by Layla Hagen
“Where is Winston?”
“He’s in his office, but on a phone conference. Should I tell him you’re here?”
“No need. I’m supposed to meet him for lunch, but I can wait. I arrived earlier on purpose.”
“Okay,” I said slowly, wondering what that purpose was. I did have a slight suspicion, though. Years of Bennett events had taught me to look for signs. I recognized when someone was on a discovery mission.
“My husband and I are expected at social events this time of the year, and since Winston is back, many of our friends want to invite him too. We just don’t know if he’d bring a plus one. My husband and I were wondering if Winston is seeing someone. He doesn’t tell us anything.”
The corners of my mouth lifted in a smile all on their own.
“And you were hoping I might.”
“Well, yes. Help out a desperate mother. Is he seeing anyone or not?”
I felt my neck become hot again. What was I supposed to say? I didn’t know if Winston wanted his parents to know... actually, scratch that. He hadn’t told them about us, so obviously he didn’t want them to know.
Everything inside me deflated.
This is very new.
Yes, but still...
The two voices warred in my head, but I refused to be a Debbie Downer. After all, I had only told Pippa, Victoria, and Alice, not everyone in the family, even though telling the entire clan would take a small PR announcement.
“Mrs. Statham, how about I bring you a coffee while you wait for Winston?”
I hoped that my tone indicated my lips were sealed.
“Only if you drink one with me.” She was not going to let me off the hook, but I’d had plenty of practice, and I had a good track record at resisting even under duress (read: Pippa and Jenna combining their forces in interrogation).
“Of course. I also keep chocolates at my desk. Can I tempt you with some?” I asked on a grin.
“Private chocolate stash? You’re a girl after my own heart.”
***
Winston
I ended the call quicker when I heard Mom’s voice on the corridor. She was here early. That couldn’t be good. It meant she was up to something.
I darted out of the office the next second. The voice came from Sienna’s office. Further proof that Mom was up to no good. She was chronically late. If she showed up early, it wasn’t happenstance. She had a plan. And when I entered the small room and saw the two of them chatting over coffee, I realized exactly what Mom’s plan had been: cornering Sienna.
“Mom, you’re early.”
“Darling, it’s so good to see you. And don’t worry about me. Sienna was excellent company.”
I winked at them both. “It’s Sienna I’m worrying about.”
Sienna smiled shrewdly.
“Don’t you worry about her. She’s very good at keeping your secrets.”
“You can ask me whatever you want to know, Mom.”
“Very well.” She crossed her arms over her chest—a telltale sign that I was about to be in trouble. “Are you dating anyone? And if yes, will you please bring her tomorrow to a gallery show? Your dad and I are going, and we’d love to spend the time with you.”
Mom didn’t beat around the bush. I took after her in that regard.
This was just like mom, putting me on the spot. To be fair, I had told her to ask whatever she wanted, and she’d used the opportunity to its full potential.
I moved my gaze to Sienna, who stood ramrod straight, fiddling with her thumbs. What was she thinking?
We hadn’t talked about the official status of our relationship. I’d meant to, but every time I was with her, I got so lost in her that every detail simply fell to the background. But I wanted everyone to know she belonged to me—starting with my parents.
Suddenly, the need to know if she shared my feelings, if I was as important to her as she was to me slammed into me. I made a split-second decision, following my instinct more than anything else.
I stepped right next to Sienna, placing an arm around her shoulders. She glanced sideways at me, eyes wide, lips parted. Fuck, I barely kept myself from leaning in and capturing her mouth. Kissing Sienna would definitely clear things up. I drew in a deep breath, trying to rein in my instincts, this insatiable need for Sienna.
Words. I needed words.
“As a matter of fact, Mother, I am dating this lovely creature here.”
Sienna blushed, blowing out a breath. Was it with relief or tension? Damn, I’d been too impulsive, as usual. I wasn’t used to asking for permission, but I wanted to do things right with Sienna.
“I knew it,” Mom said.
We both turned to her.
“You did?” I asked.
“Well... suspected it. Sienna here turned red as soon as I asked if you’re seeing someone. Plus, every time you mention her, the tone of your voice is a little different. A mother can always tell.”
“My mom used to say the same thing.” Sienna laughed. Relief washed over me at the sound.
“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you both tomorrow at the gallery. Eight o’clock.”
Hell, no. I loved my mother, but I put my foot down at art showings. I’d never been a fan, and I wasn’t going to subject Sienna to it. We could always catch up later for dinner.
“I can’t wait. I love contemporary art,” Sienna said.
I glanced at her sideways, about to tell her she didn’t have to put up with that out of politeness, but the expression on her face caught me off guard. She was smiling dreamily. Well, that was a game changer.
Next evening, Sienna was positively glowing. The gallery was being held in two of the conference rooms at the Westin St. Francis. When we entered the lobby, the first thing Sienna did was snap a selfie of us with the huge sugar castle in the center.
“You know, we could do this in the store after the rebrand,” she said. “Some sort of holiday treat that serves as centerpiece along with the tree. The Westin has the sugar castle, the Fairmont the gingerbread house, but there aren’t many in department stores.”
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something brilliant in time for the next holiday season.”
It was a heavy-handed hint that I wanted her to still work with me by then, but I couldn’t help myself. Sienna blushed, giving me a shy smile.
While we descended the steps to the conference rooms, we could already see the crowd gathered for the event.
“Summer, the youngest Bennett, owns a gallery. She features up-and-coming artists often. I love it.”
Mom and Dad were waiting by the entrance of the first room.
“Hi, Mom! Dad, this is Sienna.”
“You look lovely,” Mom said, kissing her cheek. Dad shook her hand.
“Can’t believe my wife was right again,” he exclaimed.
“About what?” I asked.
“She kept saying she thought you have a thing for Sienna. I was clueless as usual and told her she was imagining things.”
“Don’t beat yourself up too much, Mr. Statham,” Sienna said. “Sometimes I think we women have a sixth sense.”
Mom beamed at Sienna.
“Do you want to read the background stories of the artists featured tonight?”
“Sure,” Sienna answered.
The two of them sat down, going through the leaflet. Dad and I went for drinks.
“Son, you look as if you don’t want to be here.”
“You know this isn’t my scene.”
Dad clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Let me give you a piece of advice after so many years of marriage. If something makes the woman next to you happy, do it. Even if it’s not your favorite thing.”
“I’ll—wait a second. You’ve never told Mom you don’t like coming to these things?”
“Why should I? She’d just feel guilty about dragging me here.” Winking, he added, “Bringing joy to the person next to you is the secret to a happy marriage.”
I was stunned. Dad had never sho
wn enthusiasm, but I’d always thought it was just because he was a reserved man.
He just did it for Mom. I completely got it. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have. But now I did.
Once the bartender had our drinks ready, each of us took two glasses and we returned to our ladies.
Sienna and Mom were chatting with their heads together, pointing between the leaflet and the various paintings around the room. Dad and I exchanged a glance, chuckling.
We were in for a repeat. I could feel this becoming a thing: attending an event our ladies wanted, Dad and I banding together. And hell if I didn’t like the prospect of that.
I didn’t resist staying away from her, though. As soon as she was alone, I went to her side, walking around with her.
“This is amazing,” Sienna exclaimed.
“Glad you like it.”
“Well, it’s—wait a second.” She stopped in her tracks, scrutinizing me. I had no idea what she was looking for, but I schooled my expression in any case.
“What’s with the semi scowl? You don’t like this, do you?”
Well, hell. Dad had managed to disguise his lack of enthusiasm for thirty years, and I hadn’t even managed to make it through one evening without Sienna catching on.
“Not my scene, no.”
She pouted. “Why did you say yes, then?”
I laced an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me. I simply needed to feel her next to me as often as possible.
“Because you were excited about it.”
Sienna lifted herself on her toes, kissing my cheek.
“I promise I’ll make up for it later. In spades.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I’ll show you when we’re alone.”
I brought my mouth to her cheek, feathering it along her skin until I reached her ear.
“How about giving me a taste right now?”
She playfully pushed me away, pointing a finger at me.
“Winston, you’re becoming more shameless by the day.”
“Only because I want you so much.”
“So it’s my fault?”
“Absolutely.”
I grinned. She returned it. We passed an empty conference room, and I saw my chance. I moved us inside it before Sienna even realized what was going on.
“What are you doing?” she admonished in a whisper.
“Giving you ideas.”
“What for?”
“How to make it up to me later.”
She laughed, shimmying a little. “That’s cheating, don’t you think?”
“Maybe. I just wanted a few minutes alone with you.”
I feathered my mouth up and down the side of her neck, interlacing our fingers. I walked her backward, deeper into the dimly lit room, until we reached a wall. I pushed her against it with my hips, aligning our bodies, pressing myself against her. The contact electrified me. Big mistake. Feeling her breasts press against my chest turned me on instantly.
Now I wanted more—no, I needed more—simply craved it. I clasped her fingers tighter to keep myself from touching her anywhere else.
“We’d better return to the others. I can sense you’re having dirty thoughts,” Sienna teased.
“Dirty doesn’t even come close.”
I felt her smile against my cheek. “Well, save that for later, will you? We need to be on our best behavior right now.”
“Whatever the lady wishes.”
I held her close as we joined the crowd again, unwilling to yield even an inch.
***
Sienna
I absolutely loved galleries. I admired artists’ courage to just put themselves out there. I did feel guilty for torturing Winston with it, though. But not too much, since I planned to thoroughly spoil him later this evening. I couldn’t bring myself to cut this short either. I loved talking to Everly.
“My son has always been responsible, even as a child. I just wish he wouldn’t keep everything to himself. It’s not healthy, especially when you’re under stress. Sharing helps unwind.”
Everly was still on her mission to lure secrets out of me. I agreed with her, but it wasn’t my call to make. I couldn’t betray Winston’s confidence.
“I promise I’m taking good care of him” was all I said.
“I can tell you are. He changes when you’re around. Lights up when he sees you.”
He did? I felt like doing a happy dance.
“Tell me more about Winston as a kid.”
“I have so many stories.”
“I’m listening.”
She spoke so fast that I could barely hold back a smile.
“He’s very protective,” Everly finished. “He’s always been like this. Perhaps too much. Usually at his own cost.”
She was more spot-on than she thought. All that gruff exterior was just because he was trying to take the pressure off them. I wanted to start spoiling him right away.
I felt a rush of affection for Winston, and instinctively glanced at the corner where he and his dad had stopped. He was looking straight at me. I gave him a small smile. My heart rate was lightning quick. Was I a fool to let myself fall so quickly? Well, even if I was, nothing I could do about it.
I was powerless to stop it.
The more Everly spoke, the more I felt it growing—as if it had a power of its own and I had no control over it.
By the time the evening was over, I was a little more in love with Winston than I’d been when I’d arrived.
“Lovely lady, care to share your plan now?” Winston asked once we were in the car.
“Yes. I’m taking you home, and I’m going to take advantage of you all night long.”
“I like that plan.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sienna
The weeks before Christmas were always mad at Casa Bennett. The preparations—ranging from food planning to buying presents—were so extensive, it was like every member of the family had a second job. What with my late evenings with Winston at the office, finalizing the rebrand campaign, I felt as if I had three jobs.
Everyone was pretending they were making such a huge fuss about Christmas for the kids, but the truth was, the adults were enjoying it just as much. This year, we were having the traditional Christmas dinner two weeks earlier because we’d be on different sides of the globe on Christmas Day itself. I’d be in London with my brother. The part of the clan that wasn’t coming to Aspen later on was leaving on a month-long trip to Australia next week.
I was usually on cloud nine before that dinner, but today I was fretting because Winston was joining me. I’d never had a boyfriend with me at Christmas dinner before. I squeezed Winston’s hand as we walked toward the house.
“Sienna, you’re quiet. What’s wrong?”
“You know the saying trial by fire?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, this will be trial by Bennetts.”
Winston laughed, pulling me into a half hug, resting his arm on my shoulders. Being this close to him always made me feel so safe and protected. And when he looked at me with those green eyes? I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
“What exactly am I supposed to watch out for?”
“No clue. Just make sure you don’t let your guard down. The second you do, someone is bound to sniff you out and attack you.”
“Duly noted.”
When the door opened, I almost had a heart attack. My brother Lucas was here! Chloe was right behind him.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me you’d be here?”
“No one knew. Wanted to surprise you.”
I squeezed my brother so tightly in a hug that I almost suffocated him. After letting him go, I winked at Chloe. “You’re safe from my hugs today.”
Chloe grinned. “I’ll keep my distance, just in case.”
“I want to introduce you to someone. Lucas, Chloe, this is Winston, my boyfriend.”
My little sister smiled at Winston, and so did Lucas as they shook hands
. What was that look in my brother’s eyes? I couldn’t really decipher it.
“You look a bit skinny, Lucas,” I said.
He groaned. “You say that every time.”
“But it’s true.”
“Watch it, or no more hugs from me.”
“Ha! As if I need your permission for that.”
God, I hoped Lucas would choose to go to college here. I didn’t voice that thought though. Didn’t think it was fair to put that pressure on him. Everyone had their own path, and I respected that. I just hoped his path would lead him back to San Francisco sooner rather than later.
And I hoped Chloe’s path wouldn’t lead her somewhere else... or at least not for a very long time.
“How long are you staying?”
“Just over the weekend.”
“You flew ten hours for two days?” I pouted.
“Didn’t want to miss the Christmas dinner. But I have exams. I need to go back.”
Chloe and I exchanged a glance. Lucas didn’t miss it, of course.
“Hey! No banding against me.”
Chloe opened her mouth theatrically. “Against you? We never do that.”
I burst out laughing. “Never.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let them plot,” Winston said.
Lucas whistled. “Much appreciated, man.”
“Guys have to stick together.”
Chloe placed both hands on her hips, tapping her foot. “Hey! Don’t forget that I’m the one who lives on this side of the ocean. If you’re going to have a favorite, I’m the better choice.”
Winston laughed, pulling me into a half hug. “These two are even funnier than you told me.”
I melted against him. There was so much warmth in his voice. I was so happy that he was here.
As we went further inside, Christopher himself came, holding his hand out to Winston.
“Christopher, this is Winston.”
“Welcome,” Christopher said. “Heard a lot about you. Good to finally meet you.”
Whew. He looked friendly enough. I’d been expecting at least one or two frown lines. Come to think of it, I couldn’t be sure he wasn’t frowning, because a few rebellious strands of hair had fallen over his forehead. Wait a second! Christopher’s hair was shorter.