Lance glared at his brother. “You think you know what’s best for the family? You don’t. By your logic I should only date people no one cares about? How does that even fucking make sense?”
Willa wrapped her arms around herself protectively. This was a side of the Barringtons she’d never seen before. They didn’t argue. They never raised their voices. At least, they never had in front of her.
Asher rubbed a hand over his forehead. “You’re right.”
The room fell suddenly absolutely silent.
Lance looked stunned. Emily nodded in encouragement.
Asher turned to Willa. “This isn’t about you, Willa. My concern is—”
“I know,” Willa said softly. “It’s okay, Asher. I don’t want anyone upset, either.”
Asher nodded once.
Emily turned toward Lance. “Asher loves you. He really does. He’s so proud of you. I know you feel the same about him. I never had brothers or sisters, but I’d like to think that if I did we would talk out our problems. You are so blessed to have each other. I can’t sit back and say nothing while you tear into each other.” She rubbed her stomach.
The tension seemed to ebb from Lance. He ran a hand through his hair. “And you shouldn’t have to.” When he looked at Asher, it wasn’t with anger. “Going with Willa is probably a bad idea, but I want things to be different this time.”
Asher’s eyebrows shot up and Willa wanted to sink into the floor. She didn’t want to look at the expressions on their faces, especially not Lance’s. How could I feel comfortable going to the Barrington’s tonight now? She looked around for the nearest exit—anywhere to hide her discomfort—but Lance was suddenly at her side, putting his arm around her waist. She was keeping her panic contained, but just barely. She hated that he could feel her shaking.
Asher crossed to his wife. He put his arms around her again and kissed her temple. “I can’t imagine my life without you.” He gave Willa a funny look then nodded at Lance. “Come to dinner, both of you. I want to hear about this city contract you won. I’m sure everyone else would like to hear about it, too. Everything else will figure itself out.”
Lance looked down at Willa. “It’s up to you.”
“Me?” Willa let out a long, shaky breath. Oh, no, if it’s up to me the answer is hell no.
“I want things to be different this time.” Lance had said it more than once, and he seemed to mean it.
I want this time to be different too. I want to walk into a room on your arm, knowing that it’s important to both of us that I’m there.
I want to believe in you again.
“I’d like to see your parents. I can thank them in person for the care package.”
Lance smiled and hugged her to his side.
Willa glanced over at Asher and Emily who were watching them closely. Are you thinking I should have come up with an excuse not to go? That we’re making a mistake?
I probably should run before I get in too deep. Before my heart is broken a second time.
Willa rested her cheek briefly on Lance’s strong shoulder.
But I don’t want to.
God help me, I still love him.
A short time later Lance paused at the bottom of the steps at his parents’ house. Yes, they’d only been on a couple dates, but theirs didn’t feel like a new relationship. Walking in with her felt right.
He remembered the day Kenzi had brought Dax home. She’d taken the family aside and warned them all to be nice to him. Lance suddenly understood why. He didn’t care what his family thought of his decision to see her, but he wanted them to accept her because he knew their feelings would be important to Willa.
Although they’d taken separate cars, Asher and Emily had arrived just after them and were walking up the driveway. Asher put a hand on his shoulder. “Come on.”
As far as pep talks went, it wasn’t the best, but it was more encouragement than Asher usually gave. The door of the house opened and his father smiled in greeting. “Right on time. Dinner is ready.” When he noticed Willa he said, “Oh, you brought . . . Willa, right?”
Lance blanched at the question. A quick look at Willa’s face revealed that his father’s uncertainty had hurt her even though she quickly hid her feeling behind a bright smile. “That’s me. It’s wonderful to see you, Mr. Barrington.”
Dale moved forward to welcome her with a kiss on the cheek, then stopped when he noticed that Lance was holding her hand. He gave her a peck but looked concerned when he straightened. “I had no idea you knew each other so well.”
“It’s all good, Dad,” Lance said in a firm voice. If his father gave the slightest hint of sounding anything like Asher had earlier, he was removing Willa from the situation. She deserved better.