“Don’t do it and the fence goes up Monday.”
There was a small pause. “And you don’t mention the tree or the cameras again.”
Her back teeth ground together. She didn’t want to agree.
“Guess I’ll—”
“Fine,” she groaned before straightening.
A cocky grin stretched Becket’s mouth, and it made her want to slug him. He slipped an arm around her waist and tugged her flush against him, making her side feel all tingly.
“Hi.” He stretched out a hand in the direction of her parents. “I’m Becket Hayes. And I’m dating your daughter.”
She swallowed the acid in her mouth.
For a moment, no one took his hand. In fact, everyone’s stillness was so awkward, she squirmed.
Eventually, her mother took his hand. “Um, hi. I’m Esther.”
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Her mother nudged her father. “Roger. Shake his hand.”
He mumbled something under his breath before shaking Becket’s hand. “Roger. Skylar never mentioned she was dating anyone.”
“Skylar’s choice.” He looked down at her, warmth and maybe some humor in his eyes. “She tends to like her privacy. Don’t you, Peaches?”
She offered him a tight smile.
“Peaches?” Tony asked, a look of almost disgust on his face.
“It’s my nickname for her,” Becket answered before she could. “I used it once and she just loved it so much that it stuck.”
Good God.
“Sorry. I haven’t met you,” Becket said, holding a hand out to Tony.
“Tony.”
They shook hands, and Tony winced, presumably at Becket’s grip. He pulled his hand back and scowled before muttering, “I’m getting a drink.”
Mission accomplished.
“Did I just see you two fighting at the bar?” her mother asked suspiciously. “And at The Tea House last week. You two were arguing at the counter.”
“That’s what we do,” Becket said. “We argue, but we always make up when she realizes who’s right.”
Too close. He was too freaking close.
She tried to shove a bit of space between them with her elbow, but he just hauled her closer, his arm like steel.
“Yes, honey,” she said to Becket through gritted teeth. “Idorealize who’s right. And it always comes as a surprise toyou.”
“I’m not sure that’s accurate.”
“I am.” She smiled at her parents.
Her father just glared at them, while her mother’s frown deepened.
