Page 103 of Sunkissed Colorado

I stopped on the bottom step. “He’shere?”

“Come in, Zandra. Gladys was just setting out some appetizers, and your father uncorked a lovely bottle of red.”

I didn’t take one step closer. “I know Ian’s here.”

She rolled her eyes like I was an unreasonable toddler. “Fine, yes. He is. This misunderstanding between you has gone on long enough.”

“Misunderstanding? He’s a liar. He was horrible to me.”

“So dramatic. But lovers’ quarrels can be that way. Just come in, Zandra. Give the man a chance. He drove all the way here from Chicago.”

“In the most absurd car possible.”How can he even afford that thing if he’s in so much debt? I wondered to myself.

Oh, no. Was he here to ask my parents for money? Would they actually give it to him?

“Mom, please?—”

She came out farther onto the porch. “Enough. I know we argued last time, and I am sorry about that. I only want what’s best for you. Just come in and have dinner. Ian was your partner for six years, and he meant a lot to this family. Even if you decide not to take him back, at least give us all some closure.”

Wow. The guilt voyage had already set sail and was heading straight for the iceberg. Mom had dangled exactly what I wanted. The chance to close the book completely on my past with Ian.

If I didn’t say yes to this, I would never hear the end of it.

“Fine. I’ll come in to talk. But I’m not staying for dinner.” I walked up the steps, and Mom swept an arm around me, guiding me through the doorway.

“Of course you’re staying. I had Gladys make that complicated food for you.”

I kind of hated myself for feeling a surge of gratitude, even though I knew I was being manipulated.

I was going to need backup for this, and as much as I didn’t want to bring Callum into the crossfire of my family drama, I didn’t know what else to do.

Stopping in the entryway, I took out my phone. My thumbs flew over the screen.

Ian’s here. They ambushed me. Please come.

My breath held as I walked into the living room. Dad gave a glass of wine to Mom, nodding his head when he saw me as if this was a normal dinner invite. “Hey, sweetheart,” Dad said. “Look who’s here.”

Bracing myself, I turned to face the other man in the room. “Ian.”

“Zan.” Ian was dressed in one of his tailored suits, hair slicked back like he was ready for a board meeting. He opened his arms as he came toward me. One hand slid onto my hip, and he leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“Do not touch me,” I said through clenched teeth. “Why are you in Silver Ridge?”

“Zandra,” Mom scolded. “Be civil.”

For a good ten minutes, I swallowed my fury and sipped red wine while my parents and Ian made small talk. All the while, biding my time.I can do this, I thought.I can be the grownup in the room.

But when Ian touched my hip again, like he owned me, I jolted away.

“No. You know what? I’m not going to stand around pretending everything’s okay.” I stood back, facing them across the living room while smooth jazz played on the sound system. “You said this was about closure. So let me be clear foryou, Mom and Dad. Ian and I arenevergetting back together.”

Ian sighed, looking into his wine glass. “Can’t we discuss that later in private? There are things I’d like to say.”

“You don’t even want me back. Did you tell them you’re really here for money? Did you ask for a loan yet?”

“Zan,” he hissed. “I’m here because I care about your well-being.”

“My life is not your business.”