The Perfect Stroke (Lucas Brothers #1)(51)

CC looks up at me, and that’s when I see it: hurt in those big green eyes. For a minute, she lets her guard down, and I can see it clearly. Acid churns in my stomach. I can deal with her anger, as that’s what I was expecting, but what I see is pain and hurt. That’s more than I can handle.

She turns over and leans into Cammie like they’re the best of friends. That should warn me what to expect. Sadly, it doesn’t.

“He’s always doing this. It drives me crazy.”

“Gray’s a very thoughtful man. I’m sure he’s just being kind,” Cammie says as if she’s offended on my behalf. “You should be grateful,” she adds, reaching over to pat my hand. I pull it back immediately, but it doesn’t seem to faze her. “I’m sure the men you’re used to dealing with aren’t like that, only there because of what you give them. But a real man is different, Claudia. A real man expects a more adult relationship with a woman.”

I start to interject, but CC responds before I can. “You’re most likely right. Though Gray and I do have the adult part down, most of our talking is done in the bedroom. Isn’t that right, dear?” she asks, smiling at me innocently. I hear Brayden cough, nearly choking on his food. Riverton’s indrawn breath is larger than it should be and almost overpowers Cammie’s gasp. Me? I’m torn between holding my head down, banging it on the table, or laughing. Still, CC doesn’t know who she’s with if she thinks she’s going to wiggle her sweet little tongue and get back at me. I know how to deal with this. This I can handle instead of the pain.

“Really, Claudia,” Cammie says, sounding scandalized.

“I just like to make sure my woman is happy,” I tell her before Cammie can say something else. “So gentlemen, I’m sure we’re all anxious to get home. I know I am,” I say, looking at CC and leaving nothing about my intentions hard to read. “How about we get down to the real reason we’re here?”

“Maybe they would like to finish their dinner, dear.”

“I’d like to get home and make sure my woman is happy.”

“Your woman seems to have developed a headache,” she says, and Brayden laughs out loud. CC gives him a genuine smile that, oddly enough, makes me want to punch the man.

“Grayson, you never pull any punches,” Cammie croons. “It’s one of the things I so admire about you. You’ve been doing outstanding on the greens. You practically bury every opponent. And your form is so outstanding. A mark of a champion.”

“Thank you, Cammie. It has been a good tournament. I’m looking forward to South Carolina. The competition there promises to be more challenging.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will handle it and come out on top. It’s one of the many things you and I have in common. Competition just fuels us. We find something we want and we don’t stop until we get it,” she says. I start to respond, staring at my food and wishing this was over and done. I should have ignored Seth’s orders and just kept going like I was. I would have made it to the Beach on my own. My head jerks up when Cammie screeches like a wet hen. Her pale beige gown has a crimson red slowly soaking into it. I look over at CC and she’s holding her wine glass—now empty, and doing her best to look innocent. She’s failing.

“I’m so sorry, Cammie. Here let me help you dry that up,” she says, grabbing her napkin and moving it to Cammie’s breasts to try and dab the liquid.

Cammie yanks the napkin out of CC’s hand in outrage. “I think you’ve done enough,” she growls. “Really, I know you don’t get out of that garage very often, but you could try to be a little civilized!”

CC pulls back and a look comes on her face that I’ve not seen. She looks almost calm. “Funny thing. You’re right. I didn’t get much of a chance to be accepted in the civilized world,” she says, her voice a funny tone. She’s not looking at Cammie, however; she’s looking at Riverton. “A fact I’ve never been more grateful for than I am tonight. Mr. Brayden, I’m sorry we met under such strained conditions, as I think I would have enjoyed meeting you.”

“It was my pleasure, Ms. Cooper,” he says, standing up when CC does.

“Yes, well, I think I’ll just be going. My headache seems to be worsening,” she says, and I stand up to join her. I pull her chair out, putting my hand at her back. There are things we need to discuss.

“Lucas. We haven’t discussed the upcoming matches. I think it would be in your best interest to stay.”

“I’m afraid…”

“Yes, Gray, you should stay. Don’t let me ruin the night for you. I’ll just grab a taxi,” CC says, already turning away from me.

“No, sweetheart. I’ll get you home and make sure you’re okay. You are my priority,” I tell her, making it clear to everyone—or at least trying to.

“Listen to Claudia. She’s making sense. Business should come first. She’ll be fine. We’d like to talk to you about becoming the face of the tour.” He’s dangling a large carrot that pretty much has never been done before. Favoritism is rarely shown except in carefully controlled media shots. At one time, this offer would have been a major score. Right now, I find I don’t give a damn.

“Yes. Mr. Riverton is right. I know exactly how businesses are. I’m afraid I have to return to mine tomorrow.”