Page 97 of Tangled Control

“A coffee would be lovely, Miss Taylor.”

“Uh-um, yeah.” I nod.

I’m a bit apprehensive, bringing Rian up to Finglas, seeing my childhood home. Not that I’m ashamed – Mum keeps it modern within her means – but there’s no garden, guest toilet or silver spoons. And it’s probably the first time Rian has parked his Jaguar on a sidewalk. I glance out the living room window to check that it’s still there.

We sit next to each other on the two-seater sofa facing the electric fireplace, which I can’t remember ever having been used, while Mum makes coffee. I shuffle close to the armrest, making sure there’s plenty of room between us. Rian squints as he scans the half-dozen school photos on top of the mantlepiece.

He snorts. “You’ve definitively grown into your looks.”

“Feck off.” I scoff.

Rian rolls his eyes and places his hand on my tapping leg. “Relax,” he coaxes.

“I can’t!”

“You were all chilled earlier.” He grins, showing off his perfect teeth.

“Stop it!” I hiss, and my cheeks warm at the thought of the shower with benefits – several benefits – we had earlier.

Quickly, I push his hand from my leg as Mum enters the room and sets the mugs on coasters in front of us.

“You have a very beautiful home, Miss Taylor.”

Mum nods gracefully and sits in the chair to the side of us, one hand on top of the other and her legs crossed at the ankles, just like the old queen used to do in pictures. “Thank you, but I’m sure you’re accustomed to much grander places.” Even her accent has turned posh, almost English.

“It doesn’t matter how grand a place is if it doesn’t feel like home. And this certainly has a nice homey feel to it.”

It dawns on me that Rian is using his negotiation skills to win Mum over. However, my mother isn’t easily swayed.

“So, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Straight to the point as usual.

I flick my gaze at Rian. “We, um, we just wanted you to know that—” I take a deep breath. “We’re going public.”

Next to me, Rian snickers. “You sound like we’re launching a company on the open market.”

I glare at him and turn back to Mum, whose eyebrows again are hidden high up on her forehead. “Rian and I are…boyfriend and girlfriend.” I quickly swat Rian before he can laugh again. “We’re official.”

Mum keeps her composure, turning her gaze to Rian as she tilts her head to the side. “And there’s…no one else…in your life?”

The laughter dims from his eyes. “I assume you’re referring to Alexandra Harrington.”

Mum does that queen-like nod again.

“To tell you the truth, for a long time, I did think that Alexandra and I would end up together. But after I met your daughter, I’ve come to realise that I can’t be with anyone else. I can assure you, there’s no other woman in my life but Catriona.”

I lift my cup of coffee to my mouth to hide my silly smile.

“I’ve already asked Catriona to marry me.”

I spit coffee all over Mum’s table. “Rian!” While trying to wipe the wet stains, I plead with Mum, “Don’t listen to him, Ma, I said no. There’s no way I’m marrying him this soon.”

“I will marry her,” Rian insists. “I love her. So very much.”

My cheeks are on fire, and it feels so good to hear those words, despite this whole surreal situation.

“And do you love him?” Mum asks.

A lump is lodged in my throat, and I forget about the spilled coffee. “I-I do. I do, Ma.”