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This is exactly why I don’t keep secrets. It’s also why I don’t do things I don’t want anyone to find out. I can’t handle the pressure. Life’s hard enough as it is. It’s much easier just to tell the truth.

In the back seat, Matilda whines like a tea kettle, no doubt picking up on the anxiety we’re both feeling right now.

“Are you sure this is okay? We really don’t have to go tonight. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable,” Kira says, reaching behind her to calm Tilly down.

“I’m not. I’m happy you’re coming.” I place a hand on her thigh, brushing my thumb across her exposed skin. “I’m excited for you to meet everyone. They’re going to love you.”

Matilda’s whining turns into a howl of protest.

“You too, Tills.” I reach back and rub her head. How did I get so lucky that the universe would bless me with two high-maintenance queens to shower with my affection?

Temporarily anyway.

I pull into the drive, parking next to Guy’s SUV. “Here we are.”

One thing about our family is, we may be billionaires, but that doesn’t mean we’re flashy, especially about cars. Maybe it’s because our town is so small and we don’t have to do much driving, but we all drive fairly normal vehicles.

I open Kira’s and Tilly’s doors at the same time. Tilly bolts out like a rocket, her nose to the ground as she circles the perimeter.

“Whatever you do, just don’t shit on the rose bushes!” I call after her.

“There they are!” My dad’s voice carries from the door.

I do a double take. Since when am I special enough for a door greeting? That’s usually reserved for—the thought stops when I remember the stunning woman standing next to me.

Of course they’re excited to be hosting Kira Blakely. Who wouldn’t be?

We make our way up the steps where my parents are waiting, and it’s only when I reach the top that I notice the gray sweatpants.

My stomach churns as I make out the outline of his dick.

I jerk my gaze away and hold my hand in front of my face. “Jesus, Dad. Seriously? You couldn’t be bothered with underwear at family dinner?”

“I thought going commando was the whole point?” He looks down at himself, then winks at my mom, whose cheeks go bright pink.

“Kira, it’s so nice to see you again,” she says, pulling her into a hug. “We are so thrilled to have you joining us.”

“Thank you for letting me intrude on your family dinner.”

Not to be left out, a panting Matilda returns from her patrol and plants herself at Kira’s feet, staring up at them expectantly.

“And who is this gorgeous girl?” My mom coos, holding her palm out for Matilda to sniff. My dad follows suit, waiting for the green light before petting her.

“Mom, Dad, this is Matilda, or Tilly as we call her…” I catch myself being a little too casual and quickly add, “I’ve been running with her in the mornings to help with some of her energy levels, so she isn’t so stressed while Kira’s at work.”

“Well, aren’t you the prettiest girl in the whole wide world?” my mom says, completely ignoring my far too detailed explanation.

Damn, I’ve got to get my shit together. I remind myself of something I once heard on a psychology podcast: too many details are a dead giveaway that you’re lying.

“Come on in, everyone should be getting here shortly,” my dad says, ushering us inside.

“Hey!” Luka calls out from behind us. Since he lives on the lot next door, he and Scout probably walked over. “Why is there a giant fresh pile of shit in my yard?”

“Isn’t your house on like five acres? Do you have a dog shit alert system?”

“It’s called surveillance, all right.” He stomps after me, not amused by my teasing. “Just protecting my family.”

“Sounds to me like you’ve got too much time on your hands,” I retort as we make our way into the dining room.