Page 62 of Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them
“Ian, I’m very glad you came to me and explained everything. It’s a relief to me that both my sons have chosen the right men to be with. I worried about André especially. From now on, please don’t hesitate to come to me if there’s something you want to talk about. In fact, why don’t we exchange phone numbers? That way, you don’t have to go through my secretary to get to me.”
Ian found himself softening. She did want to connect with him. He told his nerves to go to hell. They had no place here with this woman. “I’d love to.”
“And after this, call me Mom,” she scolded. “No more of this Mrs. Castor business.”
For the first time since coming here, Ian’s smile was heartfelt. “Yes, Mom.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re here for a second reason. Your order is in.”
Order…Oh! The bracelets. “How did they turn out?”
“Stunning. I love them, and I think you will too. I know André will like his.” She rose from the chair, going to her desk before drawing something out and bringing back a black velvet jewelry box.
Ian put his teacup down so he could take the rectangular box from her and snap open the lid. Inside were two identical bracelets, both made from platinum, simple in design. The metal was forged so that the two sides were twisted once together, forming an elegant asymmetrical arch in the middle.
It was precisely what he’d had in mind. “You’re right. I love them.”
“They’re very elegant, easily something you can wear with any outfit.” Mom clapped her hands together. “Oh, I just realized I can have you try things on now! This is perfect. Come, I have two suits mocked up, and I’d like to check the fit before we get any further.”
As expected, Ian had utterly lost the battle on the clothes.
Considering all she had done for him, he could lose this one with good grace.
Chapter 18
André was aware he’d hurt his mother’s feelings by adamantly refusing to go to France, so he was a touch wary coming downstairs when summoned. He wondered if she would bring it up. Again.
However, the second he came down the stairs and saw Ian there, too, his wariness switched to confusion. Why were his boyfriend and mother in the living room together? Smiling like co-conspirators, no less.
This might not bode well for him.
Ian patted the couch next to him. “Come here, André. We have discussed things and come up with a compromise for France.”
Oh, look, the wariness was back. He sat next to Ian, but he had his balance on his feet, ready to make a run for it if things took a turn.
“First,” Ian said with this smug little smile, as if he could read the panic on André’s face, “you are going to France.But. You’re not going alone. I’m going with you.”
All processing in André’s head screeched to a halt. He stared at his lover like he’d suddenly forgotten English. Maybe he had? “What?”
“André, you should have talked this over with us better,” Mom chided him, expression exasperated. “Once Ian put the pieces together of why you refused, he came to me and talked it out. He’s quite happy to go with you if it’s what you need. All you had to do was ask, honey.”
He had not once thought of this possible solution. André looked between them, the realization dawning that his worst fears wouldn’t even be given a chance to be realized. André’s eyes went heart shaped. “You’ll go with me? To Paris? Are you sure?”
“I love how you’re asking me that question like being in the city of love with my boyfriend is a hardship,” Ian drawled.
André laughed in delight and hugged him tightly for a long moment. “You’re seriously a genius at making me happy.”
“Then you won’t argue anymore?” Mom asked, sounding as if she knew the answer already.
He grinned at her over Ian’s shoulder, not willing to let go yet. “Nope. I’ll go.”
“Thank god. I’ll contact people and make arrangements. Ian, let me know when you want to move out, and I’ll send in a moving crew. You’re welcome to bring yourself and Casper over today, as far as I’m concerned, but I know you have things to arrange.”
Wait. Wait a damn minute. Not only had his mother talked Ian into going to France with them, but she talked him into moving in?
He owed his mother. Seriously owed her. “Mom, have I told you recently that I love you?”
“You always do when I spoil you,” she returned dryly. “Fortunately for you, I love Ian just as much. Now, I’m going to go see to a work emergency. I’ll let you two talk the rest of this out.”
