by Gephart, T
It wasn’t that I was offended by it either. I was unrelated, known purely in a professional capacity, and that interaction hadn’t been the most pleasant, especially for Eric. I knew I was a good person, and I didn’t want me there.
Roman dismissed me with a wave of his hand. “Who cares what he wants, I want you there. Besides, he’s so freaking happy he’s getting married, he’s not going to give a shit either way. Trust me, I bet he doesn’t even notice.”
“He is going to notice.” I coughed back the laugh. “And did you even think to ask?” Again, drawing him a road map to Obvious Town. “First, ask Eric considering you are hijacking his dinner for your own purposes. And then me, to see if I even wanted to go. It’s like you literally have no regard for anyone but yourself.”
This wasn’t some case he could dictate, and I wasn’t some witness he could manipulate. He had deliberately not told me, which just made the situation worse. Because if it were no big deal like he eluded, he would have mentioned it. He might have tried to slide it by me, but I knew his style.
“You would have said no, my way was better.” He wasn’t even trying to hide his smile, the whole thing seeming to be amusing.
Dead.
Or at least he would be after I mentally calculated my chances of survival after the crash the impeding throat punch would cause.
Old car, safety features in 1972 weren’t the best.
If only we’d been having the conversation in a Volvo, or something with a roll cage.
“Of course I would have said no.” Anyone with the ability to reason and some compassion would have said no. “For all the reasons previously listed and more.”
“Well, it’s too late now.” He nodded to the familiar black iron gate. “We’re here.”
A mix of curse words and promises of grievous bodily harm were mumbled under my breath as he pulled up alongside a metal box, the large gate rolling open after he’d entered the code.
“Just so you know,” I warned, my fingernails digging into my palms as the car slowly moved forward. “After this is over, we are not spending the night together.” It would be just him and his hand tonight; sex was off the table.
He laughed, his smile dripping with smugness as he turned to me. “I kind of guessed that. Why do you think we did what we did in your office before we left?”
“You are such a pig.” I shook my head in disbelief. I still wasn’t sure if I was feeling manipulated or elated that he wanted me to meet his family. Either way, he was still in the doghouse as panic and anger bubbled to the surface.
“Come on, Harper, it will be fine.” His hand reached over to my knee. “My whole family will be there. Tia’s too. You said you wanted to meet the rest of my brothers, here’s your chance.”
He was right. I was more than just mildly curious about his family. And had this been under different circumstances, on neutral territory, I would have loved the opportunity.
But for reasons beyond his comprehension, I wanted to make a good impression with his family, and I needed time to prepare. It was like being thrown into a murder trial having done no prep, needing to make up your defense while standing in front of the jury, naked.
“Don’t be surprised if by the end of the night I trade you in for one of your brothers.” It was an empty threat, but he didn’t know that. “You brought it on yourself.”
He didn’t seem convinced, twisting his lips into a grin. “I’m irreplaceable, besides they would bore you.”
We stopped at the end of the long driveway, pulling up in front of Eric’s house. The exterior lights were on with music from the back of the house spilling to the front.
There were already a number of parked cars, with Roman’s Ferrari not looking out of place alongside the collection of high-class hood ornaments.
I sat in my seat, needing a minute to collect myself before stepping out. The last time I’d been sitting in front of Eric’s house in the car, I was anticipating a scene from Donnie Brasco. Now, I had no idea what to expect.
It was a wedding rehearsal dinner for God’s sake; awkward didn’t even begin to cover it.
Roman opened the passenger side door, having made his way around while I continued my internal debate. He held out his hand to help me out which I ignored, choosing to straighten my skirt instead.
If he was bothered by it, he didn’t show it, waiting until I was done before putting his arm around my waist. His hand pressed against my hip as we walked together.
His hands on me in public was still new, but I loved it. I took every stolen touch when I could, just in case. I hoped it wouldn’t stop, but part of me wasn’t sure, wanting the contact and the reassurance that came with it.
I didn’t argue about him holding me, even though I was mad. I was too busy worrying about more pressing issues like what his family would think of me, as I let him lead me up the stairs to the front door.
We stopped in front of the large wooden door, Roman’s hand hesitating on the buzzer. “If it makes you feel any better, I told him I was bringing a date.”
“No, it doesn’t make me feel better,” I said honestly. “Because you calling me a date means you didn’t tell him it was me. It’s lying by omission, you jerk.” I elbowed him, hating that I still found him attractive even though he infuriated me.
“I disagree, counselor.” He finally pressed the buzzer, smiling as he pulled me closer. “I gave him every opportunity to ask me who the date was, he didn’t ask. You are in fact, my date, so there are no grounds for the accusation of a lie.”
My smile tightened as I heard the door unlock. “There’s no jury to glamour, Roman. Save the performance.”
“WOW.” Wide eyes greeted me, the man on the other side of the door surprised as he took us in. “Am I seeing what I think I’m seeing?”
“Who is it?” Another voice, a second set of masculine wide eyes joined the first at the door. “Holy shit!”
The men were obviously related, with similar features to the man standing beside me, while sporting slightly darker eyes and hair. It was clear they were two of the brothers I hadn’t met.
Tall, good-looking and athletic—it was like the Larsson family had been genetically engineered for optimum sexual appeal. The thought of them all in a room together made me uneasy; I wasn’t sure that all that testosterone wasn’t going to make me spontaneously ovulate. Thank God I was on the pill, one of these Larssons was bound to get someone pregnant.
“When Eric said Roman was bringing a date,” Larsson number one extended his hand, his eyes moving between me and the member of his kin whose fingers were wrapped around my waist. “I didn’t realize he meant an actual person. Hi, I’m Nick.”
I accepted his handshake, the warmth of his smile making me return one of my own as I introduced myself. “Lauren.”
“And I’m Dave.” He pushed Nick out of the way, his fingers wrapping around mine as he leaned forward. “He didn’t kidnap you did he?” A cheeky grin spread across his lips. “Blink twice if you’re not here of your own free will.”
A real laugh bubbled up my throat, the tension in my body slightly easing. Both of them were not only attractive in their own right, but had their own version of adorable charm.
“I can’t believe I’m related to a pack of morons.” Roman shook his head, popping each of his brothers in the arm. “Don’t you have some dog food commercial to shoot or something?” He bit back the smile.
Dave scoffed, puffing up his chest. “That was one time, and I’m still getting call backs over it. Not to mention bitches find me irresistible.”
“He means actual bitches.” Nick slapped his brother across the back. “There isn’t a female dog around who isn’t attracted to him.” He leaned in closer. “Pity he doesn’t have the same luck with women of his own kind.”
Roman rolled his eyes, leading us through the door into the main foyer as I laughed, Nick and Dave seeming to enjoy my reaction.
“Well, since the idiots have already introduced themselve
s, there is no need for me to do it.” Roman took turns in giving each of them a shoulder hug that bordered on a tackle. “They are smarter than they look, but sadly they don’t act like it.”
“Is someone talking?” Nick looked around, ignoring his brother. “I swear sometimes I hear voices.”
“I wish those voices would tell you to get a better wardrobe.” Roman tipped his chin to Nick’s attire, not impressed by the more casual T-shirt and jeans his brother was wearing. “Alex here yet? He’s still young and impressionable, there’s hope I can save him.”
“Yeah, he’s here. Everyone is out back.” Dave pointed to the hall. “By the way, Mom just stopped crying. Now you’ve brought a girl home, she’s probably going to start again.”
The revelation surprised me. I knew he wasn’t big on relationships, but I assumed that one or two would have made the cut. I turned to face Roman. “You didn’t bring girls home when you were in high school? Or college?”
“I brought girls home.” A grin crept across his lips. “No one happened to be awake when they were there.”
“Interesting.” My finger tapped on my chin, picturing younger Roman smuggling women into his childhood home like contraband. “This is all so riveting.”
“I’ll bet.” His hand pressed at my lower back. “Let’s go meet people.”
Nick and Dave led the way with Roman and I following out to the backyard. Tables and chairs were on top of a large hardwood temporary floor that had been laid over the grass. It looked as if a room had been dropped in the middle of the yard, the tables covered in white cloth with colorful floral centerpieces.
There were maybe twenty people—twenty-five tops—mingling and laughing against a soundtrack of music and the sizzle of a grill. The setting was missing the usual people in white uniforms, with Eric and his friend Ryan searing steaks on a BBQ the size of a Mini Cooper.
“Hey!” A familiar voice called from behind me. “Lauren, how cool of you to come.” It was Tia, looking more radiant than should be humanly allowed.
I wasn’t sure if we should handshake or hug since our last meeting had ended with an exchange of money. Not two grand like I’d asked Roman for, I had totally given Tia a discount and not told him.
Tia made the decision for me, grabbing my hand and giving it a quick squeeze before replacing her fingers with a champagne flute. Like a sideshow in Vegas, the move was so seamless I had no idea where the glass had come from.
“Thanks so much for having me.” I lifted my magic glass. “Everything looks amazing.”
“Roman.” He got a regular hug with no beverage sleight of hand. “You should go help Eric with dinner, I’m sure he’d love to see you.”
It seemed the Larsson charm had rubbed off on her or she had her own version of it. But I sensed her smile and suggestion that he go have a friendly brotherly reunion wasn’t for anyone else’s benefit other than her own.
“Nice try, Tia.” He didn’t move from my side. “But I’m not going to conveniently leave so you can ask inappropriate questions. So if you want to ask something, you’ll have to do it with me here.”
“Fine.” She shrugged, not looking surprised her plan had been foiled. “Just an FYI, I totally knew you guys were together.”
I wasn’t sure how or what she knew, but it made me slightly uncomfortable. Maybe it was because I wasn’t sure what I knew, the situation currently undefined other than we were spending a lot of time together even when we weren’t having sex.
It wasn’t that I was worried about Roman sleeping with anyone else either—unless you counted the couple of weekends that he wasn’t with me, there hadn’t been the time. He might not be the most virtuous man I knew, but I doubted he was a complete piece of shit.
“You know, maybe I’ll go say hi to Eric.” I gave Roman’s arm a squeeze, deciding I should bite the bullet and get all the awkward out of the way all at once. And then I could leave Roman to deal with Tia’s questions on what we were or weren’t doing. I almost wanted to stick around to hear the answers, except I was worried I might not like them. “Feel free to grill him while I’m gone.”
I gave them both a wave before Roman had a chance to stop me, Tia grabbing his arm as I walked away and holding him hostage. I’d already decided I liked her, but the extra assist had definitely won her extra points.
Eric’s eyes lifted as I strolled over, taking a swig of his beer as he handed a large pair of tongs to Ryan before he stepped away from the grill.
“Lauren.” He nodded, giving me a warm smile. “Nice to see you again.”
It still didn’t feel normal to see him in an informal capacity, one that wasn’t separated by a big screen or at the very least some barriers and a red carpet. But to his credit—and unlike his brother—his ego was missing in action, the look on his face lacking any hostility. If he wasn’t happy about me being there, he was doing an excellent job of hiding it, the kindness seeming genuine.
“I want to apologize for Roman’s insensitivity.” I’d decided the direct approach would be for the best. “I hope me being here isn’t a problem.”
“Not at all,” he grinned, taking another swig of his beer. “You don’t think I would have let him invite any stranger to my house, do you? When he asked if he could bring a date, I knew it was you.”
“Well, at least one of us knew.” I tried to smile, still undecided on what I was going to do to punish Roman. “Has he always been such a selfish prick?”
He laughed, the trademark Larsson charm shining through. “He likes everyone to think so, but trust me, he isn’t as bad as he pretends to be. He can be pretty considerate and easygoing too.”
“We are talking about Roman, right?” I joked, only barely catching glimpses of his easygoing side. Last Friday had been the first real time, and previously at the bar, but then I had suspected it had been for ulterior motives.
“One and the same.” He looked over at his brother who was still being held captive by my new favorite person, Tia. “He skews the truth to get what he wants, and he’s pretty slick at it too. But he’s not a complete degenerate, he won’t outright lie or cheat. It’s a fine line, but it’s there. But you already know that or you wouldn’t be here.”
“I didn’t really have a choice about being here,” I laughed with a casual shrug. “He didn’t tell me where we were going.”
Eric shook his head, his blue eyes almost identical to his brother’s gazing at me with more understanding than I would have liked. “I meant with him.”
“With all your money, you could have hired someone to cook for us.” Roman came up behind me, at some point having escaped from Tia’s interrogation. “When did you get so cheap?”
“Since I am trying to avoid tipping off the press I’m getting married tomorrow.” Eric grinned at his brother. “It’s bad enough they already suspect, the less activity I have around the property, the better. Besides, I’m perfectly capable of handling my own grill, it gave me a chance to use that prenup you guys drew up as kindling.” He raised his beer with a toast, grinning as he took a swallow.
Roman bit back his grin, slinging his hand around my waist. “You know burning it doesn’t void it, moron.”
“As far as I’m concerned, it does. You live your truth, I’ll live mine.” Eric tipped his chin to me. “Enjoy the rest of the night.” He wandered back to the BBQ, leaving us alone.
Roman gave me a satisfied smile. “See, I told you he wouldn’t give a shit. You should listen to me more often.”
“You enjoy your time with Tia?” I ignored him and his smugness. “Seemed like you were having a nice chat.”
He shook his head, barking out a laugh. “Let’s go meet my mother and my younger brother. It’s doubtful you’ll get a chance after dinner, Eric’s cooking skills are questionable at best and we’ll probably all end up in the emergency room.”
With his hand around my waist, he guided me over to a stunning blonde woman who didn’t look old enough or crazy enough to have given birth to five sons.
“Mom, this is Lauren Harper. We work together and she’s also my date.” He gave me a smile. “Harper, this is my mother, Kate.”
“Oh, Roman.” Kate sniffed into a tissue, trying to wipe up her tears and compose herself. “I’m so happy to meet you, Lauren.”
“It’s lovely to meet you too.” I held out my hand, she grabbed it and gave it a quick squeeze.
“I’m not sure why you are crying.” Roman rolled his eyes. “Eric’s just getting married, they aren’t even moving.”
“You hush.” She gave him a playful nudge. “I’m allowed to cry if I want to.”
“Wow, you’re Roman’s date?” A tall but thinner and younger version of Eric and Roman appeared by his mother’s side. “I thought Nick and Dave were kidding.”
I wasn’t sure how it was possible, but every single one of those boys was gorgeous. Surely one of them should have, by law of averages, been less handsome? Shorter at the very least. It seemed statistically impossible, but there it was in front of me.
“Lauren.” I shook his hand. “You must be Alex.”
“I am.” A cheeky grin spread across his face. “Does he talk about me a lot?”
“I had such high hopes for you, Alex.” Roman sighed, pretending to look annoyed. “You were my favorite.”
After a few more back and forth between the brothers and some chiding from Kate, we settled into an easy conversation.
Roman introduced me to Tia’s family, as well as her best friend, Lila who was also dating Ryan. And lastly he introduced me to his father, Jensen, who was as far removed from Hollywood as possible by being a biomedical engineer of all things.