Chapter 407
Judy’s POV
“Great job today, Matt,” I said proudly as we finished up our training for the evening. I was exhausted about ready to return home. It was the day after I went out to dinner with my family, and I hadn’t heard from Nan since last night. I was admittedly worried about her, but life had to go on.
“Thanks,” Matt said with a bright smile. “I learned a lot from watching the competition.”
I laughed and rubbed his head with my hand, ruffling his hair. We walked inside and I paused when I saw Gavin walking towards us. His expression was hard to read, but his eyes poured into me. He didn’t bother responding after I asked him for my favor last night.
“Hi, Dad,” Matt said with a bright smile. “We just finished training. I learned new stuff from the competition and impressed Judy.”
I chuckled at his words; he wasn’t wrong.
“Nice job,” Gavin said to him, giving him an appreciative nod. “Can you give us a minute, buddy?”
Matt nodded and said goodbye to me before retreating to his room. I gazed up at Gavin, wondering what it was he wanted to talk about. He stepped closer to me, his expression suddenly softening and my heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He brushed a strand of sweaty hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear, his fingers lingering around my cheeks for a moment longer.
When he spoke, his tone was low and thoughtful, like his words were meant for my ears alone and I felt a warmth spread throughout my body.
“Mind to tell me why I just fired one of my most trusted maids?”
My heart stuttered at his words. I gawked at him; he was serious.
“You fired her?” I asked, already knowing he was talking about Harper. He raised his brows.
“You asked me to,” he reminded me.
I nodded and nibbled on my lower lip; I noticed his eyes dropping to my mouth
and the heat that crept up around my face made me release my lip.
“I thought you would have asked more questions,” I admitted. “You didn’t even respond to my text.”
His expression darkened for a moment.
“The fact that I didn’t ask questions and just fired her all because you asked worries me as well,” he admitted, his tone a bit rough. “But here we are. Now, explain what happened.”
I sighed and looked away for a moment, which apparently he didn’t like because he grabbed my chin gently and guided my gaze back to his, leaving me no room for argument.
“She showed up on Nan and Chester’s date last night and caused a scene,” I told him. “Poured wine on Nan’s dress and got everyone at the Whimsical Whisk to stare at them. It was bad and Nan was gutted. Chester almost killed her. They can’t work together, and Nan can’t see her again. I won’t have my best friend uncomfortable coming over. If I have to live there, and if Chester has to work there, I don’t want Harper there… I don’t want my best friend heartbroken and guarded.”
Gavin’s expression softened even more, and he nodded.
“Okay,” he said, dropping his hand from my face.
I raised my brows at his words.
“That’s it?” I asked. “Just ‘okay’?”
“What was it that you wanted me to say?” He simply asked.
“I don’t know… I thought you’d ask more questions or argue about it.”
He shrugged.
“I already fired her; it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“Yeah, but as you said, she was your most trusted maid…” I reminded him.
He nodded.
“Yes, but it seems I trust you more,” he admitted. Besides, you’re right. I’d rather have Chester working for me because he is one of the best chefs and he continues well to the pack. I don’t need him distracted or avoiding those he works around. Probably for the best.”
I was surprised by his easy assessment, and I nodded thoughtfully.
“Thank you,” I said softly, meeting his gaze for a moment. I started to walk around him, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“What are you doing tonight?”
I paused and looked back up at him.
“I was planning on just going home and sleeping,” I told him with a noncommittal shrug. “Why?”
“Stay.”
His one word sent my heart into complete turmoil. His eyes were dark and brewing and it made my breathing heavy. I found myself nodding without much thought.
“Okay,” I breathed.
Before I knew what was happening, he was pulling me into his body so I was flesh against him; his strong
arms wrapped around my waist et
possessively and his lips were claiming mine in a searing kiss that made me see stars. His mouth moved perfectly against mine and when I felt his tongue sliding across my bottom lip, I gladly parted my mouth to grant him access.