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I straighten, my spine snapping tight. My heart races, and I silently plead with my dad not to mention anymore. Miller’s hand goes to my neck, and tension rolls off him, filling the few inches of space between us.
“Brett? Brad? What was his name, Ashlyn?” Dad keeps on.
“Brock,” the name is like sandpaper in my throat, “but I don’t think—”
“Brock, that’s right. Showy asshole he was. Thank God we don’t have to sit across from him at Thanksgiving dinners for the rest of our lives.”
Miller’s grip intensifies.
“Dad! Brock wasn’t someone I hooked up with. He was like my boss.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me in disbelief, and I feel like a teenager caught lying. “A man like that, it’s easy to read his intentions.” Dad’s gaze swings to Miller, letting his statement hang.
All the air leaves my lungs until black spots fill my vision.
“Princess, take a breath,” Miller leans in and whispers.
I do as he says and glare at my dad, the bitch inside coming alive. “Dad, Brock was my coworker,” I grate out.
“Is he the reason you left?”
“One of them, yes. He was a factor in my decision.”
He holds my stare, not fazed by the daggers I’m shooting at him. It’s all I can do not to scream when his lips curl and he takes another sip of his drink. “Sorry it took eight years, but I’m glad to know you can still spot an asshole.”
I open my mouth to defend myself, then realize it’s no use. I just told my family I lost myself and walked away with no attachments to my old life. “You can rest assured that my judge of character has returned and is sharp as a tack.”
“Oh, yes, it is.” Mom’s eyes are dreamy, locked on Miller.
“Oh good lord, here comes the Pinterest board,” I grumble for him to hear.
“Bring it on.” His grip loosens, and some of the tension eases.
I elbow him and take the chance to move the subject along to safer subjects. “Tell me about my house.”
After Darby left, we all went to a quick lunch and then split up. Mom and I met with Evin, and she signed the forms even though he assured us it was unnecessary. He had the adamant and firm letter I drafted to Ian sent over with the updated papers. When it was over, Mom told me it was time we talked in a way that didn’t leave room for argument.
This didn’t surprise me since she was blindsided with the fact that I needed her help. We spent the afternoon in her suite with me doing most of the talking. She listened as I shared the slightly more detailed version of my reasons for moving. I expected her to find the holes in my story, but if she had reservations, she didn’t pry. Instead, she dove into the subject of Miller.
For the first time, I saw the positive side of his decision to ban sex. It’s much more than merciless teasing and exploring each other’s bodies. It’s about getting to know each other. Learning about things in our lives. Because of this, I could keep my mom entertained with stories of him, his relationship with his family, and the business he helps run.
When the guys returned to the hotel, it shocked me to see Miller with them, carrying a bag. They all were filthy, sweaty, and starving. Austin and Andrew went to their room to get ready for dinner while Dad went to shower. Miller astonished me again by saying he got me my own room because I wasn’t ‘sleeping on a pullout couch in my parents’ suite’.
Mom, who was already swooning, sighed with approval before practically shoving me out the door with my overnight bag. Miller showered in my room while I changed and told him about my meeting with Evin.
We didn’t have time to discuss my house before meeting my family at the restaurant. Now that I’ve given everyone a rundown on my life, I want to know about their progress.
“Your backyard is visible now. I cleared out most everything, and tomorrow I’ll work on the front. Miller’s arranged for the city to pick up next Monday,” Dad explains.
“Great! Can I walk through my yard without fear of being attacked by serpents?”
“Let’s put it this way, good thing you and your mom weren’t there today.”
I shiver dramatically, thinking about what they found in the overgrowth. “Thanks, Daddy.”
“He was up on a machine. It was us that had to do the grunt work,” Austin complains.
“And for that, I have a huge thank you present.” I lean into Miller’s ear and tell him it’s time.
He waves at the waitress, and she nods, ready for us.
“Your contractor even got his hands dirty.” Andrew jerks his chin toward Miller.
I choke on my giggle, pretty sure Miller doesn’t appreciate the reference.
