He chuckles as he turns to the stove, stirring the meatballs. I can’t help but stare at him as he stands with his back to me. He’s wearing light blue ripped jeans and a black T-shirt that stretchestightly across his muscular back. My gaze drops to his perfectly sculpted ass, and I bite my lip. He’s so damn attractive.
When he turns around, I quickly look away, not wanting him to catch me staring. By the time I glance back up, he’s plating the food. I think I’ve gotten away with it.
He sits next to me at the counter, and we chat while we eat. As the conversation flows effortlessly, I find myself relaxing. Once we’re finished, I offer to help with the clean-up, but he insists on doing it himself. When he’s done, he takes my hand and leads me into the living room.
“Have a seat,” he says, gesturing toward one of the two plush cream sofas that fill the space. A beautiful stone fireplace sits opposite us, and a large window faces the street. The drapes are drawn, and the light from a lamp in the corner gives the room a cozy atmosphere, despite its size.
“Do you want that wine now?” he asks, smiling.
“Are you having one?” He nods. “Okay then, but make it small as I’m driving.”
He smiles and heads back into the kitchen. I take a moment to look around, but my brow furrows when I notice there are no photos in the room. It’s a stark contrast to my apartment, where every surface is filled with family pictures. When Ben returns, he sits next to me, handing me a glass of red wine.
“Thanks,” I say, taking a sip. “Are you free next weekend? It’s Paisley and Sophie’s bachelorette party. We’re going to a spa during the day, then meeting up with my brothers in Eden afterward. Want to join us?”
I bite my lip, nervous to ask him and even more nervous about him meeting my family. I haven’t told anyone other than Ivy that Ben and I are dating. I wanted to see how things went first, but the bachelorette party would be the perfect opportunity for him to meet everyone. At least, I’m hoping that being in Eden will make my brothers less likely to cause a scene.
“Erm–”
“Whose car is that in the driveway?” a female voice calls from the entryway, cutting Ben off.
I flinch as the front door slams shut, and a knot of unease tightens in my stomach. I glance at Ben, whose eyes are wide with surprise. I try to pull my hand from his, but he holds on, standing up and pulling me to my feet with him.
“Laney, I didn’t expect you home tonight,” Ben says as a stunning blonde woman steps into the living room. Her gaze drops to our hands, and she scowls.
“I can see that.”
She eyes me up and down, and I attempt once more to pull my hand from Ben’s, but he doesn’t let go.
“Laney, this is Ashlyn Brookes. Ash, this is Laney… my daughter.”
My eyes widen in shock, and I look up at Ben. Before I can say anything, Laney lets out a sharp, humorless laugh.
“I can tell from the look on your face that my dad didn’t mention me.”
She sets her purse on the side table and crosses her arms.
“Umm, no, he didn’t, but it’s nice to meet you.”
“I wish I could say the same.”
“Laney! Don’t be rude,” Ben snaps, and my cheeks flush with heat.
Why the hell didn’t he tell me he had a daughter? He’s had plenty of chances.
“I’m sorry, Ashlyn. The last thing I want is to be rude,” Laney says with heavy sarcasm, and I’ve never felt more uncomfortable. “I’m guessing if he didn’t tell you about me, he also hasn’t told you that he’s married.”
The air rushes from my lungs, and a cold sweat breaks out on the back of my neck.
“Laney!” Ben yells. “That’s enough! Go to your room.”
“I’m eighteen, Dad! You can’t send me to my room anymore.”
She grabs her bag and walks toward the kitchen. I watch in disbelief as she leaves before pulling my hand away from Ben’s.
“You’re married?” I whisper, taking a step back from him. He moves toward me, but I hold up my hand, and he stops.
“Ash–”
