Fifteen
Uninvited Guests
MIA
THE DRIVEWAY FOR MY brother’s house is absurd. I mean, who needs a driveway this long? Is it a status symbol? Compensation? It feels like we’ve been driving for ages, weaving through perfectly manicured hedges that probably have a full-time gardener on staff.
Typical Danny. Always extra.
Austin’s car glides to a stop in front of my brother’s massive house. I glance over at him. He’s been quiet since I reminded him about tonight. His hands rest casually on the steering wheel, but his jaw is tight.
“Are you ok?” I ask him.
He shifts in his seat, reaching into his jacket pocket. His hand emerges from his pocket with a small velvet box. A ring box.
Oh. My. God.
I stare at it, my throat dry and my heart hammering like I’ve just run a marathon.
He flips open the box, revealing the most stunning engagement ring I’ve ever seen. It’s all sparkle and shine, a show-stopper that screams “forever.”
My jaw drops. “Holy . . . Austin, that’s . . . that’s a rock.”
“No, it’s a prop, apparently.” He mutters dryly.
Ouch.
He plucks the ring from the slit and reaches for my left hand.
“Here you go,” he says, sliding the rock onto my ring finger.
“Don’t look too excited,” I deadpan, as I gaze down at it.
His lips twitch. “Oh, I’m thrilled. And also, who wouldn’t be excited to have dinner with their fake fiancée’s barrister brother in a house that looks like Buckingham Palace’s understudy?”
“Charming,” I mutter, stepping out of the car.
Austin unfolds from his seat with the grace of a man who knows exactly how good he looks in a suit. He adjusts his jacket, and I swear the temperature rises a degree or two.
“Remind me,” he says, rounding the car to meet me. “Does he already hate me, or is tonight my audition?”
I roll my eyes, walking up to the door. “Relax. He doesn’t hate you.”
“Yet,” Austin adds with a smirk.
The door swings open before I can ring the bell, and there he is—Danny, in all his smug barrister glory. Sharp suit, polished shoes, and that ever-present air of I’m better than you.
“Mia,” he says, pulling me into a quick hug. His eyes flick to Austin. “And the infamous fiancé. Austin, isn’t it?”
“Danny,” Austin replies smoothly, extending a hand. “Good to finally meet you.”
Danny shakes it, his gaze sharp and assessing. “Likewise. Me and my wife were starting to wonder if you actually existed or if Mia and my mother just conjured you up.”
Austin laughs, unbothered. “I’ve been known to keep a low profile.”
Danny steps aside, letting us in. “Come on in. Everyone’s in the living room. You’re just in time for pre-dinner drinks.”
The house is even more ridiculous than I remember. High ceilings, chandeliers, and a rug that probably costs more than Austin’s car.
“Nice place,” Austin mutters under his breath. “Very modest.”
I shoot him a look, but he just smirks, his hand brushing against the small of my back as we walk in.
The living room is a scene of curated chaos. My parents are perched on an elegant cream sofa, my sister-in-law Claire is pouring champagne, and my niece and nephew are running around with toys that probably have a better Wi-Fi connection than my flat.
“Mia!” Claire beams, rushing over to kiss me on both cheeks. She turns to Austin, her eyes lighting up. “And this must be Austin. We’ve heard so much about you.”
Austin shakes her hand, his charm dialed up to the hilt. “All good things, I hope.”
Claire winks. “Mostly.”
Danny watches the exchange with a calculating gaze. “So, Austin, you’re engaged to my sister.”
Austin doesn’t miss a beat. “I am.”
“Quick turnaround, isn’t it?” Danny says, his tone light but probing. “Feels like only yesterday Mia was swearing off men altogether.”
“Some things are worth breaking promises for,” Austin replies, slipping his arm around my waist.
Danny arches a brow. “How romantic.”
I laugh nervously, steering the conversation toward safer territory. “So, Danny, how’s work? Still putting criminals behind bars?”
Danny smirks. “Always.”
Austin leans in, his voice low. “That went well.”
“Don’t get cocky,” I mutter back.
I SHOULD’VE KNOWN DANNY’S dinner party would be a spectacle. The dining room looks like something out of Bridgerton—a long mahogany table with crystal glasses, enough silverware to arm a small village, and a centerpiece so elaborate I’m surprised it hasn’t been mistaken for modern art.
We all take our seats, and I can feel Austin’s hand brushing against mine as he pulls out my chair. He leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. “Does your brother always host dinner like he’s auditioning for a period drama?”
I bite back a laugh and whisper, “Just wait. This is his casual setting.”
Danny takes his seat at the head of the table, his posture as rigid as the starched collar of his shirt. He looks like he’s about to deliver a courtroom opening statement instead of carving the roast beef.
Claire sits at the other end, all warmth and grace, handing out wine like a benevolent queen. “Mia, Austin,” she says, her smile radiant. “We’re so glad you could join us tonight. It’s not every day we celebrate Danny’s milestone.”
“Forty looks good on you, mate,” Austin chimes in, raising his glass.
Danny’s lips twitch, but he doesn’t take the bait. “Thank you, Austin. And congratulations on your engagement.”
Here we go.
“Thanks,” Austin replies smoothly, slipping his hand onto my thigh under the table. It’s meant to look affectionate, but the subtle squeeze feels like a warning: Play along, Jameson.
Danny gestures to the server, and plates begin to arrive with military precision. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and vegetables so perfectly arranged they could be in a food magazine.
“So, Austin,” Danny starts, his tone deceptively casual. “What’s it like being engaged to Mia? She’s always been . . . headstrong.”
I glare at him, but Austin just grins. “That’s one of the things I love about her. Keeps me on my toes.”
My mother beams at him, clearly charmed. “And what about children? Have you two discussed that yet?”
I choke on my wine, and Austin smoothly pats my back, not missing a beat. “We’re taking things one step at a time.”
Danny arches a brow. “Interesting. Considering how fast everything’s moving, I assumed you’d already have the nursery planned.”
Austin doesn’t even flinch. “We’ve got plenty of time. And when the time comes, I’m sure Mia will run the show. She’s got an eye for detail.”
I give him a sharp look. Oh, so now I’m a control freak?
Austin smirks, and I swear he’s enjoying this.
Claire tries to defuse the tension. “Danny, don’t scare them off. Not everyone wants to plan their life five years in advance.”
Danny shrugs, clearly unimpressed. “I just think it’s curious how little we know about Austin. Mia, you’ve always been private, but don’t you think it’s time to share more about your fiancé?”
The table goes silent, and all eyes are on me.
“Umm . . .” I glance at Austin, who’s looking at me with an expression that says, good luck, sweetheart.
“Well,” I start, my voice overly bright. “Austin is . . . fantastic. He works as the CEO of his own architectural firm, specialising in designing luxury residential properties.”
Danny raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? You’re a CEO? That’s impressive. What made you want to go into architecture?”
Austin leans back in his chair, completely at ease now that he’s the center of attention. “It’s a long story. But I’ve always had a passion for design, and after years of working my way up, I decided to start my own company. It’s been a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding.”
“Wow,” Danny says, clearly trying to hide his admiration. “It must be tough balancing such a high-profile career with . . . well, a personal life.”
Austin smiles like he’s been waiting for this question. “It can be. But Mia and I . . . we make it work.”
There’s a slight pause, and then Danny leans forward, his gaze sharp. “So, tell me, Austin. How do you balance the pressures of running a company with, you know, her?” He gestures toward me casually, but there’s something calculating in his tone.
It’s like he doesn't even see me.
Austin doesn’t miss a beat. “Mia’s more than capable of taking care of herself. I just support her in the ways that matter most. Like showing up to these lovely dinners.” He glances at me with a wicked grin.
I roll my eyes, but Danny looks at me, raising an eyebrow. “What’s that look for, Mia? You’re not as smooth as Austin, I take it.”
I’m about to respond when my mother jumps in. “Danny, leave your sister alone. She’s got her own way of doing things.”
Danny leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Oh, I know. I just have a lot of questions. You two are moving so quickly. I guess I’m just trying to figure out if this is . . . genuine.”
I feel the weight of his words press down on me, but Austin doesn’t flinch. He places his hand on mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s real. Everything between us is real.”
Danny studies us both for a long moment, as though he’s deciding whether or not to believe him. Finally, he leans back and takes a sip of his wine.
“Well, you’ve got my attention, Austin. Let’s see where this goes.”
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, and Austin flashes me a grin. “See? Piece of cake.”
By the time dessert rolls around, I feel like I’ve survived an interrogation. But somehow, Austin has managed to charm my sister-in-law, diffuse my brother’s skepticism, and still make me want to strangle him with a napkin.
WE HAVE VACATED THE dining table and are all sitting in the lounge. I’m nursing my glass of wine, trying to shake off the awkward tension that’s been clinging to me all evening when Charlotte bursts in. It’s like a whirlwind of energy and noise.
She looks around, takes in the lavish setting, and gives a dramatic sigh. “What have I missed? I swear, if I’d known Danny’s dinners were this posh, I would’ve worn a crown.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but laugh. Charlotte’s always like this—loud, unapologetically herself, and entirely too much to handle.