Seventeen years later
“Are you sure this will be fun?” Sarah wobbled on the stool. The daiquiri dribbled over the glass and while the fruity drink had seemed like a good idea, now she didn’t want the alcohol. She surveyed the crowd in the dance club. So many bodies…so many people at least a dozen years younger than her thirty-eight. She didn’t belong there, or in Las Vegas for that matter. She wasn’t the party girl type or a drinker.
Mischa Delbonne fluttered her hand. “You’re fine. We’ll have lots of fun. Guys are already checking us out.”
Us? Sarah snorted. The men around her weren’t watching her. They only saw Mischa. Long blonde hair with teal and purple streaks, an ample bosom and such a tiny waist. She reminded Sarah of a model…or a porn star. Sarah massaged her forehead. The throbbing of the bass music along with the pulsing lights in the club were giving her the start of a headache. The scent of cologne and sweat hung in the air. So many damp bodies… She shuddered. Noise and large groups of people weren’t her thing. Then again, the high heels and short dress weren’t her best choices for the night, either.
“What’s wrong?” Mischa toyed with her glass of wine. “Had too much at the buffet?” She snorted, then tipped her head back and laughed. “I’m kidding. You’re gorgeous.”
Sarah forced her attention anywhere but at her promotions expert. Writing took up so much of her time and having someone to get her name out as well as book appointments and such was a tremendous help. Normally, she would’ve allowed her friend Addie to assist, but Addie hated social media. Having an online presence wasn’t easy if one hated the different media outlets.
“Aren’t you going to dance? You love to bump and grind at the house.” Mischa cocked one eyebrow and the corner of her mouth kinked in what she called a smile. Sarah referred to the look as Mischa’s shit-eating grin.
“That’s private. There’s too many people here.” She’d come out to Vegas for a combination of a girls’ weekend and a book signing. So far, she’d spent most of her time at the bookstores. Besides, if she tried to toddle out in the middle of the throng of dancers, not only would she probably fall down, she’d embarrass herself with her lack of coordination. Give her a computer and a plot and she’d be fine. Put her in public and everything went to hell.
“I’m going to refresh my wine. Want anything? That daiquiri is probably enough, though. You have to think of your waist.” Mischa slid off her stool and strolled away before Sarah could answer.
She groaned. Trust Mischa to jab without sounding like a complete jerk. Most of the time, the things Mischa said weren’t too awful but sometimes she went overboard. Heaven help the person who called Mischa on the carpet for her comments. Sarah had learned not to challenge Mischa early in the pairing. She’d prefer a snarky Mischa than Mischa angry.
Sarah folded her arms on the table and surveyed the crowd again. She’d heard stories of people running into celebrities at such places. Maybe someone famous was in amongst the dancers. Then again, how would she know? She spotted one man. He kind of looked like the actor Liam Turner. She’d never met him in person but the guy appeared to be the right height and had the same cleft in his chin—well, kind of. The scruff on his cheeks and chin sort of covered the divot. He wore dark-rimmed glasses too. A disguise? Is he smiling at me? Her blood heated and her nerve endings tingled. Even if the guy wasn’t Liam Turner, he seemed to be gazing in her direction. She grinned and lowered her arms. Maybe if she bunched her breasts, she’d catch his eye?
Embarrassment washed over her. What in the hell was she doing? Trying to be sexy to snag a man? Good Lord. She was too old to be flirting in a club with a guy she didn’t know. She had a kid. Grown women with children didn’t act so…loose. Still, as he strolled toward her, her heart skipped a beat.
What should she say? Be coy? Tell him her name? Ask him if he’d had a good night so far? She clenched her teeth and continued to smile to hide her awkwardness. Coming on to guys wasn’t her forte.
The man approached her table. Sarah opened her mouth to speak, but instead of stopping the guy kept going. Realization washed over her. He hadn’t been making eyes at her. She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, a stunning woman with tawny hair sat over at the bar.
She’d made a fool of herself and knew when to retreat. She scooted off her stool and smoothed her dress into place as best she could.
“What’s wrong?” Mischa brought a fresh glass of wine to the table. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” She considered downing her drink but thought better of the idea. “There was a guy…he resembled Liam Turner. I thought he smiled at me.”
“At you? For real? He’s here. The word at the bar is a couple of actors stopped in.” Mischa downed half of the wine. “Could be just gossip.”
“Could be.” The tips of her ears burned. She’d mistaken someone for an actor. Thank goodness she hadn’t opened her mouth and spoken to him.
“I mean, if he’s truly here I don’t know that he’d stop, but it’s possible,” Mischa said. She sipped more of the wine.
“I’m cute.” Passable…at least she cleaned up well.
“Uh-huh.” Mischa didn’t look at her. She bobbed her head to the music and her boobs jiggled in her tight dress.
“Anyway, the guy kept going. Turns out he’d zeroed in on someone behind me.” She twisted the wristband around. She wanted to leave…the club? How about Vegas, too. “We should head to the room. I’m worn out.”
“Already?” Mischa whined. “We just got here. I want to dance.” She frowned, knotting her eyebrows. “Why don’t you go and I’ll stay? I’ve got my phone, credit card, ID and some cash. I’ll be fine.”
“No. I can’t leave you here alone. You’ve been drinking and anything could happen.” She gripped the back of the stool. Shit. She’d never get out of the club.
“Our room is downstairs. I’ll be fine.” Mischa finished the last of the wine. “I came to Vegas to have fun. I’m going to do so.”
“Then I’m staying.” She flexed her fingers on the stool. Now she had to figure out how to get back onto the seat. Shit.
“Oh my God.” Mischa’s eyes lit up and a wide grin spread across her face. “No way.”
“What?” She never could figure out what excited Mischa. She’d squeal over a pair of designer shoes or a fancy handbag as much as she did over people.
Mischa pursed her lips and dragged the edge of the wine glass across her mouth. “I believe Dare Evans is here.”
Sarah froze. She hadn’t heard that name in forever. “Who?” She knew who Dare was, but she hadn’t disclosed such information to Mischa.
“Dare Evans. You know…the walking wet dream. He’s been in all the magazines. He won the hottest man alive a few times.” Mischa didn’t meet Sarah’s gaze. “A birdie told me you knew him.”
What the hell? A birdie? The only person who knew about her past with Dare was Addie and Addie hated Mischa. Back when she’d known him, he’d been called Daryl. “Kind of.”
“Well, he’s right behind you.” Mischa grinned. “Dare Evans? Would you like to dance?”
“What?” Sarah closed her eyes. Dare…Daryl Evans couldn’t be behind her. He wouldn’t be in a club in Vegas. Not in a place she could get into. No, he’d be in an exclusive club with women on each arm. He was a true celebrity, not a commoner like her. She opened her eyes and hoped any mention of Daryl was part of her imagination.
“Hi.” Mischa batted her lashes. “The music is great tonight.”
“What are you doing?” Sarah bit back a groan. So much for wishing him away. The scent of his cologne wrapped around her and memories flooded her brain. He still wears the same scent after all of these years? Butterflies swarmed in her belly. She balled her hands. Maybe someone else had the same cologne?
“Sarah?” Daryl eased up beside her. “You’re…I’m…wow. You’re really here.” He blocked her view of Mischa. His blue eyes sparkled and his mouth kinked into a smile.
She met his gaze and a shiver ran the length of her spine. Dear God, the man could still make her wet with just a grin. She fought to catch her breath. “I’m here.” Not that she sounded intelligent, but who cared?
“Good.” He eased his arm around her. “You’re my date.”
“Me?” she squeaked. “How? Don’t you have one?”
“I do now.” His breath tickled her ear.
“How about we?” Mischa asked. “I’m single. You could have the both of us.”
Daryl laughed. His grip on Sarah tightened. “My friend Dom is single, too. I’ll get him.” He disengaged from Sarah long enough to twiddle with his cell phone.
Sarah swept her gaze over Daryl. He’d grown more handsome over time. The rugged look worked for him. He’d honed his muscles and bulked up a bit. The creases around his eyes added to his appeal. She longed to run her fingers over his chest and feel his breath on her skin once more.
“There.” Daryl tucked his phone into his pants pocket. “He’ll be over.” He turned his attention to Sarah. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” she blurted. More than she’d ever realized, she’d missed him.
He tugged her into his arms—so strong, but tender. “Let’s dance.” He didn’t give her a chance to protest, but rather led her deep into the throng of people. No one seemed to bother him as he moved around. He held her close and patted her ass. Instead of moving to the quick beat of the techno song, he moved slower and swayed. His breath warmed her neck and ear. She shivered again.
“God, you’re still beautiful,” he said. “Gorgeous.”
“I’m okay.” She’d never win a beauty contest, but she did just fine with her assets.
“Nah. You’re better than okay.” He nibbled her earlobe. “You still fit perfectly in my arms.”
“So does every eligible female in Hollywood.” She paused. Shit. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“Touché.” He grinned again and rested his forehead against hers. “Those women aren’t like you. You’re different…unique.”
“I’m plump.” She had curves and not in all the right places.
He swatted her ass. “Don’t you dare cut on yourself. I won’t allow it.”
Who was he to tell her how to feel? He didn’t own her. The frustrating man… “Daryl.”
He moved with her out of the knot of people to the edge of the room. Instead of letting go, he continued to a wall of curtains. He pulled one of the sheer panels of fabric aside and nudged her into the new space. The music wasn’t as loud.
“Going to chew me out in private?” She toyed with the sequins on her dress. “I’ve already heard it all, so don’t bother. Just let me go. Okay?”
Daryl shook his head then enfolded her in his arms again. “Don’t start. You’re beautiful and you’re going home with me. If I have to spank your ass to make you understand, I’ll do it.”
She shivered. She hadn’t played such games in years and only with him. She paused. Going home with him? “Wait, I am?”
“Yes.”
“I have a room at this hotel.” She wasn’t sure why she’d said that. “I don’t need to go home with you.” What in the hell was she doing? Turning him down? Why?
“Good to know. I’ve got one in this hotel as well.” He smoothed his palm across the back of her neck and threaded his fingers into her hair. He tipped her head. “I’m in the penthouse.”
“I’m sharing a room with Mischa,” she blurted. “In the peon section.”
He bumped noses with her. “Let me get Liam and check in with Dom, then we’ll go.” He brushed his lips across hers, then pulled away. He toyed with his phone. “Liam will be right back.”
She peeked through the curtains. Leaving Mischa alone wasn’t smart. Mischa had access to her bags and things. If she felt she’d been abandoned, she’d have a fit. Sarah spotted her assistant, but Mischa wasn’t alone. “Is your friend Dom tall with black hair, dark eyes and a beard…kind of?”
“Yeah. You see him?” Daryl eased up behind her.
“You set him up with my assistant. They’re over by the bar.” She leaned in to Daryl. He’d situated the bulge in his pants between her ass cheeks. More memories popped into her head. Nights spent tucked up tight against him, making love to Daryl so many times and the taste of his kiss…
“Good. Then he can babysit her.” He nibbled her neck. “If you’re ready, we’ll head out.”
“No.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave the privacy of the curtained-off room. The rational part of her brain still hadn’t come to terms with him actually being there or touching her.
“I meant Liam.” Daryl kissed her neck, just behind her ear. “He finally got away from the redhead.”
A man—the one who looked remarkably like Liam Turner—stood on the other side of the little room. He smiled and folded his arms. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s go.” Daryl kept her tight to his side and escorted her out of the curtained space. He hustled through the club and said something to one of the bouncers.
Before she knew what had hit her, she stood in an elevator with the guy who resembled Liam on one side and Daryl on the other. “What are we doing?” she asked.
“Going to the penthouse.” Daryl palmed her butt. “I’d rather have the privacy of our room over the club.”
The bellman kept his back to them. When the car stopped, he moved aside. “Your floor.”
“Thanks, Ben. Got the tip, Li?” Daryl asked. He shuffled forward, nudging her out of the elevator. She stood in the middle of a tiny foyer with three doors in front of her.
Sarah glanced back at the other two men. The bellman grinned and accepted the money, then the elevator doors closed again.
“Do you want to go upstairs with us? I want to be sure you want to. I won’t pressure you and neither will Liam.”
If she got to spend the night with Daryl for one more shot at what they’d once shared as well as a chance to be with Liam, one of the stars of her fantasies…then yes, she wanted to join them But Jesus. This was her first threesome. She’d never done anything like this before. Fear crept into her brain, but so did excitement. How was this—being with these two guys—happening to her? Her! What if she embarrassed herself? What if…fucking hell. The fear won out. “Guys…”
“Before we head into the room, I should show I have manners. This is Liam. You might have heard of him—Liam Turner?” Daryl let go of her and leaned against the frame of the middle door. “Liam, I give you Sarah Morrison.”
“The one that got away?” Liam smiled and slipped her hand into his. He kissed her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Holy hell. He really was Liam Turner. She’d watched the movie Kaleidoscope a hundred times because he showed his naked ass and was so sweet to the heroine. She’d pictured herself in the heroine’s place during nearly each viewing. “I loved you in Kaleidoscope and Patchwork. I felt like I knew you in both roles.” Christ, why am I so nervous?
“I didn’t do much acting according to my directors. They felt like I’d either melted into the roles or I was being myself. I say being myself. Daryl helped me prep for both.” Liam grinned. “He’s good at helping.”
“Oh.” Interesting. A tinge of jealousy hit her. She remembered being the one who ran through lines with Daryl. She’d been replaced. “He’s good at getting into a role. I bet he rubbed off on you.”
“He did.”
She folded her arms to stave off the chill. Awkwardness filled her brain. Because they were hot? Because Daryl was her ex? She wasn’t sure. “So…you’ve got girlfriends.” She knew that much from her cursory glances at the tabloid papers at the supermarket. And why shouldn’t Daryl and Liam have girlfriends? Maybe because they’d invited her upstairs. “Am I here for one more night with the ex? You want to get me out of your system, right?”
“Not at all.” Daryl hesitated in the hallway. “I’m not sure it’s possible.”
“I’ve never been with you, so how could I get you out of my system when you’ve never been in it?” Liam frowned, then shook his head. “Somewhere what I said made sense.” He opened the door. “After you.”
“Thanks.” Liam had a point. Daryl…not so much. “What are you two doing in Vegas?” The question was a little silly, but she didn’t care. She crossed the room and put some distance between her and the handsome men.
“We knew you were here.” Daryl eased up to her and toyed with a hank of her hair. “I’ve wanted to see you again for the last seventeen years.”
He had? “Why didn’t you?” she asked.
“Because I was ashamed.” Daryl curled the chunk of her hair around his fingers. “I didn’t make it big like you said I would. Not right away and I was ashamed. I couldn’t come back and proclaim my triumph in California when there wasn’t any. I thought you’d laugh or say you’d told me so. God knows Lyndy did.”
Of course. Her former friend had only wanted Daryl because she thought he’d be rich and she wanted money. Sarah had to be honest with him. “I wouldn’t have thought less of you.” She rested her head against his chest. “I missed you.” She winced. By admitting that, she’d opened the wound up again. Christ, she was sad…but they were together. Even if only for a short time, she had a second chance with the man she’d once loved.
Daryl wound his arms around her. “I missed you too and I truly couldn’t get you out of my system.” He tipped her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. “You’re one in a million, Sarah.” He brushed his lips over hers.
Tingles shot around her body. She’d missed the passion in his gaze and the tenderness in his touch. She sucked on his tongue. Holy hell, the man was intoxicating.
Daryl broke away first. “I need you,” he murmured. “Always have.”
She nodded. Common sense said she should leave and keep her heart from being hurt again. But she’d missed Daryl too much. The old feelings hadn’t died. They’d just been buried deep in her soul. A thought occurred to her. “What about Liam?”
Her pussy clenched. Part of her wanted to be with just Daryl, but the rest of her wanted the attention of both men. She’d never slept with two men at one time. She trusted Daryl to be tender and swore her gut feeling about Liam being the same was right. Good God. She had to be crazy. Not having sex in the last year must’ve messed with her judgment.
“He won’t touch you if you don’t want him to,” Daryl said. He caressed her cheek. “We want to make you happy. To make you fly.”
“What if I want him to? I want both of you to…make me fly.” Oh boy. She’d voiced her desires. She’d done it.
Liam eased her away from Daryl and helped her to the couch. He sat beside her. “Only if you’re sure. I’m dying to kiss you, but I refuse to push.”
“I want to be pushed.” She wanted to feel desired, needed…important. When Daryl sat on her other side, something within her relaxed.
Neither man spoke. Instead, Daryl kissed her again. Liam eased his fingers around her arm and kissed her bare shoulder. Tongues of fire touched her from within. She pressed her knees together. Her clit throbbed. Oh goodness. When she shifted her hips, her panties stuck against her labia. These men did this to her…they made her so wet. A needy desire filled her. She wanted to caress them in return, but she wasn’t sure what to do.
“Like that?” Liam asked. His warm breath tickled her neck.
She broke away from Daryl and panted. “I do.” Daryl and Liam muddled her thoughts.
Daryl patted his lap. “Come here.” He helped her onto his thighs and rested her back against his chest. He shifted her enough to resume kissing her and nipped her bottom lip. This time, he sucked on her tongue. She spread her legs, using his knees as leverage.
The tingles increased in her veins. She moaned and clasped Daryl’s hand to her breast. She loved feeling so free and wicked but cherished.
Liam settled between her knees and eased her shoes from her feet. He nudged her skirt up. Leaving a trail of fire, he kissed his way along her inner thigh. “Damn,” he said against her skin. “Delicious.”
Daryl slid his arm around her waist. He didn’t need to hold her down—she didn’t want to run away. Not now. Being with him and Liam excited her. She scooted down on Daryl’s lap enough to push the fabric up around her hips. At the same time, Daryl massaged her breast through her cocktail dress. He pinched and rolled her nipple between his fingers. She moaned. The feelings for Daryl—love, devotion and passion—came back and she could’ve sworn they had never gone.
Liam nosed her panties, touching her but not giving her satisfaction. The tease. He’d managed to kick her desire up a few notches. When he pushed the flimsy material aside and bared her pussy to his gaze, she whimpered. She slid her fingers into Liam’s hair. Freedom and delight washed over her.
Liam dragged his tongue along her labia. A fresh wave of sizzles hit and she tugged Liam’s hair. She tried not to yank on him. Christ, she had to keep her wits about her, but he knew how to kiss her pussy to make her feel alive. With each lick and nip, he nudged her closer to coming apart. She couldn’t breathe. Once he slid his finger into her channel, she whimpered again. He sucked on her clit and pumped his digit within her and the combination of sensations turned her senses inside out.
She shivered. “Oh.” She fought the urge to cry out more. She’d learned to remain quiet and keep her pleasure to herself. Making noise during sex hadn’t been wanted. She pressed her lips together and gritted her teeth.
“So beautiful,” Daryl whispered. “You’re into this.”
“Yeah.” She rested her head on Daryl’s shoulder and shivered. “Daryl.”
“Let go.” He kissed her neck. “You’re on the edge. Relax.”
Liam pumped his finger in and out of her cunt while he continued to nip and flick his tongue across her clit.
“Oh…” She released her grasp on Liam’s hair and closed her eyes. She writhed on Daryl’s lap and pressed her pussy tighter to Liam’s face. “Fuck.” Her thoughts blurred even more. How could she think or make rational statements when he had her right at the edge of climax? Easy. She couldn’t. If she was going to experience this—being with them both and having the time of her life—then Daryl and Liam were the right men for her.
Sarah gave in to the orgasm. Her legs trembled as ecstasy washed over her. Her knees wobbled and she sagged against Daryl. Liam licked a few more times. When she opened her eyes, the room seemed to spin. She panted until she gathered her bearings.
Liam sat back on his heels. His chin shone with her juices. He grinned. “Delicious.”
“I want a taste.” Daryl chuckled. “My turn. Soon.”
Sarah whimpered. Yeah, she wanted him to have a chance, too. She might not be able to walk when he and Liam were done with her, but she didn’t regret a moment of their time together.
“I want to make love to you,” Daryl murmured. “May I?”
He’d asked. Even when they’d been together so long ago, he’d never taken the time to vocalize his desire in such a manner. She turned her head to look at him. Even if she’d wanted to prevent him from being with her, she wouldn’t. “Yes.” She closed her hand around his wrist. “Both of you.” Doing so was a crazy notion, but she wanted both Liam and Daryl.
“You’re sure?” Daryl petted her hair. “We won’t push. Honest.”
“I want to be pushed.” She wanted them surrounding her again. She reached for Liam. If they were offering then she’d take them up on the opportunity. Could she be about to be taken advantage of? Possibly, but she doubted they’d be so callous with her.
“Sarah.” Liam wiped his chin. His eyes widened but his gaze didn’t shift. “We’ll be gentle.”
A twinge of doubt hit her. She probably shouldn’t trust Liam. She’d just met him. But he was friends with Daryl. She couldn’t be sure Daryl hadn’t changed with time, but the man she knew wasn’t the type to mind fuck anyone. He hadn’t played the role of pushy celebrity or even acted like a jerk.
“We will treat you with respect.” Daryl nuzzled her neck. “I love you.”
She bit back a snort. Loved her. Good Lord. There was the celebrity portion of him. Loved her… He probably said that to all his conquests.
Daryl’s smile fell, but he didn’t speak.
Was he upset? Too bad. Once the night ended, he and Liam would forget all about her. She eased off Daryl’s lap and smoothed her dress back into place. She needed a moment to think. How was it possible for these two men to play her body so well? She made her way across the room to the bedroom portion of the suite. Instead of finding two beds or maybe two bedrooms, a single king-sized bed hulked against one wall.
She sighed. In for a penny… She unzipped and shrugged out of the garment. It landed in a heap around her ankles. Chilly air wrapped around her and her nipples beaded.
“Holy shit,” Daryl said.
She kept her back to him. For the first time since she’d gone to the suite with him, she worried about her figure. She had flaws. Plenty of them. Hell, she had curves to spare. What would he say when he saw her naked? She breathed in the scent of his cologne—sexy, masculine and spicy. He eased his arms around her and held her to his chest.
“I’ve wanted to do this for so long.” He kissed her shoulder. “Seems like forever since I’ve held you.”
“Was just a moment.” She gasped and parted her lips. “I’ve missed you, too.”
Liam strode around her and Daryl. He stopped before her and yanked open his shirt. Buttons sailed across the floor.
She groaned. Seeing Liam on the big screen didn’t compare to being confronted with the real deal. He was more toned than she’d expected. She trailed her fingers over his pecs. Fire lit in his eyes. He eased up to her and kissed her. She didn’t see him open his jeans, but she heard the snick as he popped the catch.
“Yeah,” Daryl said. “Hot.”
Was Daryl encouraging Liam? Or was he just caught up in the moment? She brushed off the feeling of confusion and focused on the way Daryl and Liam made her feel—desired.
Liam broke the kiss and eased away from her enough to shove his pants to the floor. She’d expected to see his underwear, but instead, she drank in the image of his dick. He wasn’t lacking in the bedroom department. His cock was long, thick and with a thatch of dark curls around the base. The trail of hairs stretched in a thin line up to his belly button. Her mouth watered. She’d loved him in so many movies and ogled his ass plenty of times, but she’d never seen all of him. Now she had and loved the view.
“Do what your heart desires,” Daryl said. He let go of her.
Is he talking to me or Liam?
Sarah shoved her damp panties down around her knees until the garment landed on the floor. No turning back now. She picked up one of the condoms on the nightstand. She tore open the wrapper then draped her arms around Liam’s neck. He brushed his lips over hers then nipped her. His cock jabbed into her lower belly. She sucked on his tongue, simulating sex. The taste of mint, cola and her own juices filled her mouth. She brushed her breasts against his chest. Electrical zaps attacked her from within. She moaned and he swallowed the sound.
“Damn, that’s hot.” Daryl palmed her ass. “Beautiful.”
She couldn’t see him but she heard the snick of his pants opening. She shivered against Liam. Being with both men was going to happen. Holy shit.
Daryl eased up behind her again and resumed kissing her neck. He situated his cock between her ass cheeks.
Warmth from Daryl and Liam enveloped her. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe and needed. She leaned in to Daryl but kept her arms around Liam. Sarah whimpered and allowed her men to walk her to the bed. She held the condom, still in the wrapper, in her hand. In a tangle of arms and legs, she landed on top of Liam. He laughed and brushed her hair from her face.
“Hi,” Liam said. He grinned. “Fancy meeting you here.” He palmed her cheek. “Ride me.”
She nodded and freed herself of Daryl, then rolled the condom over Liam’s cock. When he gasped, power surged in her veins. She’d forgotten how it felt to please a man.
“Come here.” Liam reached for her. “I want to be inside you.”
She wanted him there, too.