Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Aubree was on edge, especially after the whole fiasco with the Clements family. Meeting her boyfriend's family now felt like a hurdle she wasn't ready to jump over.

"Aubree, there's something different about you these days. Your performances have a depth to them. Someone's clearly had a big impact on you. If that someone is my son, he should count himself lucky. My wife has already warned him-he better not break any hearts, regardless of age. We all know Matt; he might come off as laid-back, but he's actually quite determined and has a mind of his own."

"But love is a two-way street. My wife and I want Matt to find his path, but we don't want him getting hurt. He's never been in a relationship, so I'm asking you, even if you decide he's not the one, let him down easy. If you accept him, you're always welcome in our family." Aubree couldn't find the words, her fingers tightly clutching her purse.

Say thank you?

That seemed too simple.

Matthew had rocked her world in a way she never thought possible. And Casey's words resonated deeply with her.

Casey wasn't looking for gratitude, brushing it off casually.

"That kid should be here any minute. You better go."

Aubree opened and closed her mouth before finally saying, "Mr. Casey, thank you."

Casey continued sipping his tea, nodding in acknowledgment.noveldrama

On the drive to the airport, Aubree's mind was a whirlwind.

As soon as she spotted Matthew with headphones draped around his neck, her heart skipped a beat.

Matthew's eyes lit up when he saw her, and he came over with a big grin.

"Aubree!"

His eyes sparkled as he hugged her and spun her around. "Did you miss me?"

Aubree, now a public figure, was in ё full disguise, cautious of any lurking paparazzi. She playfully tapped his shoulder, asking, "All sorted overseas?"

"It was complicated, but we managed. The launch is pushed to next month, though."

Hearing it was sorted, Aubree felt a wave of relief as Matthew took her hand and led them outside.

"Let's get out of here before the reporters catch on."

She nodded, and they made their way to the car.

Matthew, weary from his travels and the jet lag, naturally slid into the driver's seat. Aubree mentioned she had made dinner reservations.

"Could we just head to your place? I'm wiped out."

Just seeing her made him long for a restful sleep.

Aubree nodded, gently nudging him to the passenger seat. "I'll drive. You look exhausted."

Once they got to Aubree's place,

Matthew headed straight for the et

shower, then emerged and wrapped Aubree in his arms, falling asleep almost immediately.

Aubree, feeling sleepy herself, soon followed him into dreamland.

In the middle of the night, she tensed as a hand wandered across her chest. Startled, she opened her eyes relaxing when she realized it was him.

Lying next to Matthew always brought back memories of that night under the stars, the vast sky above, surrounded by the wilderness.

Any unease melted away, and she shifted, finding a more comfortable spot to continue her sleep.

Matthew's wandering hand was just a sleepy, instinctive gesture, typical of a man's midnight dreaming.