Page 103 of Grayson’s Challenge

“Cain and I have an announcement to make,” Samson said.

All conversations died down, and silence descended on the room. Cain stepped next to Samson, and the two exchanged a conspiratorial look.

“We’ve made a decision as to who will run the new branch in New Orleans,” Cain said and nodded at Samson.

“Grayson,” Samson said.

“And Monique,” Cain added.

“They’ll be joint CEOs of Scanguards in New Orleans,” Samson said.

Stunned, Grayson stared at Samson and Cain, who both grinned now.

“Congratulations,” Samson said.

Monique threw herself into her father’s arms. “Thank you!” She turned her face to Samson. “Thank you both!”

All their family members started clapping.

Grayson approached Cain and Samson and put his arms around Monique, pulling her into a hug. He looked at Cain and Samson. “It’s perfect.” He squeezed Monique and gazed into her green eyes. “I can’t imagine anything better than spending every day and night with you.”

Monique smiled at him, her eyes beaming with delight. “And I with you.”

I love you, babe.

I love you more.

45

New Orleans – one month later

Pulling her silk robe tightly around her, Monique stood on the miniscule balcony and looked down onto the streets of the French Quarter. The sun had just set, and tourists milled about, hopping from one bar to the next.

“I can’t wait until our house is move-in ready,” Grayson said from behind her, and put his arms around her, pulling her against his body.

Monique molded her back to his chest and leaned her head back. “The house was move-in ready when we bought it.”

He chuckled at her ear. “Yeah, but not fit for my princess.”

She turned in his arms, smiling, and put her arms around him. He wore only boxer-briefs, and his dark hair was ruffled. She loved this look on him: the look of a man who’d just gotten out of bed and wanted to go back to it.

“You don’t need to spoil me,” she murmured softly. “I would live in a hovel with you if I had to. As long as you make love to me every day.”

“That can be arranged. The making love, I mean.” His green eyes sparkled, and his hands slid down to her butt, while he pulled her back into the bedroom. She kicked the French doors shut.

“I thought you wanted to sleep in since we don’t have to go to the office today,” Monique said, already caressing his back and slipping her hands underneath his boxer briefs.

He shook his head, grinning. “Mrs. Woodford, I believe what I said was that I wanted to spend the night in bed. I didn’t mention anything about sleep.”

He loosened the belt of her robe and pushed the fabric off her shoulders, until it fell to the floor and pooled around her feet.

“My bad, Mr. Woodford.” She gazed into his eyes, noticing how they started to shimmer golden. “Maybe you want to punish me for not listening when my master speaks?”

His breath hitched, and with satisfaction Monique noticed that the thought aroused him. She felt the evidence of it press against her stomach now. She tightened her grip on his ass, and rubbed herself against his groin.

“Are you making fun of your man?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” She didn’t even attempt to suppress her smile. She loved playing with him, teasing him, testing the limits of his control and his stamina.