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Dex stood by the screen and looked out at a lake in the distance. Wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, he groaned, because he couldn’t stay mad at this man.
“Yes, I love her.” Saying the words aloud released the pressure he’d been feeling in his chest. “I love her and I am not walking away. Not when she needs me and not at all. If you want me to sit down with Morgan and ease his mind, I’ll do that when I get back to New York. But she comes first.”
Austin barked out a laugh. “You have never made life easy.”
Dex shrugged. “That’s why you’re paid the big bucks. One more thing.”
“What?”
Dex glanced at Michael, who was busy on his phone. Lowering his voice, he said, “I still don’t want Samantha to know there’s trouble with my job. She has enough on her mind.” And she didn’t need a reason to run from him.
“I’ll do what I can to keep the people at FSN calm, but the media cycle has to focus on something else and quick.”
Dex understood. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll try and keep things with Samantha under the radar until things blow over.” It wasn’t like either of them were looking to be photographed or be the focus of the paparazzi’s cameras.
“Thank you,” Austin said, clearly relieved.
“Talk soon and say hello to Quinn.”
“Will do.” He disconnected the call and Dex headed back to Michael, only to find Samantha and her mother had joined them.
Samantha’s eyes were red but she seemed more relaxed and was smiling.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, as he joined them.
He nodded. “Austin was just confirming some appointments when I’m in Kansas City.”
She tipped her head to one side. “Really? Because I heard raised voices.”
“You know how guys joke and raise their voice.”
She gave him a skeptical look but before she could ask another question, her mother spoke. “Did you tell Dex we’re having a family dinner tonight?”
Samantha shook her head. “I didn’t get the chance.” She glanced at him. “But he knows now.” Conversation turned to food and dessert. “Dex and I can pick up things at the bakery. I’m dying for one of their cannolis.”
“Oh, good idea!” Emma said.
“Umm… I thought it would be smarter if you and I stayed out of the public spotlight.” Dex walked over and put an arm around her waist to soften his words. “Just while things with the paparazzi blow over.”
“Oh, sure. That makes sense,” she said in a more subdued voice.
“I can ask Meg and Scott to pick up dessert on their way over,” Emma said.
“That’s my brother and his wife,” Samantha explained.
“You’ll have to keep everyone straight in your head,” Emma said, laughing.
“I’m used to it in my big family.”
Samantha smiled. “Thanks, Mom. I’m going to show Dex around and unpack our things.”
Emma nodded. “Good. I’m glad you’re staying over while you’re here.” She picked up her phone and began to text, presumably giving orders to all of Samantha’s siblings.
Chapter Nineteen
For the last two days, Samantha and Dex had spent time with her family, sitting around the pool, bringing in lunch and dinner. When she’d suggested she and Dex sneak out for a quick dinner alone, he’d encouraged her to stay at the house. After all, she was here to see her mother and siblings. They could go out for dinner any time. Since he’d made sense, she’d agreed.
The next day, Dex drove them to the house he’d bought in Miami, located across a guard-gated bridge in an ultra-luxury community. Even for her, growing up with incredible wealth and privilege, this island was something beyond her experience.
