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“Why are you telling me now, then?”
“They want us to come for dinner.” I groaned, letting go of her hand to run it through my hair. I needed a haircut.
“Let’s go. It won’t hurt to get to know them.” She reached for me, taking my hand in both of hers. “Hiding from the truth will only hurt you in the long run, East. I’d kill for my parents to invite us over for dinner. Plus, if it backfires in our face, we have each other, right?” The grin that tugged at my lips belongs to Harley Cole.
“You bet. You and me against the world, little bird.”
Pulling out my phone, I shot a text off to Andy.
Easton: We’ll be there. What time?
His response was instant, and I rolled my eyes at his desperation.
Andy: Now?
I showed Harley the text message. Throwing her head back with laughter, her eyes glowed with happiness. “Why the hell not? I’m starving.”
“I love you.” Leaning across the console, I cupped her face, pulling her closer to me. I softly bit down on her bottom lip, drawing out a loud moan from deep in her throat. Licking the sensitive flesh, her fingers dug into my scalp, pulling at my hair.
“More. So much more,” she whispered against my lips just as I began to devour her mouth, stealing and claiming her breath as my own.
I followed the directions to the large house on the other side of town. Harley looked on in amazement and then threw the comment I’d been waiting for. “You never mentioned they were stinking rich. I’m totally underdressed.” She glanced down at her ripped jeans and casual t-shirt.
“I disagree. I was thinking you’re wearing too much and should take off your shirt.” She slapped my chest while laughing.
“You’re insatiable. We are not doing anything of the sort in your parents' driveway. Now, be the man I fell in love with, not the guy who was betrayed by everyone. I showed you that you can trust. You trust me, right?” I nodded, bringing her hand to my lips and kissing the soft skin.
“With my life.”
“Then trust me to protect you tonight. Nobody’s getting through me.” Taking the deepest breath I could muster, I exited the car and rounded the front. Opening the door for Harley she took my hand and squeezed.
She led me to the front door like it wasn’t her first time here and rang the doorbell. Glancing up at me, she smiled, and from the furrow in her perfect brows, I knew she was waiting for me to do the same.
Layla threw open the door in a floor-length blue dress the same color as our eyes. She smiled at Harley and leaned forward to give her a hug.
“It’s so nice to meet you, honey,” she said, and Harley teared up at the embrace.
“Oh, you, too.” There was a slight wobble in her voice, but then she cleared her throat. But I saw the longing in her eyes.
“East, honey. I’ve missed you.” Layla embraced me as well, and Harley let go of my hand, giving me space to hug my mother.
One stern look from Harley, and I was wrapping my arms around Layla, hugging her back. She gasped before squeezing me as tight as she possibly could.
“You have such a beautiful home,” Harley said, making Layla pull away. She wiped at her eyes and then turned her attention to Harley.
“Andy built it for us a few years ago. We make a good team. He’s the architect, and I’m the interior designer.” She laughed, smoothing her hands down her dress. I watched her and Harley interact, listening to their easy conversation, and fell in love with Harley all over again.
Andy greeted us in the kitchen. He slapped me on the shoulder before pulling Harley into a big squeeze. This time, she did cry and apologized quickly, her cheeks flaming in embarrassment.
“If you’ll excuse me, I just need the restroom.” Layla offered to show her where it was, and I was stuck with Andy, wondering if coming here today was the right idea for Harley.
“She’s beautiful, son,” Andy commented, calling me that fucking word again. The one he had no right to say.
“She’s everything to me,” I agreed, and he chuckled.
“Felt the same way about your mother. It’s crazy how you just know when they’re the one. Are you going to propose?” He asked, grabbing me a water from the fridge. He must have sensed my hesitation to answer, because he took a long swig from his before saying, “I know it’s none of my business. I know I wasn’t there when you needed me, but Easton, I’m here now. I’m doing the best I can, and I understand why you’re pushing me away. I just need you to know I’m here if you need someone.”
“Why didn’t you have anymore kids?” The question that had been nagging at my head for the last few weeks finally voiced itself. I had to know.
