It felt wonderful as his strong arms wrapped around her and he held her tightly for a few moments. “Next time, you just walk around to the front gate, ring the bell, and come right on in when Auntie or Trevon answers the call. You’re always welcome there.” He squeezed her a little tighter. “Or, better yet, I’ll take you there this week. Formally introduce you to the group.”
Samantha hoped Kendrick couldn’t feel the tension in her body. While it sounded great—to visit the nursery as her true self—it would be too risky! He hadn’t been around Tonya enough tocatch that it was her. But the other Littles? And Auntie? They’d probably spot the truth immediately.
She’d have to worry about that later. Right now, she was in the arms of and on a date with the sexiest man to ever live. Why ruin it? Even if it proved to be their first and only time.
“I’d love that.” She hoped it sounded authentic. Again, it wasn’t technically a lie. Samantha would love nothing more than to play at Auntie’s!
“All right. Let’s go. I bet you’re hungry.” He held her hand as he led her to his truck, sending shockwaves of excitement throughout her.
Seriously, Sam. Just enjoy the night. Enjoy Kendrick.
She smiled as she considered her own advice.
Who knew what the future held. But tonight was sure going to be fun.
All throughout the drive, she’d waited on Kendrick to ask her follow-up questions about her time spying on Auntie Athena’s.
That wouldn’t be any big deal. Having been there, she could easily bluff her way through it. The trick would be not to revealtoo muchinformation. One time spying wouldn’t give someone the details she had. And she’d already screwed up, leading to her need to create that lie in the first place. That tongue of hers was going to get her in trouble if she wasn’t careful.
Tonya is a lie! A huge one! You’ve created a whole person who doesn’t exist. Why are you worried about telling this guy you don’t even know a few falsehoods? Chill out.
She knew the answer to her own question, though.
Things were different with Kendrick.
“Okay, where do you want to eat?”
“I’m fine with anything.” She kept her gaze aimed out the passenger window, watching L.A. zip by. Traffic wasn’t too thick, thankfully.
“If you could go anywhere, what would you pick?”
Without hesitation she blurted out, “Musso and Frank’s!”
He laughed.
She shifted in her seat and looked at Kendrick. “What?”
“You’re the second Little I’ve talked to today about that place.”
Samantha had to force herself to appear as casual and neutral as possible. It was a struggle. Her eyes felt as if they wanted to bug out of her head!
There you go again. Another slip-up. You’re going to out yourself!
“Really? That’s crazy,” she said. “But it’s a popular place.” She forced a devilish smile onto her lips. “Did you ask another girl out there today or something?”
He took his eyes off the road just long enough to look at her with a smile of his own. “Hardly. It’s a long story.” He returned his gaze back to the street ahead of them. “This girl is kind of a brat.” He laughed. “Okay. She’s amajor brat! Have you ever seen Tonya at the nursery?”
Samantha felt as if she might vomit. Her right hand gripped the door handle tightly. It took her a moment to answer because she didn’t want to speak until she was confident she could keep her voice from quivering.
“Which one is she?”
“Trust me, you’d remember her if you saw her. Bleached-blonde hair. I’m not trying to be gross, but wears tight shirts that sort of show off how big her boobs are. Lots of makeup.”
“Hmm. Doesn’t seem familiar. But I’ve only lurked around the nursery a few times.” She sank lower in her chair. “That makes me sound kind of creepy, huh?”
“Don’t worry about it, honey. You’re not the only Little to do that.”
“Really?”
