“I couldn’t stand the thought of being away from you after they delivered the painting. It’s simply perfect.”
He hugged her again, hardly able to comprehend that she was really there. “It’s such a long drive, Luna. Aren’t you exhausted?”
She nodded against him. “It was worth it.”
He looked over Luna’s head at Tabitha. “Is there a guest room ready that she can use?”
“Mr. Davis, I have placed Miss Luna’s belongings in your room.”
Davis caught the woman’s grin, though she tried to straighten it out and appear solemn.
He took Luna’s face in his hands. “Damn right, you’re staying with me.” He kissed her gently before taking her hand in his. “Let’s go upstairs so you can rest.” He caught Tabitha’s eye again. “She’s not here until she’s rested.”
He needn’t have used the stern tone of voice; Tabitha would keep their secret. “Of course not.”
Davis ushered Luna up the back staircase and to the third floor. She looked around her at the massive house and gilded accent pieces. “This house is even bigger than I imagined.”
“All the easier to hide away in.”
He opened the door to his room and let her step in before he closed the door behind both of them. He turned the lock.
“Do you want a shower, or to sleep? Should I have gotten you something to eat before we left the kitchen?”
Luna put up her hand to stop him. “I just want you to hold me.”
“That’s easy enough.”
He brought her back into the circle of his arms and held on. She rested her head on his shoulder; he sighed in contentment.
“Not that I’m even considering complaining, but what really made you come? You could have thanked me for the painting when we got home.”
Her arms tightened. “I was upstairs when it arrived. When Dad told me I had a special delivery, I thought it was you coming to surprise me.”
“Fuck, I wish I’d thought of it.”
“It’s okay. I saw the painting, the perfect representation of our future, and I couldn’t stand the thought of being away from you.” She gripped the material of his shirt in her hands. “Especially since I have something to tell you.”
“I already know.”
Luna pulled away enough to look at him. “You do?”
“I talked to my parents when I arrived and told them about you. Dad is completely thrilled, but Mom . . . not so much. I saw the way she pretended to be happy for me, but she couldn’t quite convince me. I spent yesterday being a good son and acting like I’m not furious with her, but I couldn’t do it anymore. I was hiding from her in the kitchen.”
Luna rubbed circles over his back. “Have you asked her about it?”
“No.”
“Okay, well, um.” She released Davis and spun away to pace his room. It appeared to be the size of her entire apartment. “That time they visited, about four years ago,” she began.
“I fucking knew it. I’m sorry I didn’t listen when you tried to tell me. What did they say?”
She shook her head. “Not they. Her. You went to the bathroom and your dad went to get a drink from the fridge.” Luna sucked in air. “She said I’m a gold digger.”
He swore viciously. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“And that if I were to date you, she’d disinherit you. I’ve tried for so long not to love you; I just wanted what’s best for you.”
“You’re what’s best for me!” he exploded.
