Chapter 50

CHAPTER 50

MARLOW

W e arrived back in New York City just as the sun was starting to set. The city lights were already flickering to life. "Tomorrow there will be Christmas lights up," I commented casually.

"Yep," he agreed. "It's full speed ahead into the holidays."

I wondered if he hated the holidays. Now that I had a better understanding of his family life, I wondered if the holidays were rough. But that was a conversation for another day. I didn't want to put a damper on the day or our plans for the evening. He pulled up to my apartment building. "I'll walk you up," he offered.

"No." I shook my head. "You need to go home and change and get ready."

He looked at the time. "Shit, you're right. I'll be back here in an hour and a half?"

"Why don't I take a cab to your place?" I suggested. "No reason for you to drive all the way back here and then back to the office. Your place is closer."

He frowned. "I don't want you to take a cab."

I smiled. "Spencer, I'm a big girl. I won't tell you I take the subway sometimes."

He pretended to be horrified. "Fine. I'll see you soon."

I wasn't sure if I was allowed to kiss him. We had not talked about what we were or any of that. "Bye," I said and climbed out of the car making sure to get my suitcase and leftovers.

I stepped into the lobby and quickly walked to the elevator, checking the time again. I had just enough time to freshen up before Spencer took me to Graham and Isadora's for Friendsgiving. I let myself into my apartment and punched in the code for the alarm. Once inside, I locked the deadbolt that was supposed to stop everything and everyone and reset the alarm.

I left my suitcase by the door and put my half of the leftovers in the fridge. I was hungry and tempted to dig into the pie but reminded myself I was going to dinner. I was expecting lots of good food and didn't want to be full before I got there.

I headed for my room, stripping as I went. I showered quickly, the hot water cascading down my body, washing away the grime and fatigue of the long drive. Coming out, I pulled a hairbrush through my damp hair and applied fresh makeup, a touch of mascara and subtle lip color—natural but polished.

In my closet, I scanned the options before settling on a pair of black jeans and an oversized mustard sweater. It was casual, yet chic enough for an evening with friends. I paired it with black ankle boots and slipped on a pair of gold hoop earrings as a finishing touch.

Glancing at the clock, I saw I had thirty minutes to get to Spencer's place. I grabbed my coat and purse, glancing in the mirror one last time before stepping out into the cold evening air. Manhattan was a city that always thrummed with life, regardless of the hour. I saw the first of the Christmas lights twinkling in the window of a store. The sight brought a small smile to my face. I happened to love Christmas time and all the festive decorations.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a message from Spencer: "Looking forward to seeing you."

I texted him and let him know I was on my way as I hailed a taxi. The cab ride was short but filled with anticipation. I paid my fare and stepped onto the sidewalk outside his building. I was a little nervous about hanging out with his partners. Things were cool between all of us, but that was when we were on our best behaviors. I wasn't sure how things would be once everyone loosened up and the alcohol flowed.

I stepped into the lobby and spotted Spencer stepping out of the elevator. I took a moment to admire how handsome he was. He was wearing a dark suit with a blue tie. The suit was immaculately tailored, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. It was a rich, dark navy color, almost black, with a slight sheen. He looked suave and sophisticated. He belonged on billboards. I would personally like to see him in an underwear ad, but I was cool with an advertisement for suits as well.

"Hi," he greeted. "You look great."

"Am I underdressed?" I asked.

"Not at all. You're perfect."

He led me to his car and opened the door as usual. I was seriously considering asking him to take me home so I could put on a dress. He sat down in the driver's seat and looked at me. "You look fantastic," he said, reading my mind. "Everyone will be casual."

"Except you," I pointed out.

"Trust me, by the end of the night, the tie will be in my pocket and my sleeves will be rolled up."

We headed to Graham and Isadora's home. I was a little nervous as we walked inside but the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Graham and Isadora had a knack for hosting apparently. Their home was a blend of comfort and elegance. It felt very normal, nothing I would have expected for Graham, but then again, I was learning none of these guys were the rich snobs I expected. Spencer had given me a brief rundown of who was who, but I was so nervous I barely remembered any of it.

The aroma of roasted turkey and spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water. I just had a turkey dinner yesterday and I was already craving it again. There were appetizers set out with cute little plates with turkeys on them.

Graham greeted us with a bear hug, telling me he might have had a drink or two. "Marlow! Spencer! Glad you could make it."

Isadora appeared next, enveloping me in a warm hug. "Marlow, it's so nice to meet you. Come in. Make yourselves at home."

We mingled with the other guests, everyone from the office along with their significant others. It was nice to see everyone in a more relaxed setting, away from the hustle and bustle of work. Sloane, Graham and Isadora's teenage daughter, was there too, along with one of her friends. She gave me a shy smile and waved.

I accepted a cocktail and mingled with some of the wives and fiancées of the other guys. They were all very nice. Spencer and I helped ourselves to some of the appetizers, blending in with the others.

"I know you," a woman with short black hair said.

I looked at her, trying to think of why I knew her. "I think I know you, too," I said. "Why?"

"Morgan McClintock," she said, shaking my hand.

"That's who you are." I nodded.

She was a marketing guru. My competition for many years. I was trying to figure out why she was there.

"Jax," she said. "That's my guy."

"Ah." I smiled. "You're a lucky lady."

"He's a lucky guy ," she said before laughing.

Dinner was a casual, easygoing affair. We all sat around the long table, with the men talking about their start in the business and the trials they endured trying to get the company off the ground. I was intrigued to hear how hard they worked and the sacrifices they made.

The food was delicious. And to my surprise, Isadora and some of the other women had cooked it themselves. I figured it would have been catered.

Again, I was making assumptions and proving I was very wrong.

After dinner, the men took over the kitchen to clean up while the women bundled up in blankets and headed outside to sit around the fire pit on the patio. The night was cool, but the fire's warmth and the company made it cozy. I pulled my blanket around me to ward off the cool breeze that brushed over us.

"Isn't it nice to not have to clean up for once?" Melody said, wrapping her blanket tighter around her shoulders. The other women laughed and nodded in agreement.

I settled into my chair, feeling a bit out of place but grateful for their efforts to include me. They all seemed to know each other very well. They were close, just like the guys. I was on the outside looking in.

"So, Marlow, what's the deal with you and Spencer?" Melody asked.

All the women leaned in, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow of the fire. They were all waiting for the juicy gossip. I swallowed, feeling the weight of their curiosity. I didn't want to say anything that would be wrong and have it get back to Spencer.

"Um." I paused, drinking my cocktail and stalling for time. "There is no deal. He's my brother's friend. We grew up in the same lazy small town. My parents helped him out a bit when he was young. Now we work together. Pretty boring, really."

The women exchanged knowing looks, clearly not buying it, but the men came out with beers in hand, sparing me from any further questions. Spencer took the seat beside me, his presence instantly comforting.

"Are you warm enough?" he asked, his voice soft.

I nodded, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as all eyes turned to us. "I'm fine."

He gave me a small smile. The kind of smile that left me feeling warm and gooey. Okay, maybe there was a little bit of a deal.

The memory of last night flashed in my mind. The heat of the moment, the raw emotion, the way I needed him—needed the release he brought. The sex was just as good as it always had been, maybe even better.

What were we to each other? How could we continue working together with this tangled mess of emotions between us? Could he ever be in a steady relationship without getting cold feet?

Spencer's hand found mine under the blanket. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Just tired."

He offered to take me home, but I shook my head. "I'm having a nice time. Let's stay."

We spent the rest of the evening around the fire, the conversation light and easy. I noticed how Spencer laughed more freely than usual. His friends seemed to notice it too. Everything felt so easy and natural. The guys teased each other just like I had seen Rhett and Spencer tease each other. I realized these guys were like family to him. They were his brothers.

At one point, I locked eyes with Graham across the fire. He gave me a knowing look with a small smile. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding. The connection between Spencer and me felt real, but fear lurked in the corners of my mind. What if this didn't work out? What if he got all dark and moody again? I wasn't sure I wanted that part of the package deal.

I leaned back and looked up at the stars. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" I said.

"It is," he agreed, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"How was your trip home?" Graham asked Spencer.

"It was good," Spencer responded, his gaze still on the flickering flames. "I ate too much. Marlow's mother is easily the best cook in the world. I don't know why she doesn't open a restaurant."

I smiled, proud of my mom. "She is a good cook."

"Must be nice to visit the old stomping grounds every once in a while," Graham said.

Spencer chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "You'd think so, but it's always a strange mix of emotions being back there."

We both knew he was referring to his memories of a lonely childhood. His parents hadn't been there for him back then and they weren't in Stone Ridge at all anymore. I didn't know how much the guys knew and had zero intention of getting into any of that.

Some of the others shared their stories about their hometowns. Despite my earlier discomfort, I found myself being swept into the cheerfulness that enveloped the group. Even with my worries about my relationship with Spencer, I felt settled in that moment.

Like this could really turn into something.