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

relief. Aubree, thinking there was still another round of auditions, was surprised to get a call early the next morning telling her

texted her. "We start filming next month. How about we head to the American plains to watch

the appeal of his offer. She hesitated for a minute

the two of

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 man, any woman would be tempted,

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

those words, Aubree's hesitation vanished.

vel

into workers moving furniture next door, caught off guard The villa was her

looked up, locking eyes with Andrew standing not far away. Seeing her small suitcase, Andrew knew she had plans, unsure when she'd return or if she

he decided to move to another villa, close enough yet distant, waiting. But now, as she