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“Considering all those people are here for you, I’m afraid so.” My gaze traces the flush on her cheeks. “My siblings were talking about going to a club or dinner after this, and I want you to come with us.”
She tucks her lip between her teeth. “I don’t want to intrude. We’ll see each other when we get back to Aspen Grove.”
I’m not waiting that long to spend more time with her.
“Your show sold out. You’ve got to celebrate, and I’d be honored if you’d let me and my family be a part of it.”
Her expression softens, and a smile lights up her face. “I’d really like that.”
I kiss her soft lips again. “Now let’s get back out there. You’ve worked incredibly hard and deserve to enjoy every second of your success.”
23
MARLOW
THE MOMENT I SHARED WITH Dylan at the gallery was the hottest sexual experience I’ve had thus far. I couldn’t care less that only a few hundred feet separated us from a room full of people. I was done for the second Dylan called me his good girl.
He stayed by my side during the rest of the show, keeping his hand on my lower back as he guided me through the crowd. His family stayed too, and never complained about having to wait around.
I considered skipping my exhibition altogether tonight because it was difficult knowing my family, once again, wouldn’t be there to show their support. Gavin picked me up from the hotel, afraid I wouldn’t show up if he didn’t. I was worried for nothing because the Staffords showed me more support tonight than I could have ever hoped for.
When we finally leave the gallery, Jack takes us to an upscale steakhouse, where we’re ushered into a stylish backroom that doubles as a speakeasy.
Dylan pulls out my chair, tugging it closer to his before motioning for me to sit. Once we’re both settled, he rests his hand on my knee under the table.
After our server takes our drink order, Harrison asks him a work-related question. I try to keep up with their conversation, but I’m lost after the third time I hear the term “ROI.” I’m relieved when Presley leans over, casually resting her elbow on the arm of my chair.
“I hear my mom’s been playing matchmaker for you and Dylan. I’m sorry if she’s overstepped. She means well, but as you’ve noticed, she gets carried away sometimes.” She glances over at Jack with a knowing smile.
“It’s okay. If it weren’t for her persistence, I might not be Lola’s nanny, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” I say, sidestepping her comment about Dylan and me.
“I’m happy to hear you say that.” She beams at me. “Lola talks about you whenever we video chat, and she adores Waffles. I hope you don’t mind me saying, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my brother this happy.” Presley takes a sip of her water before leaning in closer.
“Underneath that grumpy exterior is a thoughtful man, willing to face any storm for the people he cares about,” she says in a hushed tone. “I understand that whatever is happening between the two of you is new, and you might not be ready to put a label on it yet. All I ask is that you be transparent with him about what you want… and what you don’t.” She looks over at Dylan who’s still deep in conversation with Harrison. “Lola isn’t the only person who easily gets attached.”
I’ve considered the potential impact of our current situation on Lola, myself, and even Waffles. The thought that Dylan might get hurt if this goes south hadn’t occurred to me until now. I figured he viewed our connection as fleeting, and it wouldn’t affect him if it ended or if I decide to leave Aspen Grove. However, my assumption was wrong.
“I’m glad you’re looking out for your brother,” I tell Presley. “I have no issue being honest with him. In fact, he’d probably prefer I was less direct at times.” I chuckle.
Presley bursts out laughing. “I can see why he likes you. You’re such a breath of fresh air. After tonight, consider me a lifelong supporter of your work. It’s absolutely incredible,” she gushes. “I fell in love with your sunflower piece and it devastated me when I saw someone had already bought it. I begged Jack not to, but he persuaded Gavin to cancel the original sale. Now I’m the proud owner of an original Marlow Taylor,” she says with pride.
Her sincere compliment means so much.
I glance over at Dylan and he squeezes my thigh under the table when he notices me watching him, leaving me breathless.
“Oh, you should have told me,” I turn back to Presley. “I would have been happy to make you a commissioned piece. I’m sure Gavin tacked on an obscene upcharge for the inconvenience.”
“It’s no problem. We want to support you. Especially after everything you’ve done for Lola and Dylan,” she says with conviction. “The sunflower will go perfectly in our entryway. We moved in together last June, but Jack’s idea of a comfy and cozy apartment is significantly different from mine.” She shakes her head.
“At least you have the final say in the décor. It’s obvious you have that man wrapped around your finger,” I say, my eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I think you and I are going to be great friends.” She grins.
My cheeks hurt from laughing so much. We spent several hours at the restaurant with Dylan’s family. It was loud, boisterous, and absolutely perfect. The Stafford siblings tease each other endlessly, but that doesn’t diminish the close bond they share. They’re fortunate to have such a strong support system, and it makes me wish I were a part of something that special.
I mustered the courage to invite Dylan back to my hotel as we left the restaurant. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye for the night, and it seems he wasn’t either. Presley assured us that Lola would be in good hands until he got back to her place in the morning.
As we exit the elevator onto my floor, I can’t help but nervously wring my hands. I’ve played out what our first time together might look like countless times. I never thought it would be in a run-of-the-mill hotel room in New York City. And now that we’re here, I’m worried it won’t live up to our expectations.
