Page 43 of Catalyst

Adam looks at me as if I’m being purposefully obtuse. “Since the day you waltzed into my office, you’ve been my sunshine girl. The only time you get that little frown between your eyebrows is when you’re either concentrating or unhappy about something. For the last few weeks, I’ve noticed that little frown more often than normal. Will you finally tell me what’s going on?”

I stare at Adam, shocked he would notice something so small. I’m not used to having someone pay that much attention to me. I’ve always done my best to fly under the radar. My goal growing up was to do whatever it took not to draw attention to myself. Especially when I knew I’d never be able to meet my parents’ standards. I did just enough to pass by without getting in trouble until they stopped noticing me altogether.

I bite my lip and look down at the blanket wrapped around my lap. I feel silly to be this worried about seeing my parents. And maybe that’s why I haven’t shared my concerns with Adam. He knows my history with them, so it’s not like it’s a secret that we don’t get along. There’s just something about being afraid to go home that feels… disheartening.

“My sister, Stephanie, got engaged. She invited me to come to the engagement party, and it’s this weekend.”

Adam runs his hand down my spine. “When was the last time you went home?”

“Six years. It’s been two since I’ve actually spoken to my parents.”

“They don’t deserve you, Ellie. They’ll never understand how much they’re missing out on because they’re selfish, horrible people. And even though you’re plenty aware of that fact, it doesn’t stop it from hurting every time you’re reminded of their selfishness.”

I set my wine glass down on the coffee table and turn to snuggle into Adam’s chest. I close my eyes against the waiting tears, soaking in the strength of the man who’s somehow managed to understand me better than anyone else ever could.

“Can I…” Adam clears his throat. “I’d like to come with you to the party if I can. It’s purely selfish, but I don’t think I could handle knowing you’re with those people all by yourself while I sit at home, twiddling my thumbs like an asshole.”

I snort at his description. “I can’t even imagine you twiddling your thumbs, and for the record, you could never be an asshole.” I lift my head to look into Adam’s blue eyes. “I would love it if you came with me. It might even be fun if you’re there, too.”

Adam nods, a small smile teasing his full lips. “We’ll have to come up with a bet to make things interesting.”

I find myself grinning, even though we’re talking about visiting my parents. “You’re on, boss.”

CHAPTER21

Adam

I reachacross the center console and lay my hand on Ellie’s bouncing knee. Her body stills at my touch as a deep breath falls from her chest.

The closer we’ve gotten to her parents’ house, the higher her anxiety has ratcheted up. I hate that we’re even going to this thing. I don’t think Stephanie deserves Ellie’s support of this wedding. It doesn’t matter that she let Ellie stay with her after the assault. Stephanie still sided with their parents, and I can’t accept that betrayal.

She should’ve stood up to their parents instead of ignoring their disgusting behavior. What kind of sister chooses money over supporting their sibling? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Ellie deserves to have someone support her without any conditions or expectations. I’m determined to show her what it’s like to have someone standing with you when you need it the most, and I’m fully prepared to protect Ellie from whatever vitriol her parents decide to spew at her. I’m not here to impress them like most guys would in a new relationship. They’re not worth the effort.

“The minute you want to leave, we’re out of there, okay?” I ask as I park along the curb. There are cars lining the whole street, and it makes me wonder why they aren’t having the party at a venue. From what Ellie’s explained, I would think they’d want to have some lavish party to show off, but maybe they’re spending all the money on the wedding instead.

“Okay.” She takes a deep breath and then opens her car door. I hop out and race around the front of the car to take her arm. She’s in a beautiful knee-length lavender dress, and her blonde hair is pulled back in an artful twist. She looks poised and sophisticated instead of her normal sexy, carefree self. I hate that she’s changed her whole personality for this event. I much prefer her sassy demeanor over this reserved woman. Mainly because I know she’s authentically herself when she’s with me.

She wraps her arm around my proffered elbow, and we walk toward the house. It’s in a fancy neighborhood of Greensboro, where all the houses practically scream,We have money.

Even though I could probably buy several of these houses outright without a thought, I’ve never felt the need to boast about how much money I have. Maybe I’m projecting what I know about Ellie’s parents onto the rest of the neighborhood, but something about this place just doesn’t feel welcoming.

We walk up the sidewalk, and Ellie walks right into the house without knocking. I smile at her audacity as the noise of the party greets us. The open foyer of the house has a wide staircase leading up to the second floor. The huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling sparkles, scattering light along the walls.

Ellie leads us to the right, toward an open living room where the noise is the loudest. As we move deeper into the space, I look at Ellie in surprise. There are probably close to a hundred people here that spill out of the open patio doors that lead to a lavish garden. There’s a fucking fountain back there.

Black-suited waiters carry trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres around the room. I quickly snatch a couple of glasses, handing one to Ellie. We’re going to need the alcohol if we’re going to make it through this afternoon.

I lean in close to Ellie’s ear. “I think I’d prefer to attend a fundraiser than whatever this is.”

Ellie grins up at me, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. “Maybe we should come up with a drinking game for this one, too.”

“We could always rent a hotel room for the night if we end up too plastered to drive home,” I muse, not totally against the idea. There’s no way I’d actually get plastered, but the idea of spending the night in a hotel with Ellie is enticing.

“Hmmm. You might be onto something there.” The sparkle in her eye tells me she’s imagining all the ways we could use a hotel room to our advantage, and I’m here for it.

I pull out my phone, deciding right then to book a room.

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