Husband With Benefits

"What is up with you? You’ve been out of it since this morning. Even during the celebrations, you kept such a long face that anyone watching would’ve thought we lost the deal. What’s on your mind?"

Dave’s voice pulled Grant from his thoughts, though the latter barely looked up from the papers scattered across his desk. He shook his head, dismissing the concern with a tight, controlled smile.

"I’m fine," Grant muttered, but he knew he was lying—to Dave and to himself. He couldn’t admit what was really bothering him. He couldn’t tell Dave that Innocensa Frost had been occupying his mind all day, her tear-streaked face flashing through his thoughts like an unsolved puzzle. Why had she been crying? What could have driven someone so composed and professional to break like that? What was she doing now? Had she stopped crying? What had made her cry like that? Or rather who?

He’d scolded her earlier, chiding her about professionalism when she showed up in such a state. But now, in the quiet of his office, the memory unsettled him. She had still shown up, tears and all. She had not only brought the model but also taken the time to set it up meticulously, ensuring every detail was perfect. Wasn’t that professionalism at its finest? If anything, it was more than he could have expected from anyone else under such circumstances.

Grant sighed and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated with himself. "I’m just in a mood, okay? Nothing major." He stood abruptly, herding Dave toward the door in a not-so-subtle gesture. "I’ve still got work to finish, so just go."

Dave raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and concern, but he didn’t argue. "Alright, alright. I’m going. But seriously, don’t forget to eat something, okay? You barely had anything all night, and instead of food, you just kept drinking. That’s not exactly the best diet, bro. Put some real food in your stomach before it starts burning a hole in you."

Grant rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward in reluctant acknowledgment. "Alright, Mom. Don’t be a nag."

Alone again, Grant leaned back in his chair. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk as his thoughts drifted back to Innocensa. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the image of her tear-filled eyes or the nagging worry they stirred within him. He should have saved her phone number when she asked him to. Now, he could not even ask her if she was alright. Should he ask Seb Frost?

But then he immediately shook his head. Her father would not appreciate him trying to poke his nose in her business. With a determined look, he turned to his work. It was better to finish the work and go and rest.