Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Casey couldn't help but chuckle instead of stopping him right away. "You're supposed to head to Harvard next month, and you've got four more years to go before you graduate."

mature enough for a relationship, that someday I might be drawn to someone my own age."

"I could skip it. My friends and I have already started investing in a company that's probably going public next year. I don't really need the degree. If I go, by the time I graduate, Aubree will be twenty-nine, and I'll be twenty-two. I know what you're thinking. You think I'm not Casey nodded, picking up a newspaper from the table to skim through. "I'm glad you realize that. Nobody at eighteen can promise they'll never change their mind. Even married folks stray sometimes."

Matthew's eyes sparkled with determination. "Others might not dare, but I do. I'm head over heels for Aubree. Let her be the lead actress."

For years, Casey hadn't tried to dictate his son's life, but now he raised an eyebrow, giving him a second, more serious look. "Have you thought about the seven-year age gap? You might handle it, but Aubree might not."

"Who says I'm just messing around?"

Matthew was handsome in that refined way but without a hint of fragility. He was into strength training every week and often did outdoor activities, his physique both strong and graceful.

"Alright, I agree. Aubree will be the lead."

never thought

was still another round of auditions, was surprised to get a call early the next morning telling her she got the lead role. In this industry, many dreamed of starring in one of Casey's films, and she never thought

How about we head to the American plains

appeal of his offer. She hesitated for a minute before replying,

private jet, just the two of us. Mind that? Everyone else

he wanted to take her alone. Aubree hesitated. She knew Matthew was a catch, exceptional by any standard. Faced with such a young, wealthy, handsome, and broad-minded

wouldn't make a move. Even if you refuse, let's part on good

Aubree's hesitation vanished.

vel

down, packing a small suitcase and grabbing her passport. The next morning, as she left, she bumped into workers moving furniture next door, caught off guard The villa was her first purchase, and then Andrew had bought the one opposite,

plans, unsure when

villa, close enough yet distant, waiting. But now, as she was leaving, he felt the distance between them growing even more apparent. Aubree