Speak To Me: The Easton Brothers

Chapter 11

(Stephanie)

Grant Easton is such a freaking jerk!

I don't get it. I mean, what have I done to earn all of these cold stares and snide remarks? I have been nothing but nice to Sammy. In fact, Sammy even likes me. Wouldn't Grant take the hint and realize he can trust me?

Of course, the moment he sat down at the table, I felt that undeniable attraction. God, why did he have to be so hot? And the way he smells... It's like cinnamon with a hint of smoke. I don't know what cologne he uses, but I'm sure he could model as the spokesman if he wanted to.

I thought things were going well at first. He told me to call him Grant, rather than Mr. Easton, and he seemed genuine about it. But something switched, and he pretty much bit my head off, causing me to shut down.

The rest of the meal, I tried to ignore Grant the best I could. But it was like his body was radiating this heat towards me. The feel of him so close had me humming with excitment as I pressed my legs together and tried to push that desperate horny feeling deep deep down.

I haven't felt this type of attraction in a long time, if ever. I swear the fact that he dislikes me just adds to it. It's like I crave some type of acknowledgment from him.

A small smile, or a simple nod of the head... Anything other than these daggers he seems to be throwing me!

Now, we were back in the study as everyone talks about their plans for Christmas. Grant excused himself to use the phone, and I thought it would be the best time to hang out with Sammy before the grinch returned.

I was sitting on the floor beside him as I watched him pass a few toys to his cousins. He is so gentle with them. Even when Keegan climbed on Sammy's lap and went to pull his hair, Sammy just laughed and distracted the baby with another toy.

Sammy would make a great big brother one day. I mean, if Grant ever remarried, I guess.

That's hard to imagine. Picturing Grant Easton being nice enough to a woman and asking for her hand in marriage.

I wonder what his previous wife looked like.

I could feel this weird sense of jealousy rising up inside of me. The emotion caught me off guard as I imagined Grant in a happy marriage and being loving towards a woman. Obviously, he loves his son. That is very clear. Seeing that just warms my heart for Sammy.

But imagining that woman cheating on Grant also made me feel angry. Maybe he was cold to her at times like this. But that isn't a good enough reason to do what she did.

What she did to their son told me everything I needed to know. She was the one in the wrong. Honestly, if I ever met the woman, I might not be able to hold back my feelings about this. I would give that poor excuse of a mother a piece of my freaking mind. That's for damn sure.

She should be behind bars for what she did to Sammy.

"Miss Stephanie, are you okay?" Sammy whispered, making me blink my eyes as I realized I must've been spacing out.

"I'm fine. Are you doing okay? Did you get enough to eat?" I asked, feeling my hand rise on its own as I went to brush some of Sammy's hair away from his forehead.

That's when the conversation from earlier flooded through my mind, making me stop mid reach before dropping my hand into my lap and smiling awkwardly.

Why do I keep acting so unprofessional? I just feel so fond for Sammy, like he has burrowed his way into my heart, and it's hard not to care.

"I think I ate too much." He grumbled, making me laugh as I nodded in agreement. "Me too."

"Stephanie, I-I wanted to ask you." Gabriella suddenly spoke up, drawing not only my attention, but her son Kaiden's as well as he quickly crawled towards her.

"I wasn't sure if you had any p-plans for Christmas even. But we were going to get together and do a gift exchange. Nothing extravagant." She rushed before bending forward and scooping her son up.

She was actually sitting in Jamie's lap on one of those oversized lounge chairs.

That's when Keegan decided not to be left out and crawled to his parents, making Jamie chuckle before reaching around Gabriella and grabbing him next.

"I'm not sure yet if my dad will need me at the practice." I whispered, feeling shy all of a sudden as Grant came walking back into the room.

I swear the air changed immediately, making it harder to breathe as I tried to ignore him.

"Well, if you are free that day, we would love for you to come."

"I thought it was just supposed to be family." Grant suddenly blurted, making a pang of hurt settle in my chest as I bit the inside of my cheek.

The word jerk and asshole were just waiting on the tip of my tongue as I just about had enough of him.

"I think Stephanie is more than welcome to spend Christmas Eve with us. I mean, technically, she has been caring for Sammy just as long as-" Rylan began to speak, earning an elbow in the side from his brother in law Alder who now shot him a glare.

"It's fine, I wouldn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Besides, the practice is usually understaffed this time of year."

Truthfully, I was going to take up the extra shift anyway, considering my mom is visiting a sick friend right now, and dad was working both Christmas and Christmas Eve. So I decided not to be alone this year and just work it instead.

"I better get going. Thank you so much for inviting me and welcoming me into your beautiful home." I added, going to stand as Sammy quickly shot to his feet.

"Wait! You can't leave yet!" Sammy rushed, making my heart drop as I tried my best not to show it.

"I have to get ready for work Sammy." I lied, causing Sammy to frown as I swear he was about to cry or something.

What is it with this kid? I swear, every time I leave him, he rips out my heart in the process.

"Hey, we will see each other soon. Don't worry, okay? You are going to have the best Christmas and the next time you see me, I want you to tell me all about it. Okay?" I said happily, making Sammy nod before wiping at his cheeks.

I was a bit taken aback as he slammed into me once more, hugging me tightly.

"Do you think Santa will give me everything I asked for?" He suddenly mumbled against me, making me bend down before patting his back softly.

"I'm sure he will. I know you deserve it, Sammy."

I wished at that moment I knew exactly what he asked for so i could buy him all of it my damn self. Ugh, why does he do this to me!?

"Come on, Sammy, why don't you help me out in the kitchen for a moment, bud?" Alder suddenly spoke up, making me glance towards Grant as he just looked towards me and Sammy in confusion.

What was with that look?

I Saif goodbye to Sammy, watching as he hung his head sadly and went with Alder to the kitchen.

"Grant, why don't you drive Stephanie home. Ray had to go take care of something and will be unable to drive her." Jamie suddenly stated, making my eyes widen in shock.

Wait, what?!

"No, it's okay, I can just call an uber!" I rushed, not wanting to be alone with that man for a second.

"Fine, let's go then." Grant stated cooly before flicking those blue eyes towards me as I tried not to shrink back.

"Really, you don't have to-"

"Get your things. I will meet you in the car." He stated firmly, ignoring me completely as I clenched my teeth together in frustration.

That's when I turned to face Gabriella, and I swear I saw a hint of a smile on her lips before she quickly cleared her throat and placed her son in Jamie's lap.

"Please, reconsider Christmas Eve if you end up having the day off. We would love to have you here. It w-wouldn't be the same without you." She suddenly stated, surprising me as she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

"I will think about it." I whispered, saying my goodbyes to everyone else before grabbing my coat and purse and headed outside.

I was not looking forward to this ride back... that's for damn sure. But maybe I can give Mr. Easton a little taste of his own medicine. I mean, if he can be a jerk, why can't I? I won't just sit back and take it. I'm not that kind of girl, and Grant Easton was about to find that out real quick.