12. Chapter 12

Despite all my reassurances to Greyson, I was nervous, too. I wasn't entirely sure Grandfather would like him. He would rather me choose someone already wealthy, no doubt, because he didn't want anyone taking advantage of my money. My biggest hope was that since I was fulfilling his wishes, he would only want me to be happy and that there had been no stipulations on the financial status of my chosen partner. But he could be a stubborn old man.

His home was well-lit with soft lighting, and it was filled with the aromas of something that had been cooked in red wine. I chuckled when I heard Greyson's stomach growl loudly.

"Ignore him. He's so rude," he whispered, making me laugh harder.

We passed the grand staircase and headed left toward the parlor where I knew Grandfather would be. He loved the old room where my grandmother used to play the baby grand piano. She passed away about ten years ago.

I found him sitting in his wheelchair by the fire with a red and black plaid blanket over his legs. His white hair was thin and wispy, but he wasn't completely bald. Considering he was ninety-one, he was sharp as a tack despite his body failing him.

"Hello, Grandfather," I said, kissing his cheek.

He looked up and eyed me with shrewd hazel eyes. "Xander. It's good to see you, son. So, let's have a look at him."

My grandfather never wasted precious time, always getting to the point, which was also why I drove him crazy by taking my time to find someone. I just wanted it to be the right person. And I'd finally found him.

I tugged him in front of my grandfather. He smiled at the older man and held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you finally, sir. Xander has told me all about you and all good things, I assure you."

"This is Ansel Hayes, Grey. The love of my life." I winked at my grandfather, who scoffed but couldn't hide the humor in his rheumy eyes.

Grandfather took his hand, and they shook. "Good-looking lad, a strong handshake, but didn't crush my hand, and polite. Well, let's eat and discuss things at the dinner table. Xander, would you mind?"

I stood behind him, unlocked the wheels of his chair, and pushed him into the formal dining room. The servers set the table and placed shallow bowls filled with braised short ribs, mashed potatoes, carrots, and red wine sauce, with a salad and warm bread on the side. It was good stuff.

I placed Grandfather at the head of the table and sat down next to him, with Greyson sitting on my right.

"This looks amazing," Greyson said.

I nodded. "It's my favorite."

The staff poured us all some red wine, and we were ready to eat. I took a large bite of the stew, and Greyson followed my lead.

"Now that we're settled. Tell me, Greyson, what do you do for a living?"

My partner looked at me with his nervous brown eyes. "Uhm, I'm Xander's personal assistant."

"I see," he replied calmly, but I knew him well. He wasn't happy about it. The calmer he was, the more you had to be wary.

Then Grandfather eyed me. "This is reckless, Xander. I'm sorry, Greyson. No offense to you, but this is highly unprofessional."

"None taken," he mumbled, hiding his face in his stew. I grabbed his thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze to let him know it was all going to be okay. I'd expected this.

"You're right. It is unprofessional. Greyson and I have talked about this at length. Being open about our relationship was my idea. He was against it. He also offered his resignation, which I denied."

Grandfather took a bite of the stew, and I was ready to hear his blunt words. "He also has nothing to offer you."

"You're wrong. First, I don't need more money. I have more than I can ever spend. And Greyson doesn't care about wealth. Those other men you tried to pin me down with, like Matthew, were not my type. I want love, not to increase my stock portfolio."

" Do you love him?"

"It's still early yet. We've just started this thing between us."

"You two are not a good match," he insisted.

I put down my fork and took a sip of wine, choosing my words carefully. "Grandfather. It shouldn't matter who I want to be with. You gave me no requirements, not that I would've followed them, anyway." I reached for Greyson's clenching hand on his lap. "He's a perfect match for me when it comes to personality and companionship. We have surprisingly a lot in common. Greyson is also a good soul, full of kindness and patience. Most of all, he makes me laugh and feel good."

Greyson squeezed my hand back, and when I looked at him, he smiled at me, and then he looked at my grandfather. "I understand your worries that I would take advantage of Xander and his wealth. It's not something I would ever do. I chose this line of work because I enjoy it. I could've picked something else after college—a bigger job or starting a business, but I love helping Xander, and he needs it. Being a personal assistant calls out to my organizational needs. While we're still new, and anything can happen, I'm very much enjoying your grandson's company. He's an amazing man, and I hadn't really realized how much until I got to know him. He's so down-to-earth, kind, fun, and he makes me laugh. These are all things that I look for in a partner. I would never hurt him intentionally."

At least Grandfather listened to him. He set down his fork and nodded. "Very well. As long as you're happy, Xander. That's the most important. I was just hoping to be a great-grandfather before I kicked the bucket. You should've settled down sooner."

He was old-fashioned, so I forgave him for that. "I am happy."

"Then it's settled. You have my blessing."

A weight I didn't know I was carrying lifted from my shoulders, and I breathed out a silent sigh. "Thank you."

"So, when's the wedding?"

Sounds of sputtering and coughing filled the large room as Greyson choked on his wine. "Wedding?" he squeaked.

"Let us spend more time together, Grandfather, before we get carried away."

"Fine," he grumbled. "Just remember, I'm not getting any younger."

"Yes, so you keep reminding me," I teased.

He harrumphed and ate his dinner, but I knew I had him.

Greyson and I said our goodbyes right after dinner as Grandfather tired easily, and the nurse needed to get him ready for bed.

When we stepped outside, I pulled Greyson into a hug. "I told you he'd love you."

"I think ‘ love ' is stretching things."

"Well, he didn't give you the boot, so…"

"Yes, let's think of the positive aspects," he chuckled, rolling his gorgeous chocolate eyes, then shoved his glasses up his nose with his finger.

I took both of his hands and pressed my lips to his. "I really like where this is going between us. We mesh really well in every aspect. I hope there's more ahead of us."

"I couldn't agree more, but I'm still worried about your reputation and what everyone at work thinks."

I cupped his face and placed a gentle kiss on his pillowy lips. "You let me worry about that."

"I could still quit and find a new job."

"And I said no. You're just asking to be punished."

Greyson squirmed and adjusted his pants. "It's not appropriate to get a stiffy in front of your grandfather's house."

I smirked. "I've created a monster. Who knew my sweet PA loved to be bad."

"Only for you." With boldness, he stood on his tippy toes and tugged me down for another kiss.

I loved that. It made me feel special in his life like only I got to have all the secret parts to Greyson.

He reached and lifted away some hair that had fallen into my face and combed it back with his fingers. "I care about you and can see myself falling hard for you."

I feigned a pout. "You mean I haven't swept you off your feet yet? I'm hurt."

He rolled his eyes again and scoffed. "Clearly, you have. I'm standing right here, right now, after meeting your precious grandfather. Consider me swept and fallen."

I rested my forehead against his. "I think it's me that's swept and fallen. Now, let's go back to my place, and let me show you how much so."

"Sounds good to me, but no more spankings. My booty still stings."

"Are you going to behave?"

" Pfft , I always behave."

"Good, then making love it is. Holding you in my arms as we slowly work ourselves into a climax while devouring each other in kisses sounds right up my alley."

"Heads or tails?"

"What?"

He pulled out a quarter from his pocket. "Top or bottom?"

"Are we seriously flipping for who gets to do whom?"

"Rock, paper, scissors, then?"

It was my turn to roll my eyes. "You haven't even been inside me yet. Maybe I want to do the fucking."

"Are you keeping me from your hole, Mr. Hayes?"

"That sounds like a challenge. Fine, flip it."

He tossed it in the air. "Call it."

"Heads."

When the coin landed on the ground, we both looked down to see it landed on tails. "Yes!" Greyson spun around, wigging his cute butt. "I get to own you tonight for the first time! I can't wait to be inside my boss."

"You've owned me since Halloween night, Gorgeous."

I kissed the hell out of him as he melted against me.

Yes, this was going to be a good thing. I finally found my ‘one.'