Page 32 of Fourteen of a Kind

“I’m at Ava’s. I’ll walk over now.”

That was Lily. I have to run.” I hugged her. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

I walked down to Lily’s and stepped through the sliding door. A handsome man about six feet tall, with gorgeous dark hair and green eyes, turned and looked at me.

“You must be Dr. Ella Kind.” He smiled, walking over and kissing both my cheeks.

“And you must be Adrien. It’s great to finally meet you.”

“The honor is mine. Lily has told me all about you. She’ll be right down. I hear you’re an amazing artist.”

“I heard the same about you.” A smile crossed my lips.

“I’d love to see your paintings sometime. And once I open my gallery, you shall have a wall all to yourself.”

“Well, you’ll have to see my paintings first.”

“Ah!” Lily ran down the stairs and hugged me.

“I’m so happy you’re home. I’ve missed you.” I hugged her tightly. “Look at you. You’re glowing.”

“Of course I am. I have this amazing man here with me.” She hooked her arm around Adrien.

“I’ll let you two catch up. I want to go down to the beach for a while.”

“NO!” Both Lily and I shouted at the same time.

“Let’s not do that yet,” Lily said.

“Why not?” he asked, cocking his head.

“Remember I told you this is Kind Beach, and my family lives on it. I don’t need any of them grilling you yet.”

“Should I be scared?” he asked.

“YES!” We both said.

“Listen, Adrien.” I hooked my arm around his. “Our family is very protective. It’s best that Lily is with you when you meet them.”

The sliding door opened, and Stefan walked in.

“Shit,” Lily whispered. “Dad!” She ran and hugged him.

“Hi, baby girl. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too. Uh, Dad, this is Adrien. Adrien, I’d like you to meet my father, Stefan Kind.”

“It’s an honor, Mr. Kind.” Adrien extended his hand.

Stefan assessed him, and I lightly tapped his back.

“It’s nice to meet you, Adrien.” He shook his hand.

“Dad, does Mom know you’re here?” Lily asked.

“No. She’s working. So, Adrien. You moved from your home in Paris to Los Angeles to be with my daughter?”

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