Page 22

TREVOR

I fidget as dad looks over the proposal to add a concierge service to the hotel. I waited until the end of my shift because I didn’t want to deal with emotions if he rejected it.

“Love it!” He slaps the paper on the counter and looks me over. “I never thought about it, but you’re great with the guests when I have you at the front desk. You know your way around town like the back of your hand and know how to find people the best places. Let’s do it!”

“Really?!”

“Yeah. I think it’ll be good for you to set it up and run it. Plus, if you hate it here, you could set up your own vacation package business or something. I think you’re on to something, kiddo.”

“It’s going to take a little bit of time to get all set up, I think. We’ll need to update the website. I need to do some research. But I’m excited.”

“So am I.” Dad pulls me into a hug. “Take your time researching. I’m keeping you part time until your suspension at the carnival is up. You deserve the calm schedule.”

I bob my head. “I’m having dinner with mom tonight. I’m scared to tell her about the proposal because that’s going to be a full-time commitment for the hotel.”

“She’s going to be thrilled you found something, I promise.”

“If you say so,” I mumble.

Dad gives me a half smile. “We’ve been talking more. I think you really scared her when you showed up that day you weren’t supposed to. She said your eyes were so dead she thought she broke you.”

“It wasn’t all her. Or you,” I quickly add the last part. “It was a bunch of stuff all at once.”

“Did it have something to do with the giant bruise on your face? You refused to talk about it.”

“That was a big misunderstanding. It’s all worked out, though. And everything is… peachy. I’m happy.” I know my face must be red because my cheeks are hot again. I need to get this blushing under control.

Dad leans in. “Does it have anything to do with the guy in room 69?”

Shit, of course he knows. We have surveillance. My eyes go wide. “We’re not having sex!” My hands fist. “But… but… I’m an adult and if I want to have sex, I will.”

“Hey. Hey. I know. Well, I assumed you weren’t having sex, anyway.”

“Really?” I tip my head. “Why?”

“I remember a girl stomping down the stairs grumbling about her first boyfriend being asexual.” Dad shrugs.

I throw my head back and groan. “She didn’t?”

“Oh yeah, I think she was loud on purpose. That’s when your mom and I realized we didn’t need to worry about you knocking up someone in high school. Then you brought a boy home and… we weren’t concerned, but we hoped you stood your ground if you didn’t want something.”

“I do stand my ground, but people don’t get it. Andy does though.”

“You are so red,” Dad chuckles. “As long as he treats you right, that’s all I care about.”

“He’s amazing.” Of course it comes out breathless.

“Good. Good. Any chance I get to meet him?”

“You want to?”

“Absolutely. I don’t think I’ve seen you as happy as you are now. I think this Andy guy has something to do with it. That and less on your plate.” Dad clamps his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “I’m proud of you and the man you’ve become.”

Dad is always good with praise, but today it hits differently. I plow into him, wrapping my arms around him. “Thank you.”

He lets me hold on to him until I’m ready to let go. “I should clean up before I meet mom for dinner. Maybe we can all have dinner together sometime and I can introduce you both to Andy together?” I’ll need to ask Andy, but he has mentioned wanting to meet my parents.

“Sounds perfect. Go wash up and enjoy yourself.” Dad scrubs a hand over my hair.

“Wait… do you want to join us? If you and mom have been talking, she wouldn’t mind, right? And I can bring Andy. But only if you want to.”

“You know what? That sounds great. Make sure it’s fine with your mom, though.”

I hold up a finger and call mom. She sounds happy on the phone and that feels promising.

“See you soon. We’re meeting at Sandie’s at six.”

“I’ll be there,” dad says.

I rush up to Andy’s room with dad laughing behind me.

“Hey, sweetheart, I wasn’t expecting you tonight.” Andy has a book in his hand and he pushes up a pair of glasses I haven’t seen before when he answers the door.

“Sorry, I should have asked if you were interested first, but would you like to have dinner with me and my parents tonight? We’re going to Sandie’s at six. But if you don’t want to?—”

“I’d love to.” He grins and pulls off the glasses. “Anything I need to know first?”

I shake my head. “They’ve always been respectful when I bring dates. They don’t ask invasive questions or anything. At least they never did before.”

“I’ll meet you there.”

“Unless you want me to walk with you?” I beg with my eyes.

“I’d love an escort. I might get lost if I try to find it on my own again.” There’s a tiny twitch in his lips.

“I’ll be back. Gotta go shower and change.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Andy tips my chin up and presses his lips to mine.

I want more and grab his shirt to keep him from moving away from me. His kisses are pure honey dripping with desire. His hands cup my face. I’ve never felt more cherished than when I’m in his arms. When his lips are against mine and the entire world shuts out.

When I pull away, I have to adjust myself. Andy gives me a knowing smirk, but as always, he’s a gentleman. He doesn’t even joke about helping me out.

Before I turn away, I remember about the proposal. “Dad loved what we came up with. He’s going to let me do it.”

“That’s amazing. I’m so happy.” Andy tugs me in for another quick kiss. “Okay, I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”

I practically skip all the way to my apartment. Normally, I’d be nervous about my parents meeting the person I’m dating, but not with Andy. I know they’re going to love him as much as I do.

I skid to a stop. Heart pounding. I love Andy.