Page 92 of Duty Unbound

Ethan had taken me riding, althoughclinging desperately to Rusty while praying not to fall offwas probably a better description than actually horseback riding. We’d also gone hiking, stargazing from his porch, and made love more times than I could keep track of.

With every hour away from Nova’s chaos and close to Ethan, I’d felt more like myself.

But now, meeting his parents? My stomach twisted into knots that would impress an Eagle Scout.

“You okay over there?” Ethan reached across the console to squeeze my hand. “You’ve been quiet since we left the house.”

I turned my hand over, lacing my fingers through his. “I’m terrified,” I admitted, watching dust plume behind us in the rearview mirror. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Done what?”

“Met a boyfriend’s parents.” The word caught in my throat, sounding all wrong. “Is that even the right word? Boyfriend? It seems so…juvenile for what this is.”

Too insignificant for the way my heart raced when he looked at me. Too casual for the way he’d seen through all my carefully constructed walls.

Ethan pulled the truck to the side of the road, shifting to face me. The intensity in his eyes made my breath catch.

“You’re right,” he said, his gaze holding mine. “It doesn’t feel right to me either.”

My heart plummeted. Had I misread everything? “Oh.”

“No, not like that.” He caught my chin with his fingers, tilting my face up. “Boyfriend sounds like someone you might stop seeing next week. What’s between us feels…more significant.”

“And what is it, exactly?” I whispered, almost afraid to hear the answer. We’d known each other such a short time, yet it felt like years.

“I don’t know yet.” His thumb traced my jawline, sending warmth cascading through me. “All I know is that I want you in my life, Mel. Everything else, we’ll figure out together.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, and I leaned into it, drawing strength from his certainty. When we parted, I saw the question in his eyes.

“Yes, we’ll figure it out,” I said, meaning it. After years of managing Nova’s life, being on a journey without a detailed road map felt strangely freeing.

“Good.” He put the truck back in drive. “Because we’re almost there, and I’m starving.”

The house appeared around the bend—a sprawling ranch-style home with a wide front porch and flower beds bursting with color. Nothing like the sleek, modern homes Nova preferred, with their glass walls and stark white furniture. This house looked lived-in, loved.

My palms dampened as an older couple emerged onto the porch—the man tall and broad-shouldered like Ethan, the woman petite with silver-streaked dark hair.

“Deep breath,” Ethan said, killing the engine.

We approached the porch, Ethan’s hand at the small of my back, his touch both reassuring and electrifying. I straightened my shoulders, plastering on my best “Nova’s manager meeting important people” smile.

“Ethan!” His mother’s face lit up, but her eyes widened when she spotted me, surprise flickering across her features. “Oh! You brought a friend!”

My smile froze. He hadn’t told them I was coming? I shot Ethan a quick, panicked glance, but his expression remained relaxed.

Ethan’s father looked equally surprised, though his weathered face crinkled into a warm smile. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise.”

The emphasis on “surprise” confirmed my suspicion. I wanted to melt into the floorboards. Who shows up unannounced at someone’s home for dinner?

“Mom, Dad, this is Mel Rivers.” Ethan’s voice held a hint of pride that made my cheeks burn despite my mortification. “Mel, my parents, Doug and Margaret Cross.”

I extended my hand, trying to maintain my composure. “It’s so nice to meet you both. I’m so sorry to drop in unannounced.”

Margaret bypassed my hand completely and pulled me into a hug that smelled of cinnamon and sunshine. “Nonsense! Any friend of Ethan’s is welcome here.”

“Mel’s sister is Nova Rivers, the pop star,” Ethan explained. “Citadel Solutions is providing security for her tour, which is how Mel and I met. Mel manages Nova’s career and has been coordinating with us on security protocols.”

Understanding dawned on Doug’s face. “Ah, so you’re in the music business! That must be interesting work—dealing with venues, contracts, security concerns.” He shook my hand with a firm grip. “Much more exciting than ranching.”

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