Emily links her arm through Molly’s, pulling her away from all of us. I want to follow her. I almost do, but Samantha steps in front of me, blocking my path.

“Are you really leaving tonight? I was hoping we could catch up. You know Daddy heard about your new solar thing.” Asher looks so uncomfortable with how close she is to him.

“Solar thing.” I bark a laugh. Solar thing is putting it lightly when it comes to the plans Asher and I have been making.

Courtney puffs out her bottom lip in a pout. It does nothing, but I can’t help but picture Emily on her knees in front of me peering up through her lashes with a pout on her lips waiting to please me. Fuck me. My balls start to ache.

“I’m seeing someone,” Asher blurts out. Well, shit. He’s putting it right out there. I have no problem doing the same now that Emily is a full-grown adult. Asher is a very private person, where I might hire a plane to fly a banner over the city to let everyone know Emily Score is now off the market. We all have our own tactics, I suppose.

“Seeing someone?” Courtney’s overdone bottom lip puffs out even more, which I didn’t think was possible. I much prefer the natural puffiness I gave to Emily’s mouth this morning. I glance around the room, trying to find my girl in her bright pink dress that makes her stand out. The heels help. Also me being 6’5”, I can see over everyone without trying.

“Yes, I’m seeing someone. I won’t be catching up with anyone.” Asher tries to be stern, but he sounds a bit flustered.

I think he’s lost sight of Molly in the crowd. I could point her out for him, but what would be the fun in that? Asher has spent his life avoiding women and at times being a bit rude. This is some karma coming for him. He only gets to use that mama excuse for so long.

“Who?” Courtney pushes, wanting more information. She either wants to spread the gossip or try to go after the girl. That’s how these two work. Too bad for her the woman in question is about to be a Score and not because her mother married one.

“Yeah, who?” both sisters ask. Samantha tries to inch closer to me. I back up so far I hit the damn bar, not wanting even her clothing to touch me.

“You don’t know her,” Asher says dismissively.

“An outsider.” Courtney’s face falls. “Seriously, Ash? I thought—”

“I have no idea what you thought, but if it has anything to do with me and you being involved, you thought wrong. If you’ll excuse me.” Asher steps around her, leaving me to fend for myself which I’m sure he finds funny. I suppose I had it coming.