Page 96 of Only You

“We became good friends right away,” Jack announced. Then he swung his arm around her shoulders and gave her a tight squeeze.

Kayla was torn between wanting to lean into him and push him away. She’d asked him to hold off on the affection until she’d talked to her parents alone. Jack was going off script.

Sue eyed them curiously.

“More bread?” Tim asked, holding up a basket of breadsticks.

Kayla shook her head, though usually she was a huge fan of the breadbasket. Even though she was hungry, she had a tough time eating. Jack eyed her with concern, and then he shifted his gaze to her parents.

“Mr. and Mrs. Green, there’s something I have to say.”

Kayla twisted her head toward him so fast she might have gotten whiplash.

“It’s okay,” Jack assured her.

“What is it?” Sue prompted him.

“Originally, I asked Kayla to move in with me to make my parents believe we were a couple. I know it was wrong, and I understand why you would question my motives. However, a lot has changed since then, and now—”

“Maybe I will have a breadstick after all,” Kayla said, frantically interrupting him.

Tim offered her the breadbasket, but kept his gaze pinned on Jack.

“Go on,” Sue said.

Is this what a panic attack feels like? Kayla’s heart raced, and her palms were sweaty. Her sweater stuck to her back and made her skin itchy. She shoved a breadstick into her mouth, mostly as a distraction.

“Kayla asked me not to say anything, but I’m tired of lying, and you deserve to know the truth,” Jack continued.

The server had impeccable timing. “Are you ready to order now?”

“Yes!” Kayla shouted.

“No,” her parents said in unison.

“I’ll come back in a few more minutes.” The server hurried off.

Jack didn’t miss a beat. “The truth is, I’m in love with your daughter.”

Sue and Tim exchanged a look of surprise and confusion. Kayla felt lightheaded and gripped the edge of the table to steady herself.

“Is this true?” Sue implored Kayla.

Kayla slowly nodded.

“Do you feel the same way?” Tim asked her.

Kayla swallowed hard. Jack had thrown her into the deep end, and she had no choice but to swim out of it. “Yes, it’s true.”

Jack let out a big breath and gave her another side hug. This time, Kayla leaned into him, needing the support of his warm, strong body.

“Do your parents know about this?” Sue asked.

“Not yet, but I plan on telling them this weekend,” Jack stated.

This, Kayla knew. It was him telling her parents that was a surprise. Sue and Tim eased back in their seats, appearing more relaxed than before.

“I thought something like this might happen,” Sue said with a smile.