Deep breath. I keep cool.
Meg laughs. Susan too.
Douglass looks at me with solidarity.
Susan pulls a small box from her purse and sets it on the table. "I'm not going to tell either of you how to live your lives. This is fast, but sometimes, you know something is right." She wipes a tear from her cheek. "Megara, sweetheart, I'm so proud of you for completing your first semester of medical school. If you want to marry this man, I'm happy for you. I'll be happier if you wait, but I'm happy now." She wipes another tear from her eye. "I'm going to be a crying mess."
"Mom." Meg squeezes her mother's hand. "I love you. Thank you." She looks at her father. "You too, Dad. We still... it's not final yet, but if it is, will you walk me down the aisle?"
Douglass starts crying, full-on bawling. It's the most emotion I've ever seen from him.
"Of course." He nods.
Susan pulls the lid off the box. There are two rings inside. Both are platinum. "Your friend, Thomas."
Meg sticks her tongue out. "Thomas? You mean Tom?"
Susan nods.
"Thomas makes him sound so... polite."
"He was very polite," Susan says. "He seems like a nice young man."
Meg bursts into laughter. "Mom, he..." She shakes her head. Her eyes meet mine. "Can you believe this?"
"The man can have a cock piercing and be perfectly polite," I say.
Susan laughs. Douglass has that oh fuck, ow look of sympathy pain.
Meg hides behind her palms. That's better.
Susan shakes her head. "You two seem happy. That makes me happy. And Tom really did seem nice. He was gushing about his wife. His wedding sounded nice." She lets out a dreamy sigh. "Hawaii on the beach. You sure you don't want to do that? Maybe... in five years?"
Meg squeezes my hand. "We want to do it soon."
Susan pushes the rings forward, giving us a better view. "He gave me your ring sizes. These were made in the same style as your father's and mine were." She wipes back another tear. "They're our present to you, if you'd like to use them. We won't be hurt if you decide you'd rather choose your own rings."
"Do you have a best man, son?" Douglass asks.
Fuck, that's a decision that will ruffle some feathers.
"You should have the guys share it," Meg says, "or give it to Tom."
"He's married," I say.
"So?" Meg shoots me an incredulous look. "Since when do you care about tradition?"
"I guess I'll ask Drew, Tom, and Pete to share it." I look at Susan. "Compromise."
"Why don't you hold onto it for us, Dad?" Meg asks. "Until the guys get here."
He nods.
Meg squeezes my hand. Her parents are really on board.
We can fucking do this.
Chapter Eight
Miles
Meg's parents spend most of dinner reminiscing about Meg’s and Rosie's childhoods. We don't leave until the restaurant is about to close.
I slide my arm around Meg's waist to help her stay upright. She rubs her eyes as she yawns. She must have spent the last month studying. She's exhausted.
I kiss her cheek. "Meet me at the hotel. I'm going to walk your parents home."
She looks from her parents to me and offers a sleepy nod. She rises to her tiptoes to whisper in my ear. "If you stay out too late, I won't have the energy to fuck you when you get back."
Her cheeks flush a soft shade of pink.
Damn. I hate to miss out on Meg screaming my name, but making sure her parents are on board is important.
I kiss her goodbye, and we separate.
Susan and Douglass are staying at the Bellagio, the hotel famous for its fountain shows. It's only a few hotels away. They spend the walk lost in the same memories that captured them during dinner. I listen with rapt attention. Meg has always been an adorable little nerd. Turns out she had a phase in elementary school where she collected dinosaurs. Her room was flush with them. Her parents were convinced she would end up a paleontologist.
They were relieved when she moved on to dolls, and even more relieved when she started performing surgery on the dolls.
The fountains are roaring when we arrive. They dance to Elton John's Your Song.
Susan's eyes go wide. She grabs onto the concrete railing.
"I'll meet you up in the room." Douglass plants a chaste kiss on her cheek and makes his way to the hotel entrance.
There's no chemistry between them. No passion. It's clear Meg's parents support each other, but there's a distance too.
That must have a lot to do with why Meg is scared. Not that my parents are a better example. If anything, my parents make hers look like models of everlasting romance.
Susan pulls her arms over her chest. She rubs her triceps, but she's still shivering.
I shift my leather jacket off my shoulders and offer it to her. It's a cold night, but I don't mind the bite of the chill.
She waves it away. "No, thank you. The cold is nice." She makes eye contact. Her lips curl into a smile then her attention goes back to the fountains. "You love Megara a lot, don't you?"
"I do."
"I know you'll take care of her. But, Miles, if you get in the way of her studying medicine, I'll do everything in my power to get you out of her life."
I fight my desire to laugh. Susan has no idea how badly I want the world for Meg. "I won't."
Her voice softens. "Not on purpose. But I know what happens when you're in love. I've been there. I can count on one hand the female classmates who stayed in medical school after they got married. They told themselves they'd go back, but they never did. They moved to the suburbs and switched to raising a family." Her eyes meet mine. "That can be a fulfilling priority. God knows, I love Megara, and I... Rosie... it brought me a wealth of joy, raising children, but Meg-"
"She won't be happy if she gives up medicine. I know that." The fountains flash with a burst of white light. "You had kids, and you're quite the surgeon now. Must be possible to make it work."
"It is. It's hard, but it's worth it." Susan presses her lips together. "I was much older when I got pregnant with Rosie. Well out of medical school."
"I can't believe that."
She laughs. "You must have done well when you were single. You're a charmer."
I nod.
"You don't have to charm me. I see the way my daughter lights up around you. I know you bring joy into her life." She watches as the fountain show ends and the lights turn off. Her eyes stay on the pool of dark water. "I'm sure some of those women were happier raising a family instead of practicing medicine. Is that what you want?"
I press my palm against the concrete. I can't say I've given family much thought. Fuck knows, I don't want to follow in my parents’ footsteps and fuck some poor kid up. Better to opt out of the whole thing. Not sure whether I ever want kids. Meg isn't sure either. It's not something we dwell on.
Susan is a woman with her shit together. I need a better answer than fuck if I know.
I turn toward her, keeping my expression neutral. "We're waiting to see how it feels to really have a life together."
Her brow knots with confusion. "What do you have now?"
"She lives with you."
"You're saying she's moving out after the wedding? I didn't agree to that." She smiles, teasing.
"I'm still working out the details," I admit.
Susan's eyes fill with affection. "You two can stay with me and Douglass if you'd like."
"Forever?"
"And then some."
"And when we wake you up with our loud sex?" I tease.
"I sleep with ear plugs."
I laugh. "And Meg's dad?"
"He'll get over it." She smiles. "I'm glad you're so passionate about her."
"You're glad I love fucking your daughter twenty-four seven?"
Susan doesn't blush. She doesn't even blink. "I'm older, Miles. I'm not dead. Douglass and I have an active sex life. It's not what it was when we were your age. And sinc
e Rosie died, we're still not all the way back to normal. But yes, I am glad you love having sex— well, I assume the two of you engage in oral and vaginal sex. Perhaps anal sex as well."
I laugh. "You want to know if Meg and I have anal sex?"
"I don't need the details, but I'm glad you two have an active sex life. Sex is good for you. It produces dopamine. It's good for back pain and stress relief." She turns toward me. Her expression shifts, more serious. "But that passion doesn't last unless you make a point of keeping it alive. Studies show that the rush of excitement that comes with new love fades after about two years. If you want to keep it alive, you need to do new things together, to make a point of holding hands and scheduling dates. Novelty keeps the Dopamine rush alive."
"You telling me to sexually experiment with your daughter?"
Susan is dead serious. "If that's what the two of you want."
This time, I can't hold in my laugh. My hand goes to my stomach. My knees buckle from the weight of my belly laugh.
She chuckles. "I'm a gynecologist. There's nothing you can say about sex that will surprise me."
"And recommendations?" I raise a brow.
"I'm not Dr. Ruth. I don't specialize in sexual pleasure. But I can point you to a few great resources if you'd like." Her smile spreads. "I'm glad it matters to you."
"You're glad your daughter's sexual pleasure matters to me?"
"Of course." Her brows screw. "I know most parents are afraid of their children having sex, but I've been married for nearly thirty years. I know that you need to make an effort."
"Thanks, Dr. Smart. Susan." I look into her light brown eyes. "Can I ask you something personal?"
She nods.
"You and Douglass... are you still happy?"
"Yes." Her eyes go to the dark water. "We've had our rough patches. I almost left a few times. After Rosie died, I thought that was it. A part of me died. A part of him too. We couldn't connect. I couldn't look at him. All I saw was her absence." She swallows hard. "Stressors are hard on a marriage. The loss of a child is one of the biggest ones."
"Why did you stay?"
"He's my best friend." She takes a slow breath. "He holds me up when I need him." She presses away from the railing. "It's hard on a marriage when two ambitious people put their careers first. It's good that you'll understand each other's priorities, but, Miles, you have to promise me you won't let inertia take over. You have to promise you'll always make her a priority."
"I will."
Susan hugs me goodbye. She steps backward. "I should get to bed. Take care of her for me."
***
I'm sure this isn't what Susan meant by take care of my daughter, but I doubt she'd object.
I find what I want quickly. It's not the most conventional wedding present, but I know Meg will love it.
"Excuse me." The voice that asks is shy. Barely a whisper. "Aren't you Miles Webb?"
Ah, a female fan in a sex toy shop. Two years ago, this night would have gone a different way.
I turn to face my fan. She's a pretty girl, and she's dressed to party—high heels, tight skirt, enough makeup to drown her features.
Two years ago, I'd have leaned in and whispered yes, but baby, you can call me Miles. Two years ago, I'd have gotten her panties to her knees by the time we were out the door.
I don't miss that guy. I don't even like that guy.
She's looking at me like she hopes I'm that guy. I'm not sure what to think. If she really is a fan, she should know I'm taken. My tattoo was big news. Women everywhere wept over the Smoking Hot Vocalist, Miles Webb, Off the Market headlines.
My temper flares. It's been a long time since I've hit anyone. Most of the time, I'm steady as a rock.
No wonder I denied the existence of love for so long. It breaks down your walls. Makes you vulnerable.
"Sorry, I'm not familiar with that name." I nod a goodbye and make my way to the register.
I can feel her gaze on me. There's a No Cameras sign posted on the wall. There are about twenty No Cameras signs posted on the walls. She doesn't look like the rule-breaking type. As far as I can tell, it took every ounce of courage for her to talk to me.
It’s been a long time since I've hit anyone. Don't want to start again.
I finish my purchase, step outside, and text Meg than I'm inbound. Usually, she replies right away. Nothing tonight.
Nothing when I'm back at the hotel.
Damn, the elevator is taking forever. I need to break out this gift and use it with her.
Finally, the damn thing arrives. I step into the elevator and lean against the mirrored wall. All the walls are mirrored. Gives me ideas. Fucking amazing ideas.
It takes the elevator an eternity to reach our floor. I walk quickly. My key is in my pocket. There. The door flashes green as it unlocks. I step inside.
The lights are off. Even in the bathroom.
Meg is lying on the bed, naked and fast asleep.
This isn't how I expected the night to end, but fuck, does she look cute in her sleep.
I've already got a plan figured out. I spend an hour squaring away the details, then I brush my teeth, strip to my boxers, and slide into bed behind her.
Her body stirs. She mumbles my name, nestles into my chest, and falls back to sleep.
Chapter Nine
Megara
It's heaven waking up in Miles's arms.
Math is difficult at this time of the morning, but mine suggests I have another twenty-seven days in the same bed as him.
Most people don't get twenty-seven great days in a year. Some people don't get twenty-seven great days in their life.
I'm lucky, but still, I want more.
I get up, brush my teeth, and rifle though my attire options. Thankfully, Mom brought me a suitcase of clothes. I dress in jeans, a t-shirt, and a cozy cashmere sweater.
Miles rises and goes through his morning routine. He slides his arms around me and pulls me onto the couch with him. "That sweater is entrapment."
"Is that right?"
"Mhmm." He presses his lips to mine. "Can't do anything but hug you."
"Why is that a problem?"
"Because we have someplace to be." He releases me and brings his arms to the bed. "Our tour of the venue is in an hour."
"You should have woken me."
"You look too cute sleeping." He brushes my hair behind my ears. "I made reservations for dinner tonight. Private room at a Japanese place. It's not technically a rehearsal dinner-"
"You're that sure I'll love the venue?"
He nods.
"What if I don't like it?"
"Then we'll find another venue."
"And the money for the deposit?"
Miles laughs. "Princess, we're getting married. This is the one time where you don't think about trivialities."
"Money is a triviality?"
He nods.
"How rich are you?" I know Miles is wealthy. The several-million-dollar beach house purchases give away how well Tom and Pete are doing. And Miles makes more than any of the other guys in the band. He's the only one with a side gig.
He's the only one who inherited a fortune.
"Convince me to tell you," he teases.
"Don't we have someplace to be?"
"Damn. Guess you'll have to wait."
"Miles! Tell me! Please."
"What's in it for me?" He tugs at my sweater.
I press my palms together. "My eternal devotion."
"Hmmm." His eyes pass over me. His tongue slides over his lips. "Can you sweeten the deal?"
I flip him off playfully.
He smiles. "About thirty million. Give or take."
He's effortlessly casual about it. I'm worth thirty million dollars. No big deal.
We'll be worth thirty million dollars.
I'm willing to say goodbye to fifteen million dollars in the event you tire of me.
A long time ago, we agreed that he'd pay for anything we do together. I've never fe
lt compelled to challenge the rule. Since I quit my job as an ER scribe last May, I've been without income. I spend all my savings on textbooks and the caffeine necessary to get through the day.
But thirty million dollars...
"Breathe, Princess." He rubs my shoulders. "It's good news."
"Do you want a prenup?" That's what wealthy people do, isn't it?
"You planning on divorcing me?"
"Of course not."
"Then no."
"What if something happens?"
"If I let our relationship get to point where you want to take me to the cleaners, I don't deserve a cent of that thirty million dollars." He slides his hand around my neck, cupping the back of my head. "I've had a lot of money for a long time. It never made me happy."
"But-"
"You make me happy, Meg. Happier than any amount of money."
"But thirty million dollars."
He laughs.
"This is important." I look up at him. "I'd never take advantage."
"I know." He drags his fingertip over my chest like he's doodling on my skin. "I wouldn't either."
"Huh?"
"Of how badly you want me." He pulls my sweater aside so he can trace the lines of my tattoo. "If you aren't one hundred percent after the tour of the venue, we'll cancel and we'll fly to the Caribbean early."
"We're going to the Caribbean?"
He nods. "For our honeymoon. Unless spending the week on the beach doesn't work for you."
"No. It works." It sounds amazing. Exactly the break I need. I meet his gaze. "You're really ready to get married tomorrow?"
"I've been ready since the day I got this." He pulls his t-shirt down to show off his Megara tattoo. "That's more permanent than a ring or a piece of paper."
His blue eyes shine with certainty. I run my fingers over his tattoo. It makes me as happy as it did the first time I saw it.
I need him as much as I did that night.
I love Miles more every day.
That's what matters.
"I don't want to disappoint you." I lean closer. "If I don't like it."
"You won't."
"You promise?"
He nods. "Whatever you decide, we have the rest of our lives together."
***
There's a limo waiting for us.
Sinful Ever After (Sinful Serenade #5) Page 5