Christmas with My Ex’s Dad: An Age Gap Holiday Romance (Forbidden Silver Foxes)
Christmas with My Ex’s Dad: Chapter 13

I step out of the car, adjusting the deep holiday red dress that clings to every curve. The soft material is a second skin, and for the first time in years, I feel confident and alive. Griffin, ever the picture of sophistication in his tailored suit, extends his arm for me to take as we walk toward the event. His eyes sweep over me with obvious approval.

It’s been so long that I’ve completely forgotten what it looks like when a man is happy to show me off.

“You look incredible, Faye,” he whispers, and I can’t help but smile at the sincerity in his voice.

The grand venue looms before us, its doors thrown open in welcome. As we enter, I notice several heads turning my way. The thought of being the center of attention would’ve terrified me once, but tonight, it feels exhilarating.

“Stay close to me tonight,” Griffin leans down, his voice low and teasing in my ear. “I wouldn’t want anyone else getting any ideas.”

My cheeks warm, and I bite back a smile, wondering why his possessive words send a thrill through me. This side of Griffin, the one that lays claim to me, both scares and excites me. After all, I’ve always been the kind of woman who defies expectations and cherishes her independence. But with him, it’s different.

I’m willing to give the control over to him.

Griffin’s gaze roams over the crowd, and he steers me toward a quieter corner with an air of familiarity. “Wait here,” he says, his eyes locking onto mine. “I’ll grab us some drinks.”

I watch him walk away, captivated by the way he commands attention even in a crowded room. The sea of people parts effortlessly for him, each person offering a nod or smile as he passes. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t help but feel drawn to the power that radiates from him.

“Here you go.” Griffin returns, handing me a glass of wine with a warm smile once he comes back.

As we chat and sip our drinks, Griffin opens up about his past, telling me about how he started GreenFrame Construction years ago, building it from the ground up. “It wasn’t easy,” he admits, his tone reflective. “There were a lot of late nights and sacrifices. But seeing what it’s become now? It was worth it.”

His words paint a vivid picture of his journey, and I replace myself admiring the pride in his voice. It’s clear that he’s poured his heart and soul into his company, creating something incredible out of sheer determination and grit. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride on his behalf.

“You’ve built something amazing,” I say softly, placing my hand on his arm. “You should be proud.”

Griffin’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I glimpse the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior. It’s a side of him I rarely see, and it makes my heart swell with affection “Thank you, Faye,” he murmurs, and I know he means it

As we continue to converse, I replace myself more and more entranced by the man beside me. The layers of Griffin Taylor are many, and I’m eager to peel them away, one by one.

“Griffin Taylor!” exclaims a silver-haired man with a kind face, extending a hand. “I see you’ve finally brought someone to one of these gatherings. We were starting to think you were married to your work.

“Guilty as charged,” Griffin chuckles, giving the man’s hand a firm shake.

The man looks over me before frowning. “Lola?” he blurts out, his eyes wide.

Blood rushes to my cheeks, and my mind scrambles for a response. He must be someone who visits Euphoria often…that’s just my luck. But before I can say anything, Griffin steps in smoothly.

“Relax, Kyle,” he says, his tone even but firm. “She’s with me.”

Kyle chuckles, though there’s a tinge of jealousy in his voice. “Well, I’ll be damned. Never thought anyone would catch the treasure.” He gives me a lingering look before walking off, muttering something under his breath about Griffin always getting what he wants.

Griffin guides me to a quieter corner, our fingers intertwining as we escape the crowd. “Did you… know you wanted me that first time you saw me?” I ask cautiously.

Griffin’s eyes darken slightly, and he steps closer, lowering his voice. “The moment you walked on stage, I knew.”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding beneath my rib cage. “Even when you found out I was with Elliot?”

His answer is honest and unwavering. “Yes. But when you broke up, it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

I can’t help but relish the confession, even as it sends my emotions into a whirlwind. The weight of his desire settles between us, a tangible force that leaves my breath hitching in anticipation.

“Griffin, I…” My voice trembles, soft and vulnerable. “I think… I’m falling for⁠—“

“Griffin, it’s time for your speech.” The unexpected interruption steals our moment. An employee from GreenFrame Construction stands beside us, expectant.

Griffin’s gaze lingers on me, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Hold that thought,” he murmurs, his hand brushing lightly against my arm before he strides towards the stage with purpose.

As Griffin takes the stage, I replace myself captivated by him all over again. His confidence, his charisma, and the way he commands the attention of the room leave me breathless. I watch as the spotlight illuminates him, and the entire room falls silent, hanging onto his every word.

“Good evening, everyone,” he begins, his voice resonating throughout the hall. “It’s been an incredible year for GreenFrame Construction, and I am proud to stand before you tonight to express my gratitude.”

His sincerity and passion shine through each word, and I can feel my heart swell. He speaks of the company’s accomplishments and the tireless dedication of his employees, painting a vivid picture of the collective effort that brought them here, to this celebration.

“Without each and every one of you,” Griffin continues, locking eyes with various members of the audience, “we wouldn’t be here. You’ve shown resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. For that, I am truly thankful.”

The crowd erupts in applause, and I replace myself clapping along, unable to resist being swept up in the emotion of the moment. As his speech comes to an end, Griffin’s eyes scan the room once more, eventually replaceing mine.

“Here’s to another year of success, growth, and making dreams a reality,” he finishes, raising a glass in toast. “Thank you all.”

The applause fades, replaced by the hum of conversation and laughter as people mingle once more. I stand in the back of the room, hands tightly clutching my wine glass, my eyes never leaving Griffin.

“Did you enjoy the speech?” A familiar voice startles me, breaking my reverie. It’s Kyle, standing a few feet away, his gaze filled with curiosity.

“Y-yes,” I stammer, taken aback by his sudden appearance. “It was very inspiring.” My mind churns, trying to shift my focus from the realization that just moments ago had rendered me breathless.

“Griffin certainly knows how to captivate an audience,” Kyle muses, watching him interact with a group of employees. “But then again, so do you.”

A flush creeps up my neck at the insinuation, but I refuse to let it rattle me. “That’s kind of you to say, but I think tonight is about celebrating Griffin and his company.”

“Of course,” he concedes. “I just thought you should know that you’re not the only one who noticed him.”

“Excuse me?” The words come out sharper than intended, my newfound vulnerability making me defensive.

“Relax,” Kyle smirks, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not here to cause trouble. Just saying that some of us have seen the way you two look at each other. You’re good for him, Faye. He needed someone like you.”

Needed someone like me?

The fact that his employees think we’re good for each other makes me tingle in all the right ways.