“What the hell is it then?” Finn asks.
I turn to look at him. “The entire piece was made with lipstick.”
Finn frowns. “Come again?”
“Someone kissed the canvas. Over and over and over again in different shades of Chanel lipstick,” Alyssa explains, her sheepish gaze meeting mine. “When Grant told me about it, I had to do a little research. I was intrigued.”
“It’s her favorite piece.” I shrug. And all I ever want to do is make that girl happy.
No matter the expense.
No matter what.
“I can see why. It’s beautiful,” Alyssa agrees, bringing it up on her phone and showing it to Finn.
He studies it, frowning when he lifts his head. “I don’t get it.”
I sigh. Grant calls him a dumbass. Alyssa just shakes her head.
“I’m afraid you don’t have a romantic bone in your body,” Alyssa says to Finn, who also happens to be her former boss.
“I have one particular bone that’s not romantic.” He chuckles. Takes a sip of his drink, rattling the ice in his glass while Alyssa looks on at him with disgust.
Just another day with the Lancasters.
Mother comes storming back into the living room, seemingly out of breath. “Tell your lovely girl to bring a dress with her, Crew. We’re going to have a formal dinner tonight.”
Aw shit. “Seriously?”
“Yes. Do it right now, young man, before she leaves her house. We’re dressing up!” Mother turns to Alyssa. “Did you bring something appropriate to wear for a formal dinner, dear?”
“Actually, I did.” Alyssa smiles serenely, calm as can be despite my mother’s endless efforts at rattling her. You learn quickly that you always need to be prepared when you’re spending time with the Lancaster family. You never know what might happen next.
“Oh. That’s fine then.” Mother sniffs, seemingly disappointed she didn’t cause an issue.
I feel sorry for Alyssa. It’s a huge responsibility, getting involved with the oldest Lancaster son. My parents will put her through the motions, and will do their best—especially my mother—to drive her away. If Alyssa stands her ground and doesn’t back down, she’s golden.
But it’s going to take a long time for her to gain their approval.
Those expectations aren’t on me and Finn, as unfair as that sounds. Poor Charlotte had to marry right as well, being the only female. Not that our father particularly cared where she ended up, considering her children would never be Lancasters.
My family is actually pretty fucked-up. Poor Wren.
Knowing her, she’ll just kill them with kindness. She’s just that sweet.
By the time she actually arrives, I’m anxious, and my palms are sweating. I know I saw her only yesterday, but I’m dying to get my hands on her. And when I receive the notification that she’s headed up the penthouse elevator, I go out into the corridor to greet her.
The ding sounds and the elevator doors slide open, revealing Wren standing there in her puffy black coat and the pink Chanel bag I gave her hanging from her shoulder. She’s carrying a duffel bag and a shopping bag full of wrapped presents, and there’s a giant smile on her face when she walks out.
Straight into my arms.
I hold her close, breathing in her familiar, floral scent. “I missed you.”
“You saw me yesterday.”
“And it still felt too long.” I squeeze her. Kiss her forehead. Savor the feel of her in my arms.
God, Grant was right.
I am pathetic.
Pulling away from her, I take her bags. “You ready to meet my parents?”
Her eyes go wide. “Are they really that bad?”
“Nah.” I’m trying to go easy on her.
She stands up taller. “I’m not scared. Let’s do this.”
“Who are the presents for?”
“You.” She smiles. “Your parents. I didn’t get anything for your brothers though.”
“Those assholes need nothing,” I reassure her.
She laughs. “You’re always calling them that.”
“Because that’s what they are.”
“They can’t be that bad.” She wrinkles her nose.
“Just wait and see.”
My brothers watch their mouths around Wren, which I appreciate. Father doesn’t seem that interested in her, but who is he ever interested in? Grant, and that’s about it. The rest of us can go to hell.
Alyssa senses an ally and makes plenty of conversation with her, which eases Wren’s nerves. I appreciate what Alyssa is doing, and tell her as much as we get ready to open presents.