Me: I have a thing tonight.
Zane: What thing?
Me: A family thing…
I bit my lip, my stomach vibrating with a heady mix of anticipation and excitement.
This… this is what I craved. Zane wasn’t a good guy, and he definitely wasn’t a parent-approved guy, but he wasn’t a bad guy either.
He was just doing his best to survive.
And after seeing how he was with his grandma, how protective and caring he was with her, it was hard not to be sucked into his orbit. Even when I knew he would probably eat me alive.
Zane: Pretty sure you’ll have more fun with me than at some lame family thing.
Me: I can’t get out of it.
If Mom and Dad ever found out about me and Zane, I could kiss any freedom I had goodbye. Dad was only in my corner because he wanted to rebuild his relationship with Harleigh. But if he knew I’d been intimate with Zane, that would all change.
Zane: Your loss then.
Maybe so.
But something told me if I did meet him, I’d stand to lose a hell of a lot more.
* * *
The Sinclairs lived in a big Craftsman Ranch on the outskirts of town. It was stunning with its low-pitched gable roof and overhanging eaves, patterned windowpanes, and covered front porch. Stunning and expensive if the gated access and surrounding land were any indicator.
“I hope they have good champagne,” Max murmured under his breath, toying with the collar on his polo shirt. Mom had wanted him to wear a dress shirt, but Dad stepped in before an argument ensued.
At Mom’s suggestion, I’d opted for a simple dress that tapered in at my waist and fell to my knees, pairing it with some heeled pumps. My hair was curled at the ends and gathered on one shoulder in a loose ponytail.
“Sabrina, so good to see you,” Mrs. Sinclair greeted us at the door. “And Celeste, my, don’t you look beautiful.”
“You have a lovely home,” I said, smiling.
“Thank you. We love it out here. Michael, welcome.” She leaned up to press a kiss to both of his cheeks, before turning her attention to my brother. “And you must be Max,” she said.
“Hi.”
“Your mom has told me all about you.”
“Only good things I hope.” Max flashed her a cheeky smile and she chuckled.
“Oh, I like you. Come in, please. Hannah is just laying out tea.”
“Hannah?” Dad asked.
“Hannah is our housekeeper turned cook, and a most excellent one at that. I hope you’re all hungry, she’s put on quite the spread.”
Max shot me a bemused look as we followed Mrs. Sinclair into the reception area.
“Joseph, our final guests are here.”
“Final?” Dad asked.
“Sabrina didn’t tell you? I invited my son and his family. Cooper is just dying to meet you.” She winked at me, and the ground went from underneath me.