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“Would you like to join us?” Mom offers.
“Mom!” I scold. “I told you Merrick is spending the evening with his brothers.” It was a lie. I had no idea what his plans were for the night, but thankfully, I was spot on. I know how close the entire family is, so it wasn’t a far-fetched guess on my part.
Merrick studies me for several long heartbeats before he turns and smiles at my mom. “She’s right. I’m having dinner with my brothers, but let Court know when and I’ll be there.” He gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, letting me know he’s picking up on the tension I’m feeling. Oddly, it relaxes me.
“Oh, yes, of course.” Mom glances over her shoulder at the table where his brothers are laughing and cutting up. I do the same and see one of them looking our way. Maverick Kincaid, Merrick’s twin brother.
It’s easy to tell them apart. For one, Maverick is wearing his wedding ring. Two, Merrick stopped and talked to me, and three—well, three is a little harder to explain. I just know Merrick is the one standing next to me. It’s like there’s this tether of a connection between us since he agreed to bail me out.
Maverick’s eyes find mine, and he waves, with a smirk tugging at his lips. I do the same before peering up at Merrick. I mouth, “Thank you,” and he gives me a subtle nod. “I’ll call you later?” I offer.
He smiles down at me. “You better.” For the second time tonight, he bends and kisses my cheek. His hot breath against my skin affects me in ways it shouldn’t. I find myself squirming in my seat as he says goodbye to my mother and walks away.
“He’s so handsome,” Mom coos. She starts to look over her shoulder, but I stop her.
“Mom,” I hiss.
“What?” She shrugs.
“It’s new. Don’t be weird.” I widen my eyes at her, giving her a warning look to chill the hell out.
“So new that he’s willing to be your date to your sister's wedding three months from now?” She raises a curious brow, and I huff out a breath.
“Yes. It’s been a few months, and things are going well between us, but it’s still new.”
My mother nods as if she understands. I’m glad she does because I’m literally spouting off random shit to get her to leave this topic of conversation behind us and to keep her from staring at Merrick and his brothers all night.
Even though I just scolded her, my eyes have a mind of their own as they quickly scan to the table of men. Merrick is laughing and smiling as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. He must feel my gaze because his eyes meet mine, and I swear I see something in them soften. He winks and turns back to his brothers.
How is this my life?
Shaking out of my stupor, our pizza arrives, and I force myself to enjoy this dinner with my mother and take the reprieve she’s offered. I can see the questions in her eyes, and it’s killing her not to ask, but she’s sticking to her word and letting me have the night off from her inquisition. I’m grateful.
“I’m stuffed,” I say, pushing my plate back from me.
“You and me both,” Mom says, wiping her mouth and doing the same. “That hit the spot.”
“Dad’s going to be pumped when he gets home to see these leftovers.” I laugh. Hawaiian pizza was a staple in our house growing up. All four of us love it—it’s our favorite.
“You sure you don’t want them?” she asks.
“Nah, let Dad indulge.”
“You know he will.” She smiles softly. I can see the love in her eyes to this day when she talks about my father.
I know she wants that for me. She’s thrilled Chloe has found that kind of love with Rodney, and me, the last one standing, she just wants me to find happiness. I understand, but the pressure is sometimes too much. Okay, most of the time it’s too much.
Mom and I say goodbye, and we stand to leave. I’m sliding out of the booth when I see a hand appear before me. I look up to see Merrick. “Hey.” I smile up at him. He’s sexy, and handsome, and hot as hell. I can’t manage more than a simple greeting to the man who’s saving my ass.
“Can I walk you to your car?” he offers.
“You don’t have to do that.” I glance over to the table where he was sitting.
“We’re done eating. Now, we’re just shooting the shit. Let me walk you to your car.”
“How sweet. I’m going to take care of the bill.” My mom hustles away like her ass is on fire. I know she thinks she’s giving us some alone time, and I have no doubt she’s going to be staring at us once she gets to the counter.
My shoulders fall as I place my hand in his and allow him to help me stand from the booth. “Thank you for tonight. I’m so sorry, Merrick. I had planned to call you to give you a chance to back out, and you still can. I know this is a lot,” I ramble, rushing to get the words out.
