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Friday came fast and so did the weight of what is actually happening. I'm going to meet Ashton's family for the first time. And I don't even have him here to keep me from freaking out.

Last night Ashton stayed at the hospital to complete as much work as possible before we leave for the weekend. But it's something I've gotten used to. I like staying with him, it feels natural like this was always supposed to happen. I know it sounds corny and cliche, but being with Ashton feels right.

When the time reaches 4:30pm, I pack everything for the weekend and double check to assure I have everything. Ashton assured me that he would be home by five so we could make it to his brother's house for dinner. In less than 4 hours I will be meeting Ashton's family. Exciting. And scary.

With my duffel bag packed, a fresh shower and clean clothes on, I flop onto the bed face first. I'm just about to doze off when I feel the sharp slap against my butt. I immediately turn around to find Ashton standing over me with a smile on his face. Before I can scold him, he pushes me back onto the bed and climbs on top of me.

"I've missed you," I whisper cupping his face and placing a soft kiss to his lips.

He hums and lays down on top if me, holding me in a tight embrace. "I've missed you too. Now let's get going. Are you ready?"

"What if your family doesn't like me?" I ask nervously, pulling away from him and sitting up onto my knees.

"They will love you," he tells me reassuringly.

"Ok."

With a final kiss to his stubbled jaw, I hop off the bed and pick up our packed bags. Ashton rolls his eyes and takes the bags out of my hands before grabbing my hand and leading me out the house.

I offer to drive and for once in his life Ashton doesn't object. I know Ashton is tired and when he pushes back the seat and falls asleep ten minutes into the ride it is confirmed. But somehow his fingers manage to stay laced with my free one, occasionally tracing my knuckles with his thumb. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to have Ashton Fate.

Three long hours pass with Ashton sleeping peacefully. I'm thankful for Ashton's unconsciousness, because when I arrive to address I need a moment to double check and then freak out. The mansion in front of me was not at all what I was expecting and my stomach becomes twisted with knots. I shouldn't have worn jean shorts. I should've worn a dress or slacks or...what the hell?

Resisting the urge to force Ashton awake and assure me that we are in the right place, I lean over the console and place a soft kiss to his neck then lips. When I feel his lips push agains mine, I smile and pull back looking into his gorgeous eyes. He groans and cups the nape of my neck, pulling me back into a kiss this time with a more tongue that I definitely don't mind.

"Hey baby," he whispers once he's pulled back.

"Hi. So the mansion?" I question.

He just groans and sits up in his chair, glancing out the window to the mansion then opening his door and stepping out. So we are at the right place.

My pulse hammers in my throat as my anxiety and nervousness picks up. The smirk on Ashton's face pisses me off as I get out of the car and follow him around to the trunk. "So you just weren't going to give me some type of warning about what I would be walking into?"

"What did you want me to say? 'Just a heads up my family is rich'?"

Asshole, he definitely knows I didn't mean it like that. Ignoring him, I take my bag out of the trunk and head for the door of the house with Ashton following close behind. Seems as if he didn't mention a few things, today is just full of surprises. I'm not mad, I just don't understand why he didn't tell me this. He knew what I was expecting, I talked about it. I wanted to know what I was walking into and somehow he still managed to work his way around a few pertinent details.

"So we're at the right place right?"

He nods and reaches for the door to knock, but I grab his hand and stop him.

"Is this something I should be prepared for in the future? A bunch of omissions?"

Ashton rolls his eyes and steps up to me cupping my face in his hands. Soft eyes penetrate mine, a deep emotion coming from them that tugs at my heart.

"Lana, I wasn't trying to keep this from you. I just didn't know how to...say it. My family is made up of successful athletes. Compared to them, I'm just—"

"My handsome boyfriend, who is an amazing neurosurgeon that saved my mother's life along with countless other's." I interrupt his stupid reasoning. "Plus you are retired vet and an addictive prescription that I can't get enough of. Ashton Fate you are magnificent. And I love you."

What the hell is wrong with this man? He's amazing, how could he not see that? Compared to his family, he's probably even better. In my book neurosurgeon beats football player or basketball player any day. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have Ashton Fate.

Before I can say another word, Ashton's lips fall onto mine in a very, very passionate kiss. I tug his bottom lip between my teeth before slipping my tongue past his lips. An animalistic growl leaves his mouth as he pulls my bag off my shoulder and drops it to the ground, pulling me closer.

Is it bad that I kind of want to jump him right here?

Definitely.

Summoning all the restraint possible, I step away from Ashton and pick my bag up. Now it's time to face the music and meet Ashton's family. Another deep breath and a soft tap to my ass from Ashton is all it takes for me to be ready.

I press the doorbell and lace my fingers through Ashton's. "I can't wait to hear the stories of Ashton Fate."

He groans and kisses my lips as the door opens by a beautiful woman with dark melanin skin and long straight hair that falls down her shoulders. The second her eye's land on Ashton she rushes into his arms and pulls him into a hug.

"Hi Mom."

When they pull back she turns to me and my heartbeat picks up. I barely get the greeting on the tip of my tongue out before she's pulling me into a tight embrace, that I try my best to reciprocate.

"It's so nice to finally meet you! I've heard so much about you!" I wish I could say the same. "Come in, come in."

Ashton takes my bag and follows us in as his mother drags me along to introduce me to the family, but before she can a loud bang is heard and Tye Boldman is rushing towards Ashton. He drops our bags and does the same, rushing up to Tye and meeting in a very rough embrace.

What the hell?

"The boys do this every time they see each other," Ashton's mom says taking my hand and beginning to guide me away again until my name is called by Ashton.

"Lana, Baby! Meet my brother Tye."

They approach us as Ashton's mom continues to hold onto my arm. I have a feeling she's trying to get me away from Ashton so she can grill me. I don't know if I'm prepared yet.

"Lana this is Tye. Tye this is Lana."

I reach for his hand, only to be puled into an unexpected hug. "Oh it's so great to meet No Name Lana."

Ashton clears his throat all while my throat closes. He told Tye about that night. When I glare at him, he picks up our bags then takes my arm and pulls me away from his Mom, towards the stairs.

"You told him," I grumble as Ashton pulls me up the stairs.

"Under my defense, I just had the best sex in my life with this wonderful woman that wouldn't give me her name."

I roll my eyes and continue up the stairs. "It's fine I may or may not have told your patients parents. "

"You told Magnolia and Ken."

"Under my defense, I don't have one."

I continue up the stairs with Ashton on my trail and when I look back I can tell it's going to be a while before I meet his family. Just the thought excites me. When Ashton notices that excitement he picks up his speed and quickly guides me to the bedroom.