness.

"Let's celebrate!" my father announces, popping the cork off a bottle of champagne with a satisfying pop. "I'm so happy to welcome Hartford to the family."

My mother winks at Hartford. "I always knew she'd be my daughter someday."

"Wow," Callum says, the only one still seated. His face is a picture of astonishment, clearly gobsmacked by the news.

I pat his shoulder, teasingly. "What's wrong? Did you think since you're the oldest you'd get married first?"

Callum shakes his head slowly, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "I've never even once thought about marriage. For me, or for any of you."

"Well, obviously it's bound to happen," I say, my eyes shifting to Griffin, who is standing across from me. A smile tugs at my lips as I imagine a future with him, just like Paxton and Hartford. With my family.

Griffin has been a staple in our household, just like Hartford. The thought strikes me suddenly, and I can't believe I'm about to think this, but I'd marry him if he ever asked. I shake my head at my own silly thoughts. He'd never ask me. I'm sure this is just something fun for him. He's not serious.

However, the way he's looking at me right now, with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat, makes me nearly hyperventilate. His gaze is so earnest, so full of emotion, it feels like he could get down on one knee at any moment.

My breath catches in my throat as the possibility lingers between us, making the room spin with the heady mix of celebration and unspoken feelings.

"Are you okay?" Millie asks me, concern etched on her face.

I turn to face her, taking in her light-blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She's really very pretty, and I'm genuinely happy that Brock is dating her. I nod. "I'm fine. It's just a lot to take in."

Millie's smile lights up her face. "I was kind of expecting it, honestly. Those two are made for each other."

"Like you and Brock?" I tease, giving her a playful wink.

Her expression shifts, her smile faltering. "Umm, we're not that serious."

Sensing I've touched on a sensitive topic, I quickly change the subject. "Look at how happy my mother is," I say, gesturing towards Mom, who is practically glowing with joy.

"She does look happy. So do Paxton and Hartford."

"Yeah, I guess I shouldn't be so shocked. I just thought they would date forever."

Millie laughs, and Tripp steps closer, joining our conversation. "I can't wait to go to their wedding."

"Weddings suck," Tripp mutters, not looking particularly thrilled for the couple.

The whole room starts returning to their seats, but Millie stares at Tripp as if he's just said the worst thing imaginable. "When the couple is as in love as Hartford and Paxton are, the wedding is amazing."

Tripp gazes at Millie, his expression softening. "I am happy for them, you know?" He runs a hand through his hair, looking a bit awkward. "I'm not a complete jerk."

Millie touches his arm gently. "I didn't think you were."

Tripp glances down at where Millie's hand rests on his arm, then pulls back. "I need to finish my meal," he says hurriedly, retreating to his seat.

I smile at Millie as she resumes her seat next to Brock, who is beaming with pride and happiness.

"When's the date?" my mother asks, her excitement palpable.

Paxton laughs, his eyes sparkling. "I just asked her, Mom."

Everyone chuckles, the room filling with a warm, affectionate atmosphere. The clinking of champagne glasses and murmured congratulations add to the celebratory mood. My eyes wander to Willow, who is chatting animatedly with Hartford, her face glowing with happiness. I can't help but think about how perfect everything feels in this moment.

As we all settle back down, I catch Griffin's eye again. The way he's looking at me, so full of warmth and something deeper, makes my heart race. Maybe, just maybe, there's a future for us too. A future as bright and full of love as the one Paxton and Hartford are stepping into.

"How many people?" Callum asks, his tone brisk and businesslike.

"Thirty-five. Nothing too crazy," I say, glancing up from my computer screen. I'm typing up the Banquet Event Order (BEO) for the upcoming function with the Mayor. Callum is breathing down my neck about the details, while Griffin sits in the corner of my office, a thoughtful smile on his face.

"I'm thinking we should do something different for this party. Something that sets us apart," Griffin says, catching our attention.

"Like what?" Callum asks, his curiosity piqued.

"We need to have the best for them. Top-of-the-line menu, top-of-the-line drink choices. You all should create a signature drink just for them. Or maybe name one of the beers after them—something you haven't released yet. Just for the party," Griffin suggests, standing from his seat and pacing the room as he speaks. "Something that shows we go above and beyond for our guests."

"I love that," I say, beaming at the idea.

Callum nods in agreement. "Me too. I'm going to get with Shepherd and Brock on developing something special. Brock just developed a new coffee porter—we can name it for the party."

"Yes, I love that idea. They're all a bunch of office workers, so we can play with the coffee and work theme." I shake my head, thinking. "Or we can gear it toward the travel destination aspect of Atta Boy."

Griffin points at me, his eyes lighting up. "Yes. Great idea. The Perfect Porter. Or something that encapsulates everything Atta Boy stands for."

Callum agrees. "I'll see what the guys say." He leaves the office, heading off to brainstorm with Shepherd and Brock.

I turn back to Griffin, who is now looking at me with a different kind of intensity. His eyes have gone from excited to something much deeper, and it sends a thrill through me.

"You know," I say, stepping closer to him, "your idea really could set us apart."

Griffin smiles, closing the distance between us. "I'm glad you think so. We need to always be thinking ahead, staying innovative."

"Absolutely," I reply, feeling the electricity between us.

He wraps an arm around me, peering over his shoulder to make sure the office door is closed. "I need you, Anya."

My eyes widen. "We can not do it in here," my voice trails off, and I quickly add, "again."

"I can't stop thinking about you. Stay at my place tonight." He tugs on me, bringing me closer. "Please. Don't make me beg."

I raise a brow. "I kind of like it when you beg," I say with a light laugh.

He brushes his mouth against my ear, causing a cascade of shivers to race down my spine. "I'll beg you all night long. I'll beg you to spread those long, luscious legs of yours so I can eat your pussy. I'll beg you to suck me off with that magic mouth of yours."

I'm so turned on. "I will," I say, letting him know I'm game for all of it. Staying the night. Spreading my legs. Hell, I may kneel right here and right now to watch him get off while I suck his dick.

I love watching the faces he makes when I suck him. It's like he can't get enough of me. Like he's never been so turned on in his life.

His phone vibrates in his pocket, and he pulls away. He reaches for his phone out of his chef's jacket pocket. "It's Tripp. I told him to come find me when he gets to work today."

"Yeah. We shouldn't be doing this here at work." I smile at him. "I'll stay over tonight."

He breathes a sigh of relief. "I can't wait." And then he heads out of my office door, and I sink back into my office chair.

I'm becoming so addicted to this man. I really can't keep my feelings for him hidden much longer.