Tristian Thames had always been able to talk his way through difficult situations, but this one was entirely his own fault. Months ago, during one of his weekly phone calls with his mother, he’d casually mentioned that he was finally seeing someone and they had been living together at his house. It had been an easy lie at the time—just something to stop the endless questions about when he’d settle down, get married, and give her grandchildren. Relationships had never interested him. Running the family company consumed nearly every hour of his day, and he preferred it that way. Now, his mother was sitting across from him in his office after arriving to stay for the next four months while helping care for his sick grandfather in the hospital. There was no escaping the lie anymore. She had flew in that morning and came straight to his work.

She smiled warmly as she looked around his office, though he could tell she was studying him more than the room. Tristian, I’m so excited to finally meet her, She said. You’ve kept her a secret long enough. Four months is plenty of time for me to get to know the woman who’s stolen your heart. He resisted the urge to sigh.

She believed every word she’d said, and that only made the knot in his stomach tighten. He leaned back in his chair, trying to look calm while his mind raced for a solution that didn’t exist. I’ve just been busy. He answered, rubbing the back of his neck. Work’s been hectic. That was the truth, at least. The company had grown faster than anyone expected, and every decision seemed to land on his desk.

She only gave him a knowing smile. Busy people still make time for the ones they love. Over the phone you said you two live together, so she’ll be at your house right?