“Did Austin leave already?”
“Yes. He and Rhoades left a few minutes ago. Austin said he’d call you tomorrow.” A smirk rested on James’s lips. “I told him you were showing Aaron your office.”
Marcus snorted with laughter, his eyes crinkling shut. “I remember those days of ‘showing’ hot guys my office.” He made air quotes. “At least your friends didn’t listen at the door and barge in like mine did.”
My face burned, and Aaron suddenly found his car keys fascinating to stare at.
“Um. I think the event turned out really good, don’t you?” Hoping that would change the topic, I continued to babble. “Everyone seemed to have a great time, and I got lots of people asking me about planning for future events.”
“It went off perfectly, Frankie. I would never guess this was the first time you’d planned an event of this size or magnitude.”
James’s compliment warmed me. I knew he wasn’t one to pay them lightly.
“Thanks, James.”
“I agree.” Marcus patted me on the back. “I can say this was the most well-organized event at Sparks since I started the club. I’m excited to see what you can do in the future. But now I’m off to bed and my guy. Frankie, nice to see you again. James, we’ll talk.” And with that, Marcus hurried out of the club.
I yawned. “Uh, sorry. I’m wiped.”
“I can imagine. Take tomorrow off. You did a wonderful job, Frankie. Exactly like I knew you would. And before I forget, I saw quite a few people taking the cards for Man Up. I like how you call the club ‘The Flame to the Sparks.’ Very clever.”
Aaron slipped his arm around my waist. “I told you it was a great idea.”
“Thanks.”
“Go home, guys.” Impeccable as usual, James adjusted his suit jacket and smoothed his hair. “Call me tomorrow, and we’ll discuss the next steps.”
“Bye, James.”
Aaron and I left the club, and somewhere along the drive home I fell asleep. I woke up to him carrying me through the front door of our building. I looped my arms around his neck. “Mmm. Thanks. Good thing I have such a strong man to take care of me.”
“Always.”
We crawled into bed, and I immediately fell asleep.
When I awoke,I smelled the delicious aroma of fresh coffee and something baking that smelled like my mother’s coffee cake, but I must’ve been dreaming.
After peeing and brushing my teeth, I wandered naked into the living room to see my mother and father sitting there.
“Holy crap. Way to let a guy know his parents are here.” To the sounds of their laughter, I sprinted back into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of shorts. I returned to punch Aaron in the shoulder. “Thanks.”
He ruffled my hair. “Aw, don’t worry. There’s nothing they haven’t seen.”
My glare only brought more chuckles.
“Anyone ever tell you how cute you are when you pout?”
“Frankie,” my mother said, “me and your father wanted to come over. We got something we need to talk to you about.”
Dread slammed into me. “Are you sick? Are you okay?” My immediate reaction was to think one of them was ill.
“No, we’re both fine. Promise.”
“I told you he’d get scared if you started out that way.” My father shook his head and set the paper down. “She never listens to me.”
“Dad, you’ve been married over forty years and you’re realizing that now?”
My mother pointed to the table. “I made cake, and Aaron made the coffee. Sit. Daddy and me wanna talk to you and Aaron.”
