Her cool blue eyes were hard as they pierced her with their intensity. “It’s about time that you grew up. Men have…needs. Because they occasionally have a few indiscretions here and there doesn’t say anything about how they truly feel. Their answering a more basic instinct is something they can’t help—and they always come back to the one they really love. Don’t throw away everything you have with Brad, everything we’ve worked for, because of something that didn’t mean anything to him. He loves you, sweetie. I can see it when he looks at you.”

Payton flexed her hands, tightening them into balls and releasing them. She repeated it until she was sure she could keep her voice level. “As…fascinating and completely archaic as that theory is, mother, it doesn’t change anything. First thing I’m doing when I return home is calling Brad and officially putting an end to our engagement. And whether you approve or not, if Camille can’t bring herself to call the rest of the vendors and the hotel without fear of your wrath, then I will call them myself. Because I can tell you right now, you might have been happy spending the last thirty-three years staying married to a man regardless of his numerous indiscretions, but I certainly will not. I’m not going to take second place in any man’s life.”

Her mother flinched, and in a surprise turn, instead of shouting her daughter down, as she usually did, she shook her head. When she spoke, her voice was strained. “I don’t think you realize just how lucky you are, Payton. Some girls would give anything to be where you are, loved and desired by a man who comes from such wealth and social standing. What else are you going to do?”

Instead of anger or resentment at her mother’s old-fashioned notions, Payton only felt sadness for her. Sadness that she never valued herself enough to demand more. Expect better. Payton knew nothing of her mother’s childhood, what her grandparents were like, as her mother refused to talk about it, but she could only imagine that part of Emily Vaughn’s perspective of life came from them. But Payton wouldn’t be like her mother. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than her happiness first. Not anymore.

She thought about the question she’d posed. What was she going to do if she left Brad? She smiled, as the sureness of what she was going to say took hold. “I’m going to finally do what I’ve always wanted to do, live my life on my terms. And hopefully, figure out a way to get admitted to law school again—as uncouth and unladylike as that might be to you. Now, if you don’t mind, I really need to get downstairs and take my place next to my best friend for this long anticipated day. If you’re staying, you might want to head down and get yourself another keycard for the room. I’m taking mine.”

Before her mother could brook any further argument, Payton stormed to the door, leaving her mother with her mouth open and her eyes blaring. Her exit, however, was temporarily blocked by wide shoulders and hands that reached out to stop her from running into him.

So many emotions rushed through her as she stared into that familiar gaze. Relief. Happiness. Breathy excitement. And then a tremble of anxiety as her mother cleared her throat behind her.

Waiting for an introduction.

To…her husband.

“You okay?” Cruz asked, not taking his eyes off Payton even though another woman, who he could only assume was her mother, came up behind her, peering out at him.

“Never better,” she said a tad too brightly.

Yeah. He’d bet. He looked over to the blonde, older woman whose cold blue eyes didn’t offer a sliver of warmth. She cleared her throat and turned to stare at her daughter pointedly.

Payton seemed to register the fact her mother was waiting for a formal introduction, as if she was the freaking queen of England, and stepped back. “Cruz, this is my mother, Emily Vaughn. Mother, Cruz Sorensen, Kate’s future brother-in-law and the person who made sure I arrived here in one piece.”

Emily Vaughn didn’t attempt to disguise the fact she was inspecting him from head to toe, not looking particularly impressed. When she finally met his gaze, her mouth pursed in a thin-lipped frown.

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Vaughn.” He could at least exhibit politeness.

“Mhmm. Well, I guess I owe you my thanks, Mr. Sorensen. I know how hard it can be to keep my daughter out of trouble at times. But I’m here now and you needn’t worry yourself any longer where she’s concerned.”

Payton looked back at Cruz, forced smile still on her face, but this time her eyes danced with a little humor as she crossed them together and pulled a face.

He barely managed to tamp down the laugh that was trying to make its way out when Payton relaxed her face again and turned back to her mother, appearing the picture of innocence.

“I just wanted to see if Payton needed any assistance finding the room where the brunch is being held. Kate was concerned since she hadn’t arrived yet,” he added, even though Kate hadn’t said anything of the sort, but the old bat didn’t know that.

“That’s awful sweet of you, Cruz,” Payton said. “I was just heading to the front desk to get directions. But maybe you can escort me yourself.”

“Why don’t I grab my purse and I can join—” Payton’s mother started.

“Mother, I know you’re tired from your long trip and weren’t you just telling me you wanted to rest before joining everyone this evening for the ceremony? As you can see, I’ll be in good hands. You don’t need to tag along.”

Mrs. Vaughn looked like she wanted to argue for a moment but instead pursed her lips together in disapproval. Probably realizing that she’d make more of a scene if she insisted.

“Very well. I’ll just do a little unpacking, maybe order up a light lunch. But for heaven’s sake, Payton, please take a hat with you. The bright Mexican sun is destroying your complexion.”

Payton sighed and walked to the bedroom, returning after a minute with a wide-brimmed hat.

“We’d better go. I’ll see you later,” she said to her mother.

He opened the door and turned one last time to say good-bye but the woman had already left the room. In the hallway, Payton groaned. “Sorry about that. Please don’t take offense. She’s like that with most people.”

“Really? And here I was thinking she might actually like me.”

Payton snorted in a very unlady-like way and led the way down the hall. Leaving him to admire the way her hair fell soft and shining over her shoulders, how her ankle-skimming dress—a soft blue—clung to her curves in a tantalizing way, reminding him of the way her body fit against his, perfect and lovely.

He imagined for a moment what it would be like to actually call her his wife. To announce to everyone the commitment they made to each other and intended on honoring…all the days of their lives. Or, at least until she woke up and realized he wasn’t enough for her. That she needed more. More of what Brad Eastman and the millions of dollars at his fingertips could offer her.

No. Best not to let his imagination get away from him. Payton would never be happy with someone like him.

They reached the elevator and pushed the call button. “I reached my assistant earlier,” he said, hoping to ease her mind. “She’s looking into finding an attorney for us to speak to. But with it being the weekend, it might have to wait until we get home on Monday. What time is your flight home?”

She didn’t look at him, keeping her eyes on the doors that were still shut. “I’m actually leaving tomorrow. My mother booked us both return tickets home. Something I would have argued with if I hadn’t realized that if I didn’t go along with it, I’d be stuck with her as my roommate another night.”

She was leaving tomorrow. He didn’t know why, but the thought of her getting on a plane, leaving him behind, filled him with an unsettling feeling in his chest. “I’m sure news that your mother will be gone by tomorrow will give the hotel staff some relief.”