The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Emery

Rhys sits with his hand laced with mine as we drive out of the city towards my parents' house. Dad wants us over for dinner tonight to discuss the business with the Rossis and the Tazzas. Inconvenient, since all I want to do is be alone with Rhys Freaking Whelan.

I love you.

I stare at him, studying his profile for a long time.

I know that Rhys has never said those words to anyone before. I also know that he means them. He won't hurt me. Not like Harrison. I know that Rhys is nothing like him, that he'd do anything for me.

I can tell he's scared, that he wants to take things slow because of my past, because of his. We're two damaged people, and we've always been drawn to one another. He told me years ago that I was his. That he'd always look after me.

I want him to know that I'll always be there to look after him, too.

We reach my parents' home and Rhys carefully removes his hand from mine. I pout like a petulant child. He gives me a chiding look.

"Now's not the time to tell them," he grumbles as he rings the doorbell.

I roll my eyes and push the door open. This is my home, and Rhys is practically family too, we don't need to ring the freaking doorbell.

Just because I love the guy and know he's most likely my soulmate doesn't mean he doesn't annoy me sometimes. He gives me a look like he knows I'm acting like a little brat. I don't really care.

"We're here!" I call.

"Dinner's ready!" Mom calls back.

Rhys and I make our way to the dining room. Dad's setting out the side dishes as Mom brings in the roast. It's just Mom, Dad, me, Rhys, and Noah tonight.

Dad shakes Rhys' hand. "How was New York?"

"Eventful," Rhys smirks as he pulls out my chair. I offer him a look of thanks before sitting. I swear my lips are still tingling from where he kissed me not even a half hour ago.

Right before he told me he loves me.

You'd never know it now, looking at Rhys, acting all cool and collected.

Mom and Dad sit together at the head of the table. Noah storms in, looking disheveled.

"Just in time," Mom grins. "Last one in has to do the dishes."

Noah gives her a look before kissing her cheek.

"Yeah, yeah," Noah grumbles, falling into his chair.

"Fighting with Sabrina?" Mom quips. "Again?"

Noah frowns, shaking his head a bit.

"Wine?" Rhys asks me.

"Please," I mutter, offering my glass.

"That girl is nothing but a social climber. I don't like her," Mom huffs.

"You sound like Grandma Helen," Noah mutters.

"How dare you?" Mom gasps.

I giggle a bit as I take a gulp of my wine.