“One more thing,” I said, just as Ford slid his hand down the back of my pj pants.
His hand stilled, mid-grab. “Yes?” he asked.
It was clear from his tone that he was done talking. But this was important.
“I don’t understand your relationship with your parents,” I said. “Why you’re so set on pleasing them all the time when it seems like nothing you do ever makes them happy.”
“That’s not true,” Ford said defensively.
“It isn’t? They were nothing but disparaging tonight,” I pointed out. “Your mom found something to criticize about everything—the deal you made, your new hire, even your headshot. And your dad, no offense, might be the most passive person I’ve ever met.”
Ford sighed, kissed my forehead, and then gently moved my body off of his. Apparently any possibility of sex was now off the table.
“My parents have high standards,” he said. “All Malones do.”
Then he rolled over, his back facing me.
“Why do you let them be so hard on you?” I asked, refusing to let it go so easily.
“I don’tletthem do anything.”
“But—”
“You don’t know anything about my family,” he said harshly. “Let it go.”
“Well, I’d like to,” I said. “I’d like to understand.”
I held my breath, hoping he would talk to me. Confide in me. Like he used to back in high school. And for a long, long moment, I thought he might. But then he just let out a sigh.
“It’s complicated,” he said. “End of discussion.”
Feeling dejected, I stared up at the ceiling, listening to his breathing smooth out, wondering if I’d ever get the truth about his family. If I’d ever get the truth aboutanythingfrom him.
Maybe it was time to stop hoping I would.
Emzee
Chapter 18
The last time I’d been called in for a private conference at DRM with my brothers, Stefan had told us that the Russian mob was threatening our family. I was praying today’s team meeting wouldn’t be a repeat of that. I’d gotten more than enough negativity dumped on me lately.
“Sorry I’m late!” I apologized as I burst through the door. “It took forever to get Munch checked in at the doggie daycare, and then the traffic downtown was—”
“It’s all good,” Luka said. “Have a seat.”
Neither he nor Stefan looked as if the executioner’s axe was about to drop, so I relaxed a little into my chair as Stefan poured us all coffee. And I took it as a good sign that my brothers seemed unbothered by my tardiness. Maybe they even had some positive news to share.
How wrong I was.
“Things going okay at home?” Stefan asked me. “You and Ford getting along?”
“Um.” My cheeks heated, and I took a quick gulp of coffee to stall. “We’re great,” I lied.
“Good, good,” Stefan said, nodding. “What about See Yourself? Still going strong?”
I glanced over at Luka, confused about the line of questioning, but he wouldn’t meet my gaze. “The nonprofit is fine. Ford just taught a fantastic real estate seminar and the Malones are helping put together a big fundraiser for it. I’m not sure when, but you’ll all be invited.”
“Nice,” Luka said, forcing a smile. “I can’t wait.”
