“You’d definitely break an ankle in those heels.”
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to a large restaurant that took up the entirety of the top floor of the lodge. Floor-to-ceiling windows made it feel like you were hovering in mid-air over the mountains. The views were unparalleled.
The hostess broke into a wide smile with more than a hint of lust. “Mr. Shaw, it’s so good to see you again.” Her words held a familiar purr to them, even though I’d met her maybe twice.
“Good evening, Candace.”
Her smile brightened at my use of her name. “Your family’s already here. Let me take you to them.”
I glanced down to see Grae glaring daggers at the woman.
I squeezed her hand, and she looked up at me.
“It’ssoooogood to see you again,” Grae whispered mockingly.
I choked on a laugh. “Jealous, Gigi?”
She let out an adorable little huff. “I’m standing right here. It’s rude.”
My smile just grew wider.
Candace stopped just short of the table. “Here you are.” She reached out, her hand lightly grazing my arm. “Please let me know if you need anything at all.” Her eyes locked with mine. “Anything.”
I stepped out of her grasp, my gaze going hard. “I’ve got everything I want.”
She blanched and scurried away.
Grae fought to keep her laughter under control. “Now I feel a little bad for her.”
“She went too far.”
Grae’s gaze lifted to mine. “That happens a lot, doesn’t it?”
I shrugged. “Sometimes. People find out you’ve got money and think you’re the ticket to a free and easy life.”
“But money doesn’t magically erase all your problems.”
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “No, it doesn’t.”
“Are you two going to keep creating a spectacle, or are you going to join your family for dinner?” Gabe snapped.
“Leave them be,” my mom said, a smile in her voice. “They’re happy.”
Grae squeezed my hand as I guided her toward the table. I gave her the seat next to my mother, the friendliest face in the crowd. My father’s expression was hard and impassive, while Lena looked as if she’d just sucked on a lemon, and Gabe appeared to be a cocktail or two in already.
I pulled out Grae’s chair, helping her into it. She leaned over to give my mom a quick hug. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long.”
My mom beamed. “You, too. When Caden told us you two were seeing each other, you can’t imagine how happy I was.”
Lena’s nose scrunched up as if she smelled something bad.
“Grae,” my dad greeted. “How are your parents?”
Grae sent him an easy smile, but I knew her well enough to see that it was forced. “They’re good. My dad’s getting back into the swing of things with search and rescue, and Mom’s enjoying reaping the benefits of her summer garden.”
Lena snorted. “Gardening, really? Don’t you have staff for that?”
Grae turned to my brother’s fiancée. “It’s one of her favorite hobbies. She’d never give the task to someone else.”
