❁ Junie❁

Asher isn’t ready to have his parents and brother over for dinner at the penthouse, so I schedule for them to visit our love nest. Since Mallory and I finished decorating it, I’ve been looking for a reason to have people over. Now I’m hosting a dinner with the not quite in-laws, complete with a meal cooked by a chef I’d insulted in the past.

“Dinner smells great,” I say when he reveals the roast and fancy potatoes.

Having been slighted so often by me, he looks overwhelmed at the slightest praise.

“I kept it simple as you requested.”

“Simple but perfect.”

Chef Rodrigo beams from my compliments. I think he was so accustomed to having his ass kissed that my criticisms must have beaten his ego to a pulp. I’ve noticed this reaction a lot from successful people. I didn’t grow up overly praised, so criticism doesn’t faze me in the way it does to precious snowflakes like Rodrigo here.

Mallory joins me near the kitchen and snorts. “Asher has stolen your spine.”

“No, I’m polite to everyone who does what I want.”

“Sure, you are. What about Alana?”

Thinking of our former high school mate turned crappy waitress, I shrug. “I treat her well. Even left a buck tip once.”

“You were too nice in that circumstance.”

“I expect you to behave during dinner. Asher isn’t thrilled about his family meeting us, so I want to make the best impression,” I say and then add in a quieter voice, “If things go sideways, though, be ready to help me start trouble.”

Mallory gives me a knowing smile, and I wonder about the pineapple I have stashed in the fridge.

Appearing from his office, Asher wears a long sleeve gray cashmere shirt that’s so soft I can’t keep my hands off him.

“My parents might take issue with you molesting me in front of them.”

I smile up at him while my hands struggle to leave his fine body. “I know they’re your parents, and you love them and want their approval. With that said, they’re not my parents, and I really don’t care if they approve of me. I’m sorry, but only two people matter enough for me to worry about their opinion. Well, three, I guess since sometimes my mom can play puppet master with my head. Anyway, I’ll try to behave for your benefit. Just don’t get your hopes up on how behaved I’ll be.”

“I’m one of the two, right?” Asher whispers into my ear.

“Most definitely, Ferrer.”

“Good to hear, Voss.”

“Dinner looks wonderful, and the apartment is pristine. Everything is in order, so sit back and enjoy the evening.”

“Are you telling me that you’re in charge?”

“Yep. Just like at the Farmer’s Market. I’ll protect you while your only responsibility is to sit back and look sexy.”

“I can do that.”

I’m fully wrapped in Asher’s arms until Mallory nudges me. “Is the chef and Egor staying for dinner?”

“Egor is staying while Rodrigo is leaving. We’ll serve dinner like normal people.”

“Good.”

Mallory walks into the kitchen where she likely tells the chef to get packing. She’s not keen on having Asher’s semi-estranged family visiting. She gets nearly as protective of him as I do. Though I think we’re both pretenders compared to Egor.

“He loves you,” I tease Asher.

“He has no family in the US and little family back in Brazil. I’ve taken up so much of his time during the last few years that I suspect he has less than a handful of friends and most of them are more like acquaintances.”

“Egor’s life revolves around yours. Now that yours is happier, maybe he will copy you by finding a nice woman, or more likely, man to love.”

“He’s not gay.”

“Are you certain? I’m sensing something.”

“You’re sensing wrong. I’ve seen his type, and they come with the same sexy parts as you do.”

“Well, that’s good to know.”

“Please don’t set him up with someone.”

Giggling, I pat his chest. “Of course not. You know I’m not social-able enough to play matchmaker.”

“And I’m grateful every day for that fact.”

I rest my head on his chest and listen to his steady heartbeat. Mallory shoos the chef out of the apartment and Egor announces Asher’s family is on their way up. Just like that, his heart speeds up. The pounding in my ear makes me especially protective of Asher. He might be a rich bastard with power and money, but like most people, he devolves into a kid once his parents are thrown into the equation.

‧:❉:‧ ♂ ♀ ‧:❉:‧

❁ Asher ❁

My parents still hold hands. I don’t know why this fact surprises me, but I take notice when they enter the apartment. Dad looks tired, and his nose is burned from spending too much time outside. Mom looks elegant even in a simple blue dress that matches Dad’s polo shirt and Alistair’s bruised eye. My brother smiles at me and gestures approvingly toward Junie. It takes all my self-control not to slap him.

“Junie, this is my father, Frank, and mom, Ellen. That’s Alistair.”

“Hello, everyone. This is my best friend, Mallory, and I assume you know Egor.”

A lot of head nodding and hand shaking later; we sit down at the dining room table because the food is ready and Mallory states she’s too hungry to wait.

Mom and Dad sit at one end while I take a spot away from them. Mallory hovers near the kitchen, so Egor won’t try to help.

“We’re in charge today, so sit your skinny ass down,” she whispers very loudly to my assistant who finally takes a chair in the middle of the table.

Alistair keeps smiling at me until I’m forced to smile back. “Hey, I’ve meant to talk to you about a business opportunity.”

“No thank you,” Junie interrupts from the kitchen. “We’re saving for our honeymoon, so money is tight. Maybe you can go on that Shark Tank show and see if they’ll invest in your idea.”

“I was talking to my brother.”

“So?” she says, carrying a platter of meat to the table. “Now you’re talking to me, and I’m saying there’s no money for you.”

Alistair looks to me, but I refuse to react. If I speak, I fear I’ll say something I can’t take back.

“Asher,” my brother whines, “I don’t want to be a killjoy, but you might need to tell her to mind her own business. This is family shit, and she’s not family.”

Before Junie can reply—and she’s dying to reply—I stand and give my brother the attention he craves.

“If you raise your voice to Junie again, I’ll kick you out of the tower. If you disrespect her again, I’ll kick you out of the tower. If you mention money during this visit, I’ll kick you out of the tower. I’m having a relaxing dinner whether you’re here or not.”

“Asher…”

“You heard your brother,” Dad says and scratches his dark beard. “His house, his rules. Now, what’s for dinner?”

Alistair looks to our mother. I wait for her to take his side as usual. She exhales slowly and then focuses on Junie. “What are your plans for your honeymoon? Frank and I went to Niagara Falls and then skiing in Whistler, Canada.”

Junie doesn’t answer immediately. First, she glances back at Mallory bouncing a pineapple nearby. Once she calls off the attack, Junie smiles at Mom.

“We’re thinking somewhere in Asia, but that leaves a lot of options.”

I sit down in my chair while Alistair sulks. Junie sets the food in front of my mother and Mallory appears with a few side platters.

“Dinner looks great.”

“Chef Rodrigo put a lot of effort, so I’ll pass along your compliments.”

“You didn’t cook?” Frank asks.

“No, why would I?”

I can’t help laughing at how shocked Junie looks at his question. She really doesn’t care about impressing them. I don’t know if I’ll ever find a way to live as effortlessly as Junie, but I enjoy a meal with my family for the first time in years.