“How soon?” I ask.
Her gaze roams lovingly over my face. “I’ll stay here during the winter and summer breaks. Once I’m done with my studies, I’ll move in. Okay?”
My impatient ass has no choice but to accept it. “So I’ll have you for the entire winter and summer breaks?”
She nods and presses a tender kiss to my mouth.
I’ll have her all to myself for ten weeks. Give or take a couple of days. The thought fills me with a calmness only Hana can give me.
Chapter 20
HANA
Tristan’s parents invited us for an impromptu barbeque, so I’m taking extra care with my appearance.
Even though I’ve socialized with them before, today is different. I’m now their youngest son’s girlfriend.
I’ve decided to wear a modest white summer dress and sandals.
I’m busy looking at my reflection when Tristan comes up behind me. He wraps his fingers around the side of my neck and nudging my head back, his teeth scrape over my pulse before his lips soothe the sting. “You look stunning.”
Turning in his arms, I ask, “Your parents know we’re dating, right?”
“Dating.” He shakes his head, his eyes sharpening on me. “What we have isn’t just dating. It’s so much more.”
His words fill me with warmth. “It’s everything,” I murmur. I press a kiss to his jaw, then repeat my question, “Did you tell them?”
He nods. “I told my mom, and she probably told everyone else.”
“Do you know who else will be at the barbeque?”
“Danny, Christopher, and probably Dash.” Tristan pulls away from me, and taking my hand, he links our fingers with a firm grip. “We better get going.”
I love how he always has to touch me in some way.
As we leave the penthouse and step into the elevator, my gaze drifts over Tristan. He looks edible in the black chinos and dark gray button-up shirt. With my free hand, I brush a finger over the veins on his forearm. “I love you in black.”
He lets out a chuckle as we walk out of the elevator. Climbing in the car, I pull on my seat belt, and as soon as Tristan drives us out of the underground parking, I place my hand on his thigh.
“I’m going to take two weeks off when your summer break starts,” he says as he focuses on the road ahead. “Is there anything you want to do?”
Excitement flows through me, and I smile wide. “Even though it’s still a while away, it’s the best news. We can do anything as long as I get to be with you.” Remembering what he said when we went on our first date, I mention, “We could go to Iceland? I’ve never been there.”
“I’ll make the arrangements. You’ll love it.” He shoots me a sexy grin. “I’ll be working through your winter break, though.”
“I understand,” I murmur. Summer break can’t come soon enough now that I know we’ll be going away together. “I can’t wait for our first vacation together.”
“First of many,” Tristan adds, his eyes flicking to me with a possessive look heating up his features. It makes tingles spread through my body.
When he pulls into the driveway of his parents' mansion, my stomach instantly begins to knot. Tristan comes to open the door for me, and I place my hand in his as I get out of the vehicle. With our fingers linked, we walk to the front door.
It opens before we reach it, and Mrs. Hayes gives us a welcoming smile. “Hana must be a good influence on you, seeing as you’re on time for once,” she teases before kissing Tristan’s cheek.
“I’m just in a hurry to show her off to you all,” he replies.
“It’s good to see you again,” I say as Mrs. Hayes leans in to kiss my cheek. Smelling her soft perfume, I say, “You smell amazing.”
“A gift from my husband,” she murmurs, her eyes warm.
We follow her into the house and out the back where Danny’s already sitting with Mr. Hayes.
Once we’ve greeted them, I take a seat next to Tristan. He instantly reaches for my hand and begins to brush his fingers over the back, sending goosebumps up my arm.
“How did Tristan manage to snatch you up, Hana?” Danny asks, a playful tone to her voice.
“With determination and a lot of hard work,” Tristan mutters, drawing chuckles from his family.
“You make such a beautiful couple,” Mrs. Hayes coos.
Mr. Hayes’ phone vibrates, then he says, “Christopher’s here.”
Mrs. Hayes gets up to open for him.
“How’s business?” Mr. Hayes asks Tristan.
“Good,” he replies, resting his left leg on his knee. He places my hand on his thigh before he continues to brush his fingers lightly over my skin. “Alexei and I have started bringing in shipments through Jinglin.”
Mr. Hayes nods, clearly impressed with his son’s achievements.
“How’s Alexei?” Mr. Hayes’ eyes sharpen on Tristan’s face.
“He’s doing well. Business is booming on his side.”
I watch Mr. Hayes, wondering how much he knows about Alexei.
“No matter what industry you’re in, there’s always money to be made,” Mr. Hayes mutters.
His gaze turns to me, and even though I should be nervous, I’m not. It must be because I’ve gotten used to Tristan’s intensity, and honestly, nothing beats Alexei’s dark eyes.
“How’s school, Hana?”
My lips curve up. “Good. I can’t wait for winter break to start, though.”
My reply draws a chuckle from him. “You better enjoy the breaks. Once you start working, all the vacations come to an end.”
Mrs. Hayes returns with Christopher and Dash beside her. We go through the greeting process, and once we’re seated again, Mr. Hayes turns his attention to them.
Turning my hand over and linking my fingers with Tristan’s, I enjoy watching his family interact.
TRISTAN
While the women are talking outside, Dad, Christopher, and I have drinks in the bar.
Dad takes a sip of his bourbon, and gesturing to the window, he asks, “How serious are things between Hana and you?”
My fingers caress the rim of the glass, and meeting my father’s eyes, I say, “As serious as it can get.”
Christopher lets out a chuckle. “Who would’ve thought you’d settle down before Danny and me?”
“When you meet the right person, it just happens,” Dad mentions.
I nod, agreeing with him, then I admit, “I love her.”
My family has never heard me say that about a woman before, and it makes Dad and Christopher stare at me with surprise.
“How does Lake feel about you dating his daughter?” Dad asks.
I shrug because it really doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. I’ll never give up Hana.
“Don’t fuck things up,” Dad warns.
My lips curve up. “I won’t.”
Dad takes another sip of his drink, then asks, “How are things really with the new company?”
Dad knows why I left Indie Ink and went out on my own. He’s not happy about it, but knowing he won’t change my mind, he’s backed off… for now. He’s keeping a close eye on the new company, though.