He cocked his head to the side and rolled his eyes. “Yes, you did.”
I reluctantly nodded. “Yeah, I did.”
“Why is it awkward? I thought you got along with her parents.”
“I did, but then I left and I broke Thea’s heart. She’s forgiven me, I hope, but her parents haven’t given me more than one-word answers since I first saw them this morning. And her mother found Thea’s clothes in the living room from last night, so that may have something to d—”
“I get it,” Joe said, wincing as he raised his hand. “My parents dropped in for a random visit the summer I met Caterina and caught us…off guard like that. Granted, my parents thought it was funny—”
“And were probably relieved you weren’t a hermit like they thought.”
He scowled at me then shrugged.
“Probably. But, if one of Caterina’s uncles had found us like that at the beginning, I would’ve had a broken nose and cracked jaw.”
“Her father did look like he wanted to slug me, but I don’t think it was because of that. I hurt Thea—a lot. It may take a while, but I’ll get them to trust me again. I’m not going anywhere, so they’ll eventually have no choice but to tolerate me.”
“That sure, already?” He quirked a brow.
“I was always that sure. I was just a little messed up for a bit and forgot. Trust me, Joe. I’m never losing her again.”
I pushed off the bar and headed to her table, sliding into the vacant seat next to Thea.
“When are you guys heading back?” I asked as I draped my arm over the back of Thea’s chair. I peered down to the end of the table where her parents were, neither of them rushing to answer me.
“Today,” Moira finally said. “Dad drove out here, and I’m driving back. They called me last night with the idea to surprise Thea.” She smiled around the rim of her glass. “But we got surprised instead, right little sister?”
Thea glowered at her sister as she leaned back in the chair.
I rested my chin on her shoulder. “Did they ground you, yet?” I whispered.
She laughed and elbowed my side before turning to kiss my cheek.
“If they did, it would be worth it,” she said, cupping my neck. I wished my original plan to stay naked and in bed with her all day had worked out.
I wanted her all to myself today, and for the rest of my life.
Our heads whipped toward the end of the table when her mother cleared her throat.
“Thea told us the restaurant at the hotel is opening soon. I know you’ve both been working on it all summer.”
I rubbed Thea’s shoulders and nodded, hoping that maybe since Mrs. Kelly spoke directly to me, the ice was breaking.
“I’ve only been working on the restaurant, but she’s been working on the entire hotel. Managing the budgets, keeping the timelines. She’s amazing.” I kissed her temple.
Her lips curled in a bashful smile as a blush stained her cheeks.
“I’m okay.” She shrugged with a laugh. “Dominic won’t only be managing, he’s part owner of The Beach Pub.”
When I glanced across the table, both of her parents eyed me with the same scrutinizing stare.
“Glad to see you’ve made a home here,” Mr. Kelly said. Something about his tone had me on edge.
His daughter was my home, but I had a feeling telling him that would fall on deaf and bitter ears.
“It’s a really nice area, Dad. That’s why my company is investing here. Great tourism opportunities and a good place to settle. With The Beach Pub so popular, I think the new restaurant may do even better.” She picked up my hand and slid her palm against mine.
“Hey guys,” Caterina breezed over to the table, looking between Thea and me with a furrowed brow. “I thought you were off today.”
