Grayson sat in his Austin office, fingers steepled beneath his chin as he regarded Elizabeth with a tight-lipped frown. The office was a reflection of his personality—a blend of classic sophistication and modern artistry. The exposed brick walls were adorned with contemporary art pieces from local Austin artists, vibrant colors and abstract designs clashing yet somehow complementing the deep mahogany bookshelves that lined one side of the room. A massive oak desk, inherited from his father, stood as the centerpiece of the space. Its dark, polished surface was a stark contrast to the sleek, minimalist furniture that completed the rest of the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the golden Texan sun to stream in, casting warm hues across the dark leather couch against the far wall.
He leaned back slightly in his chair, fighting the urge to rub his temples as Elizabeth continued to speak. Her voice was smooth, confident, and laced with the subtle purr of suggestion. She perched on the edge of his desk, one long, toned leg crossed over the other, the slit of her dress falling just so, giving an unspoken invitation. The deep neckline of her dress left little to the imagination, and she was fully aware of its effect. She was stunning, that much was undeniable.
Tall—easily 5'11"—and with heels, she was nearly eye level with his 6'2" frame. Her black hair was cut in a modern bob, sleek and precise, much like her ambitions. And she was brilliant; he would never take that away from her. But it was the glint in her eye, that flicker of calculation, that made his stomach tighten. He had seen it before, too many times. It was the same look every woman he had attempted to date wore when they thought he wasn't paying attention.
They all wanted something. Money, power, control.
Never love. Never respect. Never partnership.
The bitter taste of past betrayal settled on his tongue, and his fingers curled into a fist beneath the desk. He would not be that man again. The one who believed in soft words and empty promises, the one who thought he could share his life with someone who had ulterior motives. He had trusted his gut in business, and after the divorce, he trusted it even more in his personal life.
So as Elizabeth went on about the Annual Winter Steal Gala—appointed head coordinator by his mother, of course—Grayson merely nodded, expression unreadable. He would play the game, but he would not be played.
And as for Elizabeth? She could drape herself over his desk all she wanted. It wouldn't change a damn thing.
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the polished oak, her fingers trailing along the surface as she studied him. "You could at least pretend to be interested," she teased, her red-painted lips curving into a knowing smirk.
Grayson exhaled sharply through his nose. "I am interested. In the event," he clarified, his tone measured. "Not in whatever it is you think you're selling."
She chuckled, unbothered by the rejection, and tilted her head. "Oh, Grayson, you always were so serious. That's why your mother trusts me with things like this. You need someone who can take the pressure off."
His jaw tightened. "I handle pressure just fine."
Her gaze flickered to the tension in his shoulders before she shrugged, shifting to stand, but not before leaning in just enough for her perfume something rich and decadent—to waft toward him. "Of course you do." She reached into the sleek leather folder she had brought with her and slid a few documents across the desk. "These are the finalized details. Approvals, guest lists, and sponsorships. I'll need your signature on a few things."
Grayson took the papers, scanning them quickly. Everything was in order, as expected. Elizabeth was as efficient as she was ambitious. That didn't mean he trusted her, though.
He signed where needed, then handed the pages back. "Anything else?"
Her smile lingered as she collected the documents. "Nothing urgent. But if you change your mind about a plus one, let me know. I'd be more than happy to accompany you."
Grayson's eyes met hers, his expression unreadable. "I won't."
Elizabeth let out a soft, knowing laugh as she turned toward the door. "We'll see."
He watched her leave, exhaling only when the door clicked shut behind her. Then, shaking his head, he turned his attention back to his desk, determined to push the encounter from his mind. He had more important things to focus on than a woman with an agenda.
As he reached for his pen, his phone buzzed against the desk. He glanced at the screen, his frown deepening when he saw Daniel's name flashing across it. With a frustrated sigh, he picked up the call, already bracing himself for whatever problem had just landed in his lap.
"Do you actually work at your job?" Grayson asked dryly.
Daniel laughed. "Hey, Mr. Prez, don't forget you owe me and Haley dinner. Plus, you need to bring us a housewarming gift anyway."
Grayson rolled his eyes. "That's two things. I think I owe you one. And why would I fly all the way to Boston in the middle of the week?"
Daniel chuckled. "Since we're already going to be in Austin meeting my parents this weekend, you don't have to fly to Boston. So, you can thank me by bringing an amazing housewarming gift."
Both of them laughed before a slight silence settled between them.
Grayson cleared his throat. "So... meeting the parents, huh? That means she means a lot to you. You're really serious about her?"
Daniel, usually full of jokes and sarcasm, fell quiet. Grayson glanced at his phone screen, making sure the call hadn't dropped. "Daniel?"
"Yeah, I'm here." His voice was softer now. "I just had to get my thoughts together before I said them. I mean... I love her so much, man. She's the one. She's funny—like me—but better than me. Not in humor, because obviously, I'm superior in that department," he added with a hint of a chuckle, "but she's smart and controlled. She's been through tough stuff, but she's still so sweet, and her heart is full of so much love. I don't deserve her. So yeah... man. She's the one. And when you meet her, you'll think so too. You betta think so too, or I'm going to beat the shit out of you and still marry her."
Grayson smirked. "Wait, what? Daniel, you're going to ask her to marry you this weekend?"
Daniel laughed. "No, Mr. Prez, I just said I'm going to marry her."
Grayson shook his head, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Well, some of us actually have work to do."
Daniel snorted. "Oh yeah? And some of us have to plan a wedding in our heads while dealing with a girlfriend who doesn't know about it yet. I'd say I have the harder job."
Grayson let out a short laugh. "Good luck with that. I'll see you this weekend."
"You better, and don't forget the housewarming gift," Daniel reminded before hanging up.
Grayson set his phone down and exhaled, rolling his shoulders back as he refocused on his work. His fingers hovered over the papers in front of him, but for a brief moment, his mind wandered.
A flash of a memory—warm lighting, the hum of a bar, the sharp smack of a dart hitting the bullseye. A woman standing across from him, grinning in victory, eyes alight with mischief. She had beaten him. And damn, he had actually enjoyed it.
He let out a small chuckle to himself, shaking his head before picking up his pen. Smirking, he turned back to the tasks at hand, pushing everything else aside.
******
Grayson leaned back against the seat of the company car, watching the Austin skyline blur past in streaks of golden light and modern steel. The hum of the engine and the steady rhythm of the tires against the asphalt were oddly soothing, a contrast to the whirlwind of the past week. He exhaled slowly, eyes momentarily closing before flicking open again. There was no time to relax—not yet.
The week had been a mess. Three weeks ago, he had been pulled away to New York at the last minute due to missing files, forcing him to miss the trip to New Mexico with Daniel and Haley. It had been the right call to fix the issue, but it left him feeling like he owed them. Now, this week, he had been called back to New York for a separate round of negotiations—high-stakes meetings that required his presence. If there was one silver lining, it was that these trips had allowed him to avoid Elizabeth, who, according to his assistant, had been practically camped out at his Austin office, showing up daily and asking for him. He had no interest in dealing with her games, and the time away had spared him from the irritation.
If there was one silver lining, it was that his trip to New York had allowed him to avoid two back-to-back meetings in New York that had demanded his attention, which reminded him of missing Daniel and Haley in New Mexico previously. Negotiating in person had been the right call for the business, but it had cost him valuable time with his best friend. The guilt had settled deep in his chest, an unwelcome weight he didn't enjoy carrying.
Booking Jeffrey's for dinner had been his way of making up for it—a peace offering wrapped in fine dining and expensive wine. He knew Daniel wouldn't actually care, but it mattered to him to make things right. He never left debts unsettled, even personal ones.
His phone buzzed again. Another text from Daniel.
Daniel: "Don't forget my housewarming gift. Surprise me. Think yacht-level surprise."
Grayson smirked, shaking his head.
Grayson: "I'll engrave your name on a brick downtown. Close enough?"
The screen lit up again almost immediately.
Daniel: "Weak. Try again. Baseball team ownership or nothing."
Their texts over the past few days had been like this—half-serious, mostly ridiculous. A distraction, but a welcome one. At least Daniel had been confirming that Grayson would actually show up.
He had reassured him repeatedly: Unless a national weather emergency occurred, he would be there.
Grayson leaned back against the cool leather, watching the neon lights of Austin's nightlife come into view. His mind drifted briefly to work, to the numbers, the deals, the endless meetings stacked against him. He had a dinner to get to.
The company car pulled up to Jeffrey's, one of Austin's most renowned fine-dining establishments. The restaurant exuded an air of timeless elegance, blending warm sophistication with an understated modern charm. Soft golden lighting illuminated the high ceilings, and the scent of aged wine, fresh herbs, and slow-roasted meats wafted through the air. Plush seating lined the intimate dining areas, and the low hum of conversation created a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
As soon as Grayson stepped out of the car, a sharply dressed waiter greeted him with a polite nod. "Mr. Steal, your party has already arrived. Let me escort you to the private dining room."
Grayson followed him through the restaurant, taking in the gentle clinking of glasses and the subtle laughter drifting from nearby tables. Before stepping into the private room, he paused just outside, observing the group inside.
Daniel's father and stepmother were seated at the table, just as Grayson had planned—after all, their visit was the reason for this dinner. But it looked like they had extended the invitation. Seated next to them were Daniel's twin brothers, Jamie and James, both juniors in college. Like all the Becketts, they had the signature sandy blond hair and sharp blue eyes. Wide-mouthed and full of energy, they spoke animatedly, flashing bright smiles as they chatted with someone Grayson didn't recognize.
His gaze landed on the only unfamiliar face at the table—the woman sitting beside Daniel, engaged in lively conversation with his brothers. She was stunning, but in a natural, effortless way. She wasn't overdone, and there was something entirely unpretentious about her presence. Her jade-colored dress, simple yet elegant, draped beautifully against her frame, complementing the striking auburn hair cascading down her back in soft waves with copper undertones that caught the light just right.
Haley. It had to be.
He immediately understood why Daniel was so taken with her. There was something about her—something warm, something real. And from the way Daniel was watching her, with a subtle softness that Grayson rarely saw in his friend, it was obvious. This wasn't just a woman Daniel cared about. This was the woman.
Taking a breath, Grayson straightened his jacket and stepped inside, ready to join them.
And a housewarming gift to deliver, one he had already taken care of. Some of the gifts were in the trunk of the car, while others were already waiting in Daniel and Haley's home—a surprise he hoped they'd appreciate.
Grayson stepped inside the private dining room of Jeffrey's, the low hum of conversation blending with the soft clinking of glasses. The warm lighting reflected off the polished wood table set with fine china and crystal, creating an elegant yet inviting space. Servers moved gracefully around the room, refilling glasses and setting down fresh plates of appetizers.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Daniel Beckett announced, leaning back in his chair with a grin and lifting his glass. "Mr. Too-Busy-to-Honor-His-Commitments has arrived."
Grayson smirked, adjusting his sleeve as he approached the table. "Some of us have actual work to do, Beckett. Can't all be out here collecting housewarming gifts and hosting elaborate family reunions."
Laughter rippled through the table. Richard Beckett, Daniel's father, shook his head with amusement and extended a hand. "Still as sharp as ever," he said. "Good to see you again, Preston."
Grayson shook his hand. "Likewise, Mr. Beckett."
Before he could take his seat, Daniel's twin brothers, Jamie and James, jumped in.
"Wait a second—housewarming gifts, plural?" Jamie wiggled his brows. "Did you bring us something cool, or is it just another one of your corporate perks wrapped in a fancy box?"
Grayson arched a brow. "You two weren't even supposed to be here, which means no housewarming gift for you."
Their groans were immediate.
"Seriously?" Jamie huffed. "Nothing?"
James shook his head. "Unbelievable."
Daniel chuckled. "Relax, you're not completely out of luck. Grayson offered a spring break pool party at his place to make up for it."
The twins perked up.
"Now that's more like it," Jamie said. "Can we bring friends?"
Grayson sighed. "As long as they don't break anything."
"No promises," James shot back with a grin.
Across the table, a soft laugh broke through the playful banter.
"I'm afraid to ask what kind of 'housewarming gifts' you two were expecting," a woman mused.
Grayson turned to her, taking in the striking emerald green eyes gleaming with curiosity. She was effortlessly poised, watching the conversation unfold with a mix of amusement and intrigue.
"Haley Chazwick, I assume?" he asked.
She tilted her head slightly, lips curving into an amused smile. "You must be Preston. I've heard plenty about you."
"Only good things, I hope."
She smiled. "Guilty as charged."
Daniel threw an arm around her shoulder. "Careful, Hales. If you get on his good side, he might name a building after you."
Jamie grinned. "Or a brick. He's been on a brick-engraving kick lately."
Grayson chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."
As he finally took his seat, Daniel lifted his glass. "Alright, now that we're all here, let's make this official."
Crystal clinked, laughter filled the room, and for the first time in a while, Grayson let himself settle in. Maybe this dinner wasn't just about making up for missed plans. Maybe it was about witnessing something different—something real.
As the toast settled, conversation picked up with its usual chaotic but familiar rhythm. A server set down a platter of appetizers—artfully arranged oysters, crispy calamari, and a charcuterie board with an assortment of cheeses and cured meats. Jamie and James immediately eyed the oysters with suspicion.
"Alright, who decided on the fancy food?" James muttered, poking at an oyster with his fork. "I was expecting burgers."
Daniel smirked. "It's called class, little brother. Try it."
Jamie huffed. "Class? Or just tiny food for people who pretend they aren't hungry?"
Richard chuckled, shaking his head. "You two are hopeless."
Ellen, Daniel's stepmother, gave them a pointed look. "You'll try it and behave like gentlemen."
Jamie sighed dramatically before tossing an oyster back and immediately grimacing. "Tastes like the ocean licked me."
Laughter rang out around the table.
Grayson smirked and took a sip of his wine, letting the chaos unfold. He had always liked the Becketts. They were loud, unfiltered, and unapologetically close-knit. It was a stark contrast to the structured, calculated world he operated in—and yet, there was something refreshing about it.
Across the table, Haley nudged Daniel, her laughter still lingering. "I don't know how you survived growing up with them."
Daniel grinned. "Survived? Please. I thrived."
Jamie shot him a look. "You abandoned us. You left for college and stuck us with rules."
"Rules," James echoed, shaking his head. "Do you know how many family dinners we had to sit through without someone to derail them?"
"Tragic," Grayson murmured dryly, amusement flickering in his eyes.
The room erupted into laughter once more, conversation flowing effortlessly, and for the first time that night, Grayson wasn't thinking about work, obligations, or expectations. He was just here. And for now, that was enough.
Grayson leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine as he listened to the Becketts' lively banter. There was an effortless rhythm to their conversations a mix of teasing, exasperation, and genuine affection. It was easy to enjoy, even easier to get swept up in.
Turning to Haley, he decided to shift the conversation. "So, Haley, what do you do?"
She glanced at him, a hint of curiosity in her expression before answering. "I'm a physical therapist."
"Impressive," he said, genuinely intrigued. "And how did you end up in this chaotic circle?"
Before Haley could respond, Daniel cut in with a smirk. "Alright, Mr. Prez, why the sudden interrogation? Planning a background check?"
Jamie and James, who had momentarily been wrapped up in a conversation with their parents, perked up at Daniel's reaction.
"Wait—why does he not want to talk about this?" Jamie asked, narrowing his eyes with amusement.
James grinned. "Oh, this has to be good."
Daniel let out a dramatic sigh. "We are not telling this story."
But it was too late. Haley was already giggling.
"Oh, we are definitely telling this story," she countered, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Grayson smirked, watching as Daniel braced himself. This was going to be good.
Daniel exhaled dramatically, tossing his napkin onto the table. "Fine. But just so we're clear—I'm only telling this because certain people," he shot a pointed look at Haley, "clearly enjoy watching me suffer."
Haley batted her lashes innocently. "I have no idea what you mean."
Jamie grinned. "This is already gold. Proceed."
Daniel took a reluctant sip of his drink, stalling. "Alright, so it started at a networking event. Nothing crazy. Just a bunch of professionals in a hotel ballroom, exchanging business cards and pretending to care about each other's elevator pitches."
Haley let out a quiet laugh. "And by 'nothing crazy,' he means he was there solely to schmooze a sports agency executive, and I was there to meet a potential client."
Grayson tilted his head, intrigued. "So, what changed?"
Daniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well… someone may have mistaken me for an intern."
Haley covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking. "It wasn't just any mistake. He was literally in the middle of his grand pitch when the guy cut him off, handed him a drink, and asked him to run it over to his table."
Laughter erupted around the table.
Jamie nearly fell out of his chair. "Wait—he thought you were the help?"
"Please tell me you delivered the drink," James added between laughs.
Daniel scowled. "No, I did not. But before I could correct him, this one"—he pointed at Haley—"comes strolling over, looks me dead in the eye, and says, 'You heard the man. Chop chop.'"
Grayson chuckled, eyeing Haley with new appreciation. "You really did that?"
Haley, still giggling, nodded. "Oh, absolutely. I thought he was about to combust on the spot."
"I wasn't!" Daniel objected. "I was just… assessing my options."
"Which were?" Grayson asked, amused.
Daniel huffed. "Well, either I could make a scene and correct the guy—which would have killed my pitch—or I could play along."
Haley leaned in conspiratorially. "And guess what he did?"
Grayson raised a brow. "You actually served the drink?"
Jamie and James were practically dying of laughter now.
Daniel groaned. "I handed him the damn drink, okay?"
James wiped a tear from his eye. "This is the best day of my life."
Haley grinned. "And that's when I knew I had to be friends with him."
Grayson shook his head, his smirk lingering. "So, let me get this straight. You met because Haley bullied you into serving a drink at your own networking event?"
"Basically," Haley confirmed.
Daniel threw up his hands. "Glad we could all bond over my humiliation."
Jamie clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Oh, we were already bonded. This just makes it stronger."
Grayson leaned back, still grinning. "Honestly, Beckett, I'm disappointed. I expected something much worse."
Daniel narrowed his eyes. "You haven't heard the rest of the story."
Grayson's interest piqued. "Oh? There's more?"
Haley smirked. "Oh, there's so much more."
Grayson leaned forward, enjoying every second of Daniel's torment. "Now you have to tell me."
Daniel groaned. "I hate all of you."
The laughter that followed was loud, unfiltered, and completely genuine—much like the Becketts themselves. And for once, Grayson wasn't just an outsider looking in. He was part of it.
And he liked it.
Daniel sighed in defeat, shaking his head as he ran a hand down his face. "Alright, fine. Since I know none of you will let this go, let's get this over with."
Jamie and James leaned forward eagerly. "Oh, this is about to be good," Jamie said.
Grayson smirked. "So, Beckett, after your stellar debut as an unpaid waiter, what happened next?"
Daniel shot him a glare before exhaling heavily. "Well, after my public humiliation, I figured that was it. I'd grab a drink, salvage the night, and avoid Haley forever. Simple, right?"
Haley was already grinning. "Spoiler alert: not simple."
Daniel scowled. "No, because while I was busy trying to recover from my fall from grace, somebody—" he threw a pointed look at Haley "—decided to take things a step further."
Grayson arched a brow, intrigued. "Oh, do tell."
Haley leaned her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand with an innocent smile. "I was just being helpful."
Daniel scoffed. "Helpful? You doubled down."
Jamie laughed. "Oh, this is getting better."
Grayson chuckled. "How exactly did she double down?"
Daniel took a sip of his drink before leveling Haley with a glare. "I made my way to the bar, right? Minding my own business. Trying to figure out how I was going to fix my reputation."
Haley chimed in with a smirk. "And that's when I introduced him to the client he was trying to land."
Grayson's brows lifted. "Wait, what?"
Jamie and James gasped in delight. "You sabotaged his business meeting?" Jamie asked, giddy with excitement.
Haley laughed. "I wouldn't say sabotaged. I facilitated."
Daniel groaned. "Oh, no. She absolutely sabotaged it." He turned to Grayson, sighing. "Picture this. I'm standing at the bar, regrouping, when Haley strolls up, all smiles, and very loudly says, 'Oh hey! Have you met my new friend? He's an excellent drink server.'"
The table erupted in laughter.
Grayson nearly choked on his drink. "No. You did not."
Haley grinned. "Oh, I absolutely did."
Daniel threw up his hands. "And guess who just happened to be standing next to her?"
James slapped the table. "No way."
Jamie gasped. "The executive?"
Daniel nodded, exasperated. "The exact sports executive I had been trying to impress for weeks."
Grayson was grinning now, enjoying the unraveling of this disaster. "How did he react?"
Daniel let out a slow breath. "He laughed. Thought it was hilarious."
Haley grinned. "You're welcome."
Daniel gave her a flat look. "Yeah, yeah, congratulations, you forced me into making an impression."
Grayson smirked. "But did it work?"
Daniel hesitated before muttering, "I got the account."
The entire table erupted again.
Jamie clapped his hands together. "So, let me get this straight. Haley bullies you, ruins your dignity, and somehow lands you a deal?"
James wiped a tear from his eye. "That's the best business strategy I've ever heard."
Daniel rolled his eyes. "I didn't need her strategy."
Haley smirked. "But you got the deal because of it."
Grayson leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with amusement. "That's impressive. Brutal, but impressive."
Daniel sighed. "Yeah, well, lesson learned—never underestimate Haley Chazwick."
Haley winked. "Smart man."
Grayson watched the exchange, his smirk lingering. There was something about Haley's quick wit and sharp humor that intrigued him. She was effortlessly confident, unafraid to push buttons, and clearly someone who could hold her own.
He liked that.
Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can we please move on now? Maybe actually get that dessert I mentioned earlier? Mr. Prez, are you satisfied?"
Grayson smirked. "Sure. Unless Haley has another story to tell?"
Haley grinned. "Not yet. But give me time."
As the table erupted into laughter again, Grayson found himself feeling something unexpected—comfortable. He wasn't just enjoying the conversation; he was part of it.
Grayson leaned back in his chair, watching as the dessert plates were set down in front of them. The warm glow of the restaurant lights reflected off the glossy caramelized top of the crème brûlée, the rich scent of chocolate from the lava cake mixing with the faint vanilla of the ice cream. The conversation had softened into a more relaxed rhythm—Jamie and James were too busy devouring their desserts to cause trouble, and even Daniel seemed content now that the focus had shifted away from him.
Grayson had just taken a slow sip of his drink when Haley's voice cut through the ambient noise.
"Um, Preston?"
His gaze flicked up from his plate, meeting hers. She had that look again—sharp, curious, as if she were piecing something together about him.
"Yeah?"
She hesitated for only a second before asking, "Why does Daniel call you Mr. Prez?"
Grayson wasn't surprised by the question—if anything, he'd been expecting it. But what did surprise him was the way her voice softened slightly, like she wasn't just asking for entertainment, but because she genuinely wanted to know.
Across the table, Daniel let out a knowing chuckle. "Oh, this is a good one."
Jamie and James perked up instantly, their attention snapping toward him like wolves catching the scent of fresh gossip.
Grayson sighed, shaking his head. "I should've known this would come up."
Haley arched a brow, twirling her spoon between her fingers. "Well? Are you actually a secret politician, or is there another story I need to hear?"
Daniel leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Oh, he's not a politician. But back in college? Let's just say our dear friend here had a certain reputation."
Grayson set his drink down and shot Daniel a dry look. "You realize I could return the favor and start telling Haley all the things I know about you, right?"
Daniel grinned. "You could, but let's be honest—your story's better."
Haley tilted her head slightly. "Reputation for what, exactly?"
There was something about the way she asked that made him pause. Most people asked him questions out of obligation, or worse, just to get an angle. But Haley? She asked like she actually cared about the answer.
He could feel the entire table waiting, watching, but his focus stayed on her.
"You really want to know?" he asked, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Haley nodded. "Absolutely."
Daniel clapped his hands together, clearly relishing the moment. "Alright, then. Let me tell you about the legend of Mr. Prez."
Grayson sighed, leaning back in his chair. "This is going to be painful, isn't it?"
Daniel grinned. "For you? Maybe. For the rest of us? Pure entertainment."
Haley rested her elbow on the table, chin in her palm, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Alright, I'm listening."
Daniel stretched out like he was settling in for a grand tale. "See, most people assume the nickname comes from something scandalous. Some wild, embarrassing story from his past."
Haley arched a brow. "And it's not?"
"Oh no," Daniel smirked. "It's much worse. The legend of Mr. Prez exists because Preston does everything right. Always."
Grayson rolled his eyes, but Daniel continued, grinning as he spoke.
"He was the first sophomore in the history of our university to become president of our chapter—a position usually reserved for seniors. And not only did he win it, but he kept it for the remaining two years without a single person challenging him."
Haley blinked, clearly impressed. "Wait, really?"
Jamie and James groaned in unison. "Oh yeah. He's been running the show his whole life."
Daniel leaned forward, smirking. "If you Googled 'Captain America,' you wouldn't see Chris Evans—you'd see Preston Steel."
Laughter rippled through the table, but Haley just tilted her head slightly, studying Grayson in a way that made his skin prickle.
"So, let me get this straight," she said slowly. "You were the golden boy. The model student. The guy who always did the right thing?"
Grayson exhaled, swirling the last bit of wine in his glass. "Something like that."
Haley smirked. "I don't know. I was expecting something… different."
Grayson raised a brow. "Disappointed?"
She studied him for a moment before answering. "Not sure yet."
Grayson wasn't sure why, but that answer stuck with him.
Daniel smirked. "Don't let the smooth act fool you, Hales. He's still Mr. Prez at heart."
Jamie nodded. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure if he could, he'd find a way to become president of this dinner."
Grayson sighed. "I hate all of you."
Grayson exhaled, setting his fork down as he leaned back in his chair. "Alright, enough. Let's clear something up—I'm not perfect."
Daniel snorted. "Says the man who probably color-codes his emails and schedules his grocery runs."
Grayson gave him a dry look. "Being organized doesn't make me perfect."
Jamie smirked. "No, but being a legendary overachiever might."
Haley, still watching him with that sharp, amused glint in her eyes, rested her chin on her hand. "Okay then, Mr. Not-Perfect—tell me, what's the worst thing you've ever done?"
Grayson opened his mouth, then promptly shut it.
Daniel laughed. "See? He's got nothing."
Grayson frowned. "That's not true."
Daniel leaned forward, grinning. "Alright, then. Let's test that theory. Tell me—have you ever skipped a class?"
Grayson hesitated. "Once."
The entire table groaned.
James threw his hands up. "One class? That's it?"
Jamie shook his head. "Unbelievable."
Haley smirked. "Dare I ask why?"
Grayson sighed, knowing there was no getting out of this. "There was a fire at the barn."
Haley blinked. "A… barn?"
Daniel groaned. "Oh, here we go."
Grayson shrugged. "The university's agricultural center caught fire, and I was helping move the animals out of harm's way."
Jamie stared. "You're kidding."
James let out a short laugh. "Of course. Of course, that's the reason."
Haley, completely baffled, just blinked. "So let me get this straight. The one class you ever skipped was because you were literally saving animals from a fire?"
Grayson looked at her, unimpressed. "Would you have rather I let them burn?"
Daniel groaned dramatically. "Do you hear yourself, Mr. Prez? This is what we're talking about! Even when you break the rules, it's in the most heroic way possible."
Haley shook her head in disbelief. "Unreal."
Grayson sighed. "So what? That doesn't mean I'm perfect."
Daniel grinned. "Fine. You want a real example? Let's talk about the time you got a B+ in a class and acted like it was the end of the world."
Grayson tensed. "That's not—"
"Oh, it absolutely is." Daniel turned to the group. "Sophomore year, Economics 305. Mr. Prez here gets his first B+. You'd think someone had died. He spent days recalculating his GPA, convinced his entire future was ruined."
Jamie laughed. "Wait, wait—hold on. You got a B+?"
James whistled. "That must have been a dark time."
Haley bit her lip, trying—and failing—to hide her amusement. "Grayson. Please tell me this is an exaggeration."
Grayson exhaled through his nose. "It was a tough class."
Daniel laughed. "Oh no, he's underselling it. He emailed the professor asking if there was an error. I'm pretty sure he was about two seconds from filing an appeal."
Haley lost it. "Oh my god, you actually emailed him?"
Grayson muttered, "It was one email."
Grayson sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You all act like this is a crime."
Jamie smirked. "No, we just like watching you squirm, Mr. Prez."
Grayson sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You all act like this is a crime."
Jamie smirked. "No, we just like watching you squirm, Mr. Prez."
Grayson shook his head, but when he looked up, Haley was still watching him—studying him with an expression he couldn't quite place. It wasn't just amusement anymore. It was curiosity. Maybe even something else.
She tilted her head slightly. "You know," she mused, voice softer now, "for someone who doesn't think he's perfect, you sure seem committed to never messing up."
The table quieted. The easy laughter faded, replaced by something heavier, more reflective. No one spoke, but they all exchanged small, knowing glances—like they had all, at some point, wondered the same thing about him.
Grayson wasn't sure how to answer.
For the first time that night, he didn't have a quick-witted comeback.
Instead, he picked up his whiskey and took a slow, deliberate drink, letting the warmth settle in his chest before setting the glass back down. Then, with a small, measured smile, he met Haley's gaze.
"Haley, I messed up once already," he said evenly. "Once. And it took me almost a decade to come back from it." He exhaled, his fingers tapping against his glass. "So now, I pick better battles."
A beat of silence stretched between them—one that carried the weight of something unsaid.
Grayson didn't want to go further. Didn't want to open that door, didn't want to spoil the mood by letting his dark past creep into the night.
So, he did what he did best—redirected.
He cleared his throat, glancing around the table before offering an easy smirk. "Now, speaking of things left unfinished—weren't there some housewarming gifts that still haven't been opened?"
Daniel, recognizing the shift, jumped in immediately. "Ah, yes. The very expensive, highly personalized gifts that Jamie and James were not supposed to be here for."
Jamie scoffed. "I feel like we've suffered enough tonight. We deserve a gift."
James nodded. "At least a consolation prize."
Haley laughed, and just like that, the energy shifted back—the unspoken weight of Grayson's words tucked away beneath easy banter and playful teasing.
Grayson let out a quiet breath, taking another sip of whiskey.
And just like that, the moment passed.
Jamie smirked as he unlocked his car. "Alright, you two behave yourselves."
Haley rolled her eyes. "Go home, Beckett."
Grayson smirked. "Yeah, before you start sounding too sentimental."
Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. Oh, this was going to be fun.
With a final wave, Jamie and James took off in their car, and Mrs. Beckett and the rest of the family headed toward theirs. Daniel and Haley turned toward their car, about to leave, when Haley suddenly stopped.
She turned back to Grayson. "Actually… before we go, can I ask you for a favor?"
Grayson arched a brow. "Depends on the favor."
Daniel sighed, already halfway into the driver's seat. "Oh boy."
Haley ignored him and looked back at Grayson. "At the end of the month, one of my sorority sisters is having a destination wedding, and I was wondering if you'd be willing to be my best friend's date."
Grayson blinked. "Excuse me?"
Haley held up a hand. "Not an actual date-date. The invite list is built around a couples-themed weekend, and my best friend, who is single, needs a plus-one. You'd just be hanging out—no romantic obligations required."
Grayson narrowed his eyes. "And she couldn't just go alone?"
Haley gave him a pointed look. "You want to be the only single person at a wedding full of couples? Exactly."
Daniel leaned against the car, smirking. "She's got a point, Steal."
Grayson sighed. "Alright. What's the setup?"
Haley grinned, already sensing victory. "You'd have your own room. The bachelorette week starts Monday, but the actual wedding events don't kick in until later. The couple's party is Friday, but you don't have to attend that. The only thing that really matters is the ceremony on Saturday and the reception that evening."
She hesitated before adding, "But if you wanted to **show up Friday night, that would be great too. No pressure."
Grayson crossed his arms. "No pressure, huh?"
Haley tilted her head, green eyes pleading. "It would really help her out."
Grayson exhaled, glancing at Daniel.
Daniel just grinned. "I mean, worse comes to worst, you get a free vacation."
Grayson hesitated. He had zero interest in being set up, but a weekend away… that actually sounded tempting.
Finally, he sighed. "Fine. I'll go."
Haley's face lit up. "Really?"
Grayson smirked. "Yeah. But only because you asked so nicely."
Daniel shook his head. "This is either going to be great or completely backfire."
Haley beamed. "You won't regret it."
Grayson smirked. "I'll be the judge of that."
Daniel unlocked the car and nudged Haley toward it. "Alright, let's go before you start planning the honeymoon."
Haley just laughed, and with that, she and Daniel got into their car. As they pulled away, Grayson watched them go, shaking his head.