Page 193 of Incisive

Yeah, like hell will I tell my parents or Stella that part. Ellis—and Stella—wouldn’t hesitate to use this against us. Worse, they wouldn’t hesitate to drag our parents through shit just to tar and feather me for political gain.

Not to mention my men have endured more than enough bullshit on my behalf. The last thing I want to do is subjugate them to more.

I smile. Besides, it’ll be satisfactory enough when Stella blows her stack after she learns our plans for my presidential library. And like hell will I allow her, her husband, or any of her cronies to be part of it.

Then again, considering the reality bomb Leo dropped on Stella last night, maybe I won’t have much contact with her from this point on.

I hate to say it but that would be fine with me. It would certainly make my life a lot simpler in the long run.

CHAPTERFIFTY-TWO

Over the nextthree days I think I’ve mostly won Leo’s family over.

Kayley still gives me the “got my eyes on you” look every so often, complete with the two-fingered gesture, but I’m okay with that. Especially since she starts smiling more as she does it, and I have a feeling it’s going to become a runningthingbetween us, just like the ejector button already is.

Even better?

On the last day of their visit, before Leo’s family leaves, I get Mom and Dad on a video chat call with all of them to introduce them to each other and my parents eagerly chat with us for nearly an hour. Plus my parents look more relaxed than I’ve seen them look in…well, forever.

Before we end the call I figure out why.

“I have some ideas for the property,” Dad says. “Been writing them down.”

My heart swells with hope that they’refinallygoing to get to relax and enjoy life for a change, and I am the one making that happen for them. The foundation is already drawing up the paperwork and it’ll be signed within the next two weeks.

“That’s terrific, Dad! I can’t wait to sit down with you and talk about it. Make sure to bring the list with you. You guys are staying here with us and I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Would it be all right if we stayed maybe five days, like you mentioned before?” Mom asks. “Ben and his wife said they don’t mind.”

“Absolutely!”

“We’ll be happy to have you,” Leo says. “We can’t wait to spend more time with you.”

“It won’t interrupt your honeymoon, will it?” Mom asks.

“No, we’re going to do that later,” Leo assures her. “We want you here, with us.”

Once we end the call Kayley sits back and smirks as she looks up at me. “Why do I get the feeling your mom wants to adopt me?”

“Because she does,” I say. “My sister is a shit.”

She winces. “Yikes. Sorry.”

“Not your fault,” Leo says. “The important thing to remember is while Elliot’s parents are here you have to act like Jordan’sjustour friend.”

“Do you ever think you’ll tell them the full story?” his mom asks.

“I don’t know,” I say. “I’d like to hope maybe we will one day but that might be asking too much of them. And I don’t like to push my luck. I think I’ve used up my life’s share of it already.”

“I’d rather he not tell them if he thinks it’s going to alienate them,” Jordan says. “Seriously.” He nudges Kayley’s shoulder. “And I’ll give you their phone numbers so you can call them and chat. I would really appreciate it if you would. I know it’d mean a lot to them to have you in their lives.”

“It doesn’t bother you?” Kayley asks him. “That no one knows they love you, too?”

Jordan has an adorable smirk. “Nope. I’ve never based my relationships on what other people think. Kind of why I haven’t spoken to my parents since I was twelve.”

“But that doesn’t seem fair.”

I glance at Leo, thinking maybe he’ll intervene and shut Kayley down, but he’s obviously happy to let it play out meaning he thinks Jordan is capable of handling Kayley without his help.