Joseph glanced at Dylan. “But now you’ve been given a second chance, huh?”
“Yeah, by some stroke of luck. You should do whatever you think is the right thing for you, okay. You need to use your wisdom and you do need money, of course. But this is your life; you’re only here once, and you –”
Sarah closed her mouth because Joseph glanced over her shoulder with terror plastered over his face. “Oh shit,” he whispered.
Sarah’s stomach twisted; her heart pounded hard as her fingertips twitched. She was certain that when she turned around she was going to be face-to-face with Orlov or one of his henchmen, coming to threaten Dylan, n
ow that his family were all together.
The frantic chattering of the groupies faded into the background – sloshing in her ears like the hum of a box-fan. Time stopped dead. Sarah forced her muscles to unfreeze, then she glanced over at where Dylan was still standing with Adam and Amy. The three of them were also staring in shock at whoever was strolling over towards her and Joseph. She shivered. If Dylan wanted to be her heroic rescuer, now was his chance. But he didn’t seem to be making his attack… That was weird…
Sarah gritted her teeth and turned to look. Confusion staggered through her as her gaze landed softly on a glamorous-looking middle-aged man and woman. There wasn’t a knife-wielding Russian assassin in sight… But, wait a minute – Sarah knew these two. A Clint Eastwood lookalike and his former-supermodel wife.
Joseph sprang to life. “Mom! Dad! What the hell are you two doing here?”
Mr Quinlan Senior shook his hand like a cowboy. “We wanted to see you in action, son. And we were both impressed. You were incredible up there.”
“A true rock star,” Mrs Quinlan said, drawing her baby into her arms. “You’re very talented.”
Dylan, Adam, and Amy bounded over and they all hugged and greeted each other.
“Dad, mom,” Dylan said. “You remember Sarah Newell?”
Mrs Quinlan inspected her with warm eyes, then recognition drifted across her placid face. “Oh yes, hello, Sarah, how lovely to see you – you haven’t changed one bit. I didn’t think you two stayed in touch. That’s what Dylan said.”
Dylan put his arms around Sarah. “Let’s just say fate threw us back together.”
Mrs Quinlan reached out and squeezed Sarah on the shoulder. “I’m very glad to hear it. Dylan’s not been the same since you left.”
Sarah grinned at Dylan. “Neither have I.”
Dylan kissed her on the forehead, pulling her close. Lust spiralled through her thighs at his touch. After all that rock tonight, Sarah couldn’t wait to get back to his place for some roll.
Mr Quinlan Senior pulled her back to the present. “So, Joseph, I assume you’re dropping out of college? I wouldn’t blame you one bit.”
All eyes turned to Joseph, like spectators at a very small tennis match. “Well, I may as well stay and finish my degree. I’ve done two years; one more won’t hurt. And you never know when I might need that qualification.”
Mr Quinlan smiled proudly at his son. “Whatever you decide will be the right thing. You did yourself proud tonight. I only wish Ivan could’ve been here to see you in action. He was always so supportive of your music.”
“I know, dad.” Joseph smiled sadly. It was obvious to Sarah that he was dying to tell his parents the truth, but he’d been sworn to secrecy. He glanced at Adam and Dylan. “But, hey, one of my brothers secretly arranged for you two to be here, right?”
“Guilty,” Adam said, raising his hand.
Joseph shrugged. “So I’m pretty sure Ivan was around somewhere, too. He wouldn’t have missed my gig for the world.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sarah felt sexy as she strolled into Dylan’s apartment in her little black dress and heels, wrapped up in his arms. This place felt somehow different tonight – more homey. It still consisted of the same dull cream carpets and characterless furnishings, but the essence of the apartment – if an apartment had an essence – seemed to be shimmering with a warm fuzzy glow of contentment. Or perhaps it was just her.
Dylan closed the door and kissed her strongly in the hallway. “Alright, sweetheart?”
“Yeah. I was so proud of Joseph tonight. And it was amazing to see your parents again!”
“The concert was awesome,” Dylan said, holding her tight in his arms. “But the night is young.”
Arousal flushed through Saran’s body. “It sure is.”
Dylan caressed her cheek. “Make yourself comfortable, okay? I’m just gonna call Detective Edwards.”