“See what I mean?” she said to her parents, then turned to Mack. “‘Damp squib’? What the hell are you talking about? And don’t even try fobbing me off. I know words too, you supercilious rapscallion.”
Mack’s eyes shone. “You should have used those earlier.”
Losing had been such a treat though, especially since she’d had to obey Mack for a solid hour. And hadn’t that been a mass of orgasms she’d never forget.
He winked at her, and she blushed.
Her parents exchanged smiles, and her mom asked the big question, “What does Jed think? Because he’s the real bar you need to pass.”
“He tolerates me, I think.” Mack sighed. “But it’s his wife I’m after.”
“Mack.” Cass would warn him later not to make statements like that in Jed’s company if he wanted to keep his face in one piece.
“What? Her pot roast was killer good. I mean, I’m still thinking about it five days later. It was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I can’t help it. I like food.”
Her father just stared. “You had dinner with Shannon?”
“And Jed?” her mom added. “And survived?”
Cass chuckled. “Well, he plied the kids with liquor so they’d like him.”
“Don’t listen to her. It was kid beer—apple juice in cans.”
Her dad winked. “Smart man. Jed and Shannon are lovely. Their children are especially fun. Very smart.”
“Bordering on psychotic,” Cass muttered, which had Mack nearly choking on his wine.
Her dad frowned. “That’s not any kind of real diagnosis, and we don’t diagnose children anyway, Cassandra.”
“I hate it when you call me by my full name.”
“I know. That’s why I do it.”
She turned to Mack, who watched them all with such fascinated amusement. “Do you see what it was like growing up with them? It’s a wonder I’m normal.”
“Well, normal is relative,” Mack said with a large smile. “ButIlike you.”
Her parents died laughing.
And the night got better from there.
By the time they returned to her house, Mack was still laughing over a pun her mother had made. He really did love words.
“God, Cass. I think I’m in love with your mom.” He stumbled over the doorjamb.
She shut and locked the door behind him, hearing the kittens meow as they entered. Since Mack hadn’t wanted to leave them alone, he’d brought them to Cass’s house. They raced to her, and she lifted one up while Mack lifted the other one, kissing it on the nose.
Warm fuzzies took up space in her brain, and she watched a man she was coming to care for, very much, as he cradled a vulnerable kitty with so much care and attention.
Oh wow. I could really grow to love this guy.
Love. Seriously? She kept spinning head over heels with jumbled affection and confusion because Cass didn’t fall fast in love. Heck, she rarely felt instantlikefor anyone.
Yet with Mack, she feared she’d started falling and had no inkling how to stop before she hit rock bottom. And then what?
She set the cat down and drawled, “First Shannon, now my mom. If I make you something that tastes good, will you be in love with me too?”
He grabbed her sweater and yanked her close, the kitten in one hand, her in another.
