Page 25 of Billionaire Temptations

“Good for her. Right?” He narrowed his eyes at me.

“I guess. As long as he’s good to her.”

Darren pulled up to the three-story red brick building with the little black wrought-iron gate in the front and opened the door. Stepping out, Darren opened the gate and held it as Maxand I walked through. We walked up the four concrete steps that led to the door, and before we approached, the door opened, and a small-framed woman in a maid’s outfit stood there, welcoming us.

“Hello, Hattie.”

“Hello, Mr. Hamilton. How are you this evening?”

I'd say she was a younger woman, about mid to late thirties, with short black hair. I could tell by her face that she was smitten with Max.

“Hattie, this is Miss Knight.”

“Please, call me Emma.” I smiled at her.

“Your family is in the living room,” she spoke as she shut the door behind us.

Max took hold of my hand and led me to the living room, where his parents were properly seated in burgundy wingback chairs.

“Darling, it’s so good to see you.” Carol smiled as they hugged. “And Emma. You look as beautiful as ever.”

“Can I get either of you a drink?” Bradshaw asked.

“Emma will have a glass of wine, and I can get my own bourbon.”

“A glass of wine for a beautiful young lady.” Bradshaw smiled as he handed me the glass. I couldn’t help but look at him with contempt for what he was doing behind his wife’s back. Knowing what I knew had tainted my perception of him being a good man and a loving father.

“Thank you.” I gave a small, non-deserving smile.

Hattie alerted us that dinner was ready, so we headed to the dining room.

“Where’s Fiona?” Max asked.

“Right here, big brother.” She smiled as she kissed him on the cheek. Her unfriendly eyes diverted my way as she looked me up and down.

“Don’t be rude, Fiona,” Max said.

“Hey.” She walked around to the other side of the table and took the seat across from me.

“Our sweet little Fiona applied to Columbia today,” Bradshaw proudly said.

“Good for you, sis.”

“What do you want to study?” I asked.

“She’s getting into law,” Carol answered for her.

“My girlfriend is just finishing up her degree in law. She’ll be graduating in December.”

“Good for her. Where at? Miami?” She rolled her eyes. “And why the hell are you just starting Parsons anyway? Shouldn’t you have been graduated already?”

“Fiona, that’s enough.” Max scowled.

“You’re right, Fiona, but I chose not to go to college right from high school. I took a few years off to work.”

“Stop right there, Emma,” Max commanded. “It’s none of Fiona’s business.”

The air was thick in the room, and I didn’t know what Fiona’s problem with me was. Both times I’d seen her, she had been nothing but rude. We finished dinner and had dessert. Max poured me another glass of wine, leaned down, and kissed my lips.

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