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I suppressed a groan.

Great. Just what I need right now.

Alexander

To say there was tension in the air would be an understatement. It was more like the aftershock of a nuclear explosion.

A leggy blond, who I assumed to be Krystina’s roommate, stood in the kitchen with her brow furrowed in consternation. I guessed the other woman to be Krystina’s mother because of their striking resemblance, although her eyes were red-rimmed with tears while Krystina’s face was flushed in anger.

I looked to Frank Long, but he just shrugged and shook his head. The poor man looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Having little choice in the matter, I did what I did best. I put on my game face and took control of the situation.

Leading the way, I entered the apartment with Frank in tow.

“Good evening, ladies,” I greeted. Stepping up to Krystina, I planted a kiss on the top of her head and motioned over to Frank. “Look who I met in the elevator?”

“Alex, I thought Hale was coming back for me later, and I was going to meet you at your place,” Krystina said. Her voice sounded strained.

“After he dropped off you and Allyson, I gave him the rest of the night off. I happened to be out, so I decided to come by to pick you up instead,” I said easily. “How was your day at the spa?”

I heard the subtle sound of one clearing their throat from somewhere behind me. When I turned to look, I saw the blonde watching me carefully.

“You must be Allyson,” I said. I flashed her my most disarming smile, but she wasn’t taking the bait. She only narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“And you must be the infamous Alexander Stone. Krystina’s told me a lot about you.”

Hopefully, not too much.

“Sorry, I’m being rude. I forgot you haven’t met,” Krystina apologized. “Alex, this is Allyson Ramsey.”

“Don’t believe half of what she says about me,” I joked to her roommate. She smiled at me in return, but her grin didn’t quite meet her eyes. “I’m happy to have finally met you. Krystina speaks very highly of you. The two of you seem close.”

“Of course, we are. As they say—opposites attract,” Allyson said.

I tilted my head to the side in confusion.

“She’s Aries, I’m Cancer,” Krystina explained. “Ally’s really into stuff like that.”

“Sorry, ladies. I don’t know too much about zodiac signs.” I laughed.

“It just means we balance each other out,” Allyson said. “And the ram is usually very protective of the crab.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I responded, completely unruffled by her discernible warning. I smiled politely. If Miss Ramsey thought she could intimidate me, she would be sadly disappointed.

“Alex, you’ve already met Frank, my stepfather.” Krystina continued her introductions, seeming oblivious to the undercurrent flowing between her roommate and me. “This is my mother. Mom, this is Alexander Stone.”

Krystina motioned to her mother, who had been noticeably quiet since I had come in. Turning to face her, I extended my hand.

“Yes…um,” she stuttered, seeming to be caught off guard. “I’m Elizabeth. Elizabeth Long.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Long.”

“Please, call me Elizabeth,” she offered.

“Your daughter never mentioned you would be in town this weekend,” I remarked courteously, throwing a sidelong glance at Krystina.

“They showed up unexpectedly,” Krystina clarified. “Had I known, I⁠—”

“If you two have plans, don’t let us get in the way,” Elizabeth cut in. “Go on ahead, honey. I’ll just go shopping with Allyson. Besides, Frank is wiped out. I think there’s a football game he wants to watch anyway. We’ll catch up later on, or perhaps tomorrow.”