Page 105 of Exposed

“Just until the girls get here. I thought it might be fun for us to hang out with just Mason and Bee beforehand. And I may have another surprise up my sleeve.” He climbed out of the car and opened my door for me.

I grabbed his hand and immediately felt a little better. “Is the surprise that they live in a hotel?”

Matt laughed. “No.”

I felt a little ridiculous walking into the posh hotel dressed the way I was. But Matt fit in. He’d fit in anywhere. And it was hard to feel like I didn’t belong when I was on his arm.

“You’re sure Ellen will be able to handle all the kids tonight by herself?” We’d dropped Jacob off at Penny and James’ apartment before coming here. Jacob was excited for a night with his new friends. But it made me a little anxious to leave him.

Matt pulled me onto the elevator. “I have no doubt that Ellen can handle it. But James called in reinforcements anyway.”

“Who?”

“Well, he’ll leave two of his security detail there for starters. And I know James’ dad is coming too. The adults will still be outnumbered four to six, but Scarlett can only get everyone in so much trouble.”

I stared up at him. “I thought James and his father didn’t get along?” I remembered being in James’ room back in high school. Neither Rob nor James had anything good to say about either of their parents.

“They didn’t. But they’ve gotten closer after the divorce.”

“James and Isabella’s divorce?”

“No. James’ mom and dad got divorced.”

“Really?” There was no out in my father’s family. And for some reason I kind of thought that extended to most of NYC’s elite.

“Some people really can be redeemed,” Matt said as we stepped off the elevator.

I was happy that James had a relationship with his father. But… “Why do I feel like we’re talking about my dad right now?”

Matt laughed. “I definitely wasn’t talking about Mr. Pruitt. Just Mr. Hunter.”

“It’s kind of cute that you still call James’ father Mr. Hunter. And my dad Mr. Pruitt.”

“Well, I can either call your dad Mr. Pruitt or ass hat.”

I laughed. “I prefer ass hat.”

We stopped at one of the doors and Matt knocked.

There was no answer.

“Are you sure they’re expecting us early?”

“It was Bee’s idea.” He knocked on the door again.

No response.

Bee had invited us over early? I don’t know why I was so nervous. Bee seemed excited to get to know me too.

“They probably got held up at work. Luckily I have a key.” Matt unlocked the door.

He opened it a crack before it was slammed shut in our faces.

“Just give me one second, man.” Mason’s muffled voice came through the door.

I stared up at Matt.

He shrugged. “It’s probably a sex thing.”

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