SIX MONTHS LATER

The smell of roasted chicken and laughter filled the dining room. Grayson sat awkwardly at the center of the table, watching in disbelief as Tessa’s family argued over whose cooking was better.

“ Here.. have more.”

“ You barely touched the meat.”

“ Why are you eating so little?’

Before he could answer, another portion of vegetables and fish landed on his plate.

He blinked.

Across from him, Tessa struggled to suppress her laughter. “ You look traumatized."

Grayson lowered his voice. " Your family has fed me enough for the next three business quarters."

She burst into laughter.

For years, Grayson had known only cold dinners,...