“Then I’ll be there.”

Bending down, I brushed my lips over hers. If I couldn’t tell her that I loved her, I’d at least show her before she left. A shudder ran through my body at the touch of her fingers as they brushed over my abs and up my chest, eventually finding their way into my hair. The moment her tongue slipped into my mouth to tangle with mine, I lost all control of what had started out as a gentle kiss. Breathless and disappointed it had to end, I broke the kiss. She narrowed her eyes at me.

“If we keep going we’ll end up in the bedroom, and then you’ll never make it to the theater.”

I reached down and adjusted myself, making it clear just how serious I was. She blushed and started to back out of the room. “I’ll see you at the theater, then I’m all yours.” With a wink, she turned and walked back down the hall.

I heard the front door open and close. Lewis should be waiting for her out front. Not once had she questioned why whenever she went somewhere she was always accompanied by someone, but I was just grateful that she was. I needed her to be safe, and if that meant being a tad on the cautious side, then that’s what I’d do.

Moving back to my desk, I dropped down into the chair. The whole situation was frustrating the hell out of me. Used to being in control, I found it hard to have so little control when it came to Elena.

My phone vibrated on my desk. Swiping my finger across the screen I answered. “Why hello, my dear, I haven’t seen you in so long.”

Her laugh was melodic. “I figured this was the safer way to talk since you can’t keep your hands to yourself.”

“I can’t keep my hands to myself,” I scoffed. “I seem to remember you being the one to push things further that time.”

“What can I say? You’re irresistible.” I heard a smack. “Oh God, did I just say that out loud?”

I pictured Elena, smacking herself in the head, her face the color of a stoplight. “That’s okay. I find you pretty irresistible myself.”

She sighed but the sound was joyful instead of annoyed. I did everything in my power to focus on what she was saying instead of the image of her naked beneath me, screaming my name as orgasm overtook her.

“I . . .” her voice sounded husky. After clearing her throat she continued. “I wanted to tell you that I heard from one of the lawyers. They attempted to deliver the papers yesterday, but Dominic didn’t answer the door. They’ll try again on Monday, starting with his work.”

Those were words I wanted to hear. “Good. The sooner the better.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I figured you could use another positive thought while you work your way through that mountain of paperwork on your desk.”

The mountain was higher than it needed to be, mostly contracts for a new liquor distributor. “You can say that again. Why didn’t you tell me before you left?”

She laughed. “Umm . .  . did you forget your threat to take me upstairs and make me late?”

“Good point. But just think of the fun we’d have had.”

“We will later.”

“I’ll keep that in mind to help me through the boring paperwork.”

“You do that.”

“I’ll see you tonight. Break a leg.” I’d gotten an hour-long lecture from Alan as to why I had to say break a leg instead of good luck. It happened to be a history lesson I could have done without, but if it helped Elena then so be it.

“Thank you. I’ll see you after the show. ’Bye.”

“’Bye.”

I disconnected the call and dialed the number of the hotel where Elena’s parents were staying.

“Hello,” a soft voice answered.

“Mrs. Brighton?”

“Yes. Is that you Ashton?”

“It is. I wanted to let you know the car will be there around six to pick you and Mr. Brighton up.”

“Thank you and, please, call me Elizabeth. I can’t wait to see her.”

I smiled, thinking back to one of our conversations about her parents. “I know she’ll be thrilled to see you.”

“I hope so,” she said wistfully. “It’s been more than five years since we’ve had even a glimpse of our daughter.”

“Then I’m glad I could make that happen.”

“Thank you, Ashton. I look forward to meeting you tonight.”

When the call ended I tried to focus on the paperwork. After the debacle a few weeks ago, I didn’t want a repeat. Taking a sip of the coffee I’d brought with me, I began sifting through contract after contract.

* * *

It took me most of the day, but I eventually found someone to use. Setting aside his application for Monday, I looked over at the clock. It was time to get ready to leave. Halfway through buttoning my shirt, a soft vibration came from my dresser. I picked up the phone to see a new text message.

A. Newell: Hey just got tickets for the game on Tuesday. Wanna go?

Damn it.

Sooner or later I’d need to introduce Elena to all of this world, although, I had a pretty good idea she knew what she would be getting herself into if she stayed with me. It was, after all, how she came to me.

Me: I think I have box seats that night if you want to join me.

A. Newell: That sounds even better. I’ll see if anyone at work wants these.

With the meeting set, I pulled on my jacket and walked out the door. I made sure Elena had taken a dress with her; telling her we’d celebrate after the show. What she didn’t know was who would be joining us.

I arrived at the theater, hoping that everyone else was already there. I had Alan set the tickets aside at will call so they could pick them up as they arrived and didn’t have to wait for me.

“Ashton,” my mother’s voice called from somewhere in the crowd.

Scanning the lobby I finally saw Dad, a head above most people in the room. I made my way to them, bending down and placing a kiss on Mom’s cheek.

“Thanks for coming, I know she’s really nervous.”

“Of course we’d be here. You haven’t told her yet, have you?”

I groaned. “Why is everyone on my case about this?”

“Don’t talk to your mother like that,” Dad snapped.

“Sorry,” I said, feeling like a five year old being reprimanded in school. “I didn’t mean it to sound like that. It’s just Miller’s bugged me every day for the last two weeks. I was going to tell her today before she left, but she was already so nervous I decided to wait until after.”

Mom cupped my face in her hands. “My baby’s fallen in love.”

“Never expected it in a million years.”

“Never expected what?” Miller walked up to us.

“That your brother would find the right woman.” Mom beamed. She turned back to me. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Did you finally grow a set and tell her?”

“Miller!” Mom scolded.

“I’m telling her after the show.”

Miller rolled his eyes at me and, thankfully, just the thought of punching him satisfied my desire to actually do it. I wouldn’t cause a scene. I couldn’t do it to Elena. Not to mention knowing what my mother would do if I did hit Miller. He looked over at Mom and Dad.

“Mom, this is Katelyn. Katelyn, this is my Mom and Dad.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the voluptuous blonde at his side said, reaching out her hand.

Miller finished the introductions but I wasn’t entirely sure why he bothered—she’d be old news by next week.

I glanced at my watch. “I think we should go in.”

I’d bought center stage orchestra seats, a few rows back, on Alan’s advice. After climbing down to the orchestra level, we found Aunt Veronica and Samuel along with another couple, who could only be the Brightons. Elena was the perfect mix of her parents, getting her dark hair from her father and chocolate eyes from her mother.

“Mr. and Mrs. Brighton?”

The man stood, his hand extended. “Yes, and you must be Ashton.”