Before he could respond, he felt a hand on his shoulder, saw his mother’s and Carolyn’s faces shift.
“We did have to cut it short, didn’t we? That was such a great night, though,” Lexi said, her voice an octave different from usual as she came around to sit beside him, her gaze locked on Carolyn.
“Oh. I didn’t realize you were joining us. I’ve forgotten your name,” Carolyn said.
Will clenched his teeth, helping Lexi out of her long wool jacket. She had her long hair tucked into a side ponytail. She wore very little, if any, makeup, a simple pink T-shirt, and a pair of dark jeans. She looked beautiful.
“It’s Alexandria Danby,” Lexi said, reaching a hand beyond Will, toward his mother. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grand.”
His mother blanched a moment but immediately put her mask back in place and smiled, shaking Lexi’s hand.
“How nice you could join us,” his mother said. Anyone who didn’t know her would believe she meant it.
Lexi dropped her hand and glanced at Will. He saw the nerves dancing in her gaze along with a bit of fire. She was protective. And for some reason, he fucking loved that she felt that way about him.
A waiter brought waters and asked for drink orders. His mother ordered a bottle of wine and a cheese platter for the table. Will reached for Lexi’s hand, settled his on top of hers on her thigh. Her quiet smile felt like a victory.
“I’m not sure if you’re aware, Lexi, but we have a very important party coming up. Our company, Grand Babies, is turning fifty. Carolyn has been helping me with the planning but I wanted Will’s input as well.”
Will wondered if Maddie was actually in a meeting as his mother claimed or if this was just a ploy to set him up.
“He did tell me. I’m very much looking forward to attending,” Lexi said smoothly, squeezing his hand.
“I couldn’t find any of your socials, Lexi. After we met, I thought I’d follow you on some,” Carolyn said as the waiter set down their drinks.
Lexi didn’t appear bothered by the conversation but her thigh tensed under his hand. “Maybe because, as you said, you forgot my name.”
Carolyn’s nostrils flared. Will wanted to fist-bump Lexi but gritted his teeth instead, pleasure simmering inside him right alongside the irritation.
His mother rested her palms on the table. “I know very little about you, Alexandria. Perhaps you could tell me what you do.”
Shit. Will had brought her here because he wanted to see her. He hadn’t guessed his mother would, once again, be trying to set him up.
“I’m a purchaser for a retail shop. I’m also finishing up my business degree.”
Smooth. Will smiled at her. She was good at coming up with something on the spot. And he liked the fact that she didn’t cower under his mother’s somewhat snooty tone.
“A degree is so important,” Carolyn said, lifting her wineglass, swirling the white liquid. “I finished mine about eight years ago. I actually double-majored. I didn’t need to, of course, as I work for my father’s design company, but I believe in being well prepared.”
Will’s jaw tensed again and he decided he’d had enough playing nice for the day. “I forgot your mom has that appointment tonight.” He stood up, pulling Lexi with him.
She looked at him, eyes wide. “What?”
“Mother, Carolyn. Sorry to do this but we’ll have to reschedule. But I more than trust your judgment on the final details for the party.”
“William, you’re being rude,” his mother said, glaring at him.I’m being rude? That’s fucking rich, even for you, Mom.
He widened his smile. “It’s not my intention, Mom. But we need to get going.”
“It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Grand, and to see you again, Carolyn.”
Carolyn simply nodded. His mother stood up. “I’d like to know more about you, Alexandria. I’ll ask William for your number and we can arrange a lunch. After all, if you’re going to be part of our family, I should have some sense of who you come from.”
Who.God. His mother irritated the hell out of him.
“Of course,” Lexi said as Will helped her with her coat.
He kissed his mother’s cheek. “I’ll bring her for dinner soon.” No way was he letting his mother get Lexi alone.
