“You’re treating me like a snob,” he said.
“I’m sorry. I’m judging you before we’ve even got there.”
“Cadeon’s woman, Violet, came from a lot less.” He took her hand, kissing her knuckles while the traffic stopped.
“What do you mean?” she asked. The smallest touch of his lips made her pussy tighten. They’d made love that morning. She didn’t understand the feelings inside her. Her parents were protective of one another. Did they feel this need to be part of the other’s life? They must; they were married.
“Violet was hidden away by her mother in order to protect her. She had a very protective upbringing in an unconventional sense.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Her mother was a prostitute. She hid Violet away so she didn’t have the same life as her. Cadeon loves her regardless. Don’t judge me, Ursula. Seeing this part of you is refreshing. I want to know who you are.”
“You always say the right things.”
He smiled then turned his attention back to the road. She watched him for a few more moments. He hadn’t spoken any words of love. Cadeon loved Violet, and he could overlook her past. Did Stephen love her? He cared about her; she couldn’t deny that. Love was different. She knew not to expect loving words. Paul had never spoken them to her. She had never spoken them to him either.
“Stop being nervous.”
“I’m not.” She chuckled, taking a deep breath as he pulled up against the road to where she pointed.
“This is your house?” he asked.
“My parents’ house. They own it. Well, they’re paying a mortgage and all. This is where I used to live before I moved out.” The door opened, and Caroline stood wearing a really tight jumper. “Here we go. Are you ready?”
“Never better. Can I leave my car on the side of the road?” She gazed at him and saw him smiling. He got out of the car laughing. He walked round the car to help her out.
“I couldn’t resist,” he said.
“I’ve never seen you this perky.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, nuzzling her neck.
“I’ve never been to meet the parents. This is a novelty I’m going to enjoy.” She laughed then sobered up when she saw all of her family waiting for her.
“Here we go.”
Ruby rushed out to them embracing her in a bear hug. “I’m so pleased you came.”
“Of course I would.” Ursula pulled away, then pushed Stephen forward. “Mom, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Stephen.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Stephen said. He took her mother’s hand and kissed it.
“You look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere?” Ruby asked.
“Not that I know of.”
“He’s Stephen Knox, one of the wealthiest businessmen around,” her oldest brother called out.
Ursula shot him a glare. It would be Tim who opened his big mouth.
“That’s me, but today I want to be your daughter’s boyfriend. Ursula is special to me, and I would hate for my social standing to cause a problem,” Stephen said. She knew he was trying to smooth things over.
Her mother was silent for a moment. Her father, Malcolm, offered a comforting hand to his wife. “Well, I think we’d better get inside. I don’t want anyone catching their death out here. We’ve got the Christmas decorations up already.” Malcolm turned Ruby around giving her a wink.
They followed Ursula’s family inside. She took his coat hanging it up on the stand behind the door. Malcolm sat down in the sitting room, and Ursula sat with Stephen on the sofa across from her father. Her sister perched on the end while her brothers stayed in the doorway. Ruby came in with tea and biscuits, then took the seat next to Malcolm.
“So, Stephen, how did you and Ursula meet?” Malcolm asked.
The inquisition began. Her fingers tightened around Stephen’s. She noticed her mother kept looking at their joined hands.
“Well, Ursula applied for the position of my house cleaner. My last one quit when I yelled at her.”
“She worked for you?” Ruby asked.
Stephen chuckled. “Not really. When we met at her interview we began arguing. I knew she wouldn’t take any of my crap. She was the first woman besides my mother to stand up to me.”
“What do your parents think of your relationship?” Malcolm asked.
“I wouldn’t know. My parents passed away several years ago.” There was tense silence in the room.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
The ice was broken, and the inquisition began in full force. Ursula admired his ability to answer every question without too much trouble. Once in a while she would squeeze his hand. She knew her father liked him.