Page 86 of Taste of Surrender
When she finally let us go, I wrapped an arm around my father’s shoulders as well. “It’s good to see you both.”
Mom ushered us into the living room. “Come sit down. I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to and how the wedding planning is going.”
Jesse and Oliviaeventually left to meet her parents, and I continued to chat with my mom and dad. They filled me in on how things were going with them and asked me a ton of questions about life in LA. Eventually, they decided to head off to bed, so I went to my childhood bedroom, where I had stored some of my things when I first left for LA. I also wanted to setaside a couple of cookbooks so I could grab them before we headed back on the road.
While looking through a box, I heard a noise at my bedroom window. Assuming it was just the wind, I ignored it and continued my search. I heard the sound again a second later, so I walked over and opened my blinds.
“What the heck are you doing?” I laughed, lifting the window open.
Malachi smirked and climbed inside. “I told you I was picking you up.”
“Yeah, but I figured you’d come to the front door like a normal person.”
“You didn’t seem to mind me sneaking into your bedroom before.”
Memories of those nights years ago washed over me. It used to make me sad when I remembered those times, but now that we were together and everyone knew about us, it only brought me happiness.
“You’re right. I loved it then, but I love it even more now, knowing we no longer have to hide.”
He pulled me into his arms, and our mouths collided. I could easily kiss my man for hours and never tire of it, but eventually, we had to break apart and catch our breath.
“If you don’t stop now, we’ll never leave.”
I shrugged. “That doesn’t sound like the worst idea.”
He shook his head. “I’ve got plans for you later tonight, and I’m sure you don’t want your parents to overhear us.”
Fuck, he was right. “Fine, let’s go. But I expect you to deliver when we get back to the hotel.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Have I ever not delivered on my promises?”
No, he hadn’t, and I couldn’t wait to see what he had in store.
We madeour way into the city toward Chrome. When we arrived, the bouncer recognized Malachi as we walked up and let us in without waiting in line. As we stepped inside the dimly lit club, “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue was playing, and I was eager to get on the dance floor. Malachi grabbed my hand so we wouldn’t get separated in the crowd and led me to the bar.
We ordered our drinks, and while we waited for the bartender to make them, I heard someone say, “Jasper?”
I turned to the side and saw Ryan Ashford standing there. “Hey, man.” I smiled. “How’s it going?”
“Good.” He looked at Malachi next to me and glanced down at our hands, which were linked together. “Looks like things are going well for you too.”
I beamed. “They are. Ryan, this is Malachi. Malachi, this is Ryan. I used to work for his father,” I explained.
“Nice to meet you,” Ryan said as he shook Malachi’s hand. “Looking forward to your concert in a few days.”
“Awesome,” Malachi replied. “I hope you have a great time.”
“Here are your drinks,” the bartender said, placing our glasses in front of us.
Malachi paid while I asked Ryan how his dad was doing.
“He’s great. His boyfriend moved in with him a few months ago, and he seems pretty damn happy.
My eyes went wide. “Boyfriend?” I knew Sean’s wife had passed away a few years prior to me working for him, and I wasn’t aware he’d started dating again, let alone dating a man.
“Yep,” he chuckled. “Surprised the hell out of me too, but Declan’s a good guy. And he cooks, so my dad’s still eating well.”
I snorted a laugh. “Wow. Tell him I said hi.”
