I pulled it out, noticing I had several missed messages. A few were from Kelsey, sent just before I arrived, warning me about the unexpected guest and assuring me she had nothing to do with it.
The others were from Alaric, telling me to let him know when I was leaving. My fingers moved quickly across the screen as I texted my response, telling Alaric I’d be there in twenty.
By the time I hit send, Grant had joined me in the foyer with my parents. He shook both my dad’s and my mom’s hands before turning to me. “Shall we?”
My mother watched the scene with a self-satisfied smile, seemingly unaware of how angry I was. She honestly thought she was doing me a favour.
Sickening.
I allowed Grant to lead me out the front door with his hand on the small of my back because I knew my mother would cause a stink if I were “rude” to him, but the moment the door closed behind us, I stepped away from his touch.
“Look, Grant, I’m not interested,” I told him bluntly as we walked down the stone pathway to the driveway. I hadn’t noticed the additional car parked beside Kelsey’s SUV when I pulled up.
“I’ve gathered as much,” he admitted with a laugh, the corners of his eyes creasing with amusement. “Coldest reception I’ve gotten in a while.”
“I am sorry about that.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “I didn’t know you’d be here, and there’s something extremely infuriating about parents playing matchmaker.”
“Yeah, I guess they kind of blindsided you with it.” He chuckled, shaking his head. We paused when we came to my car, and he tilted his head at me. “So, is itjustbecause your parents set this up?”
“No.” I bit my lip, looking at my parents’ house. “I’m seeing someone.”
“Is it serious?” Grant asked.
“I don’t see why it’s any of your business,” I snapped, aggravated.
“Because if it’s not serious, then there’s still a chance,” Grant replied, smiling.
“It’s serious,” I replied as he opened my car door.
“We’ll see,” he retorted, holding the door open. He flashed me a grin that suggested he was up for the challenge. It had zero effect on me.
“If that’s what you wish to delude yourself into thinking, be my guest.” I sighed with exasperation, slipping inside my vehicle. Alaric was unshakable, I already knew that.
Grant chuckled and closed the door. Shoving my key in the ignition, I twisted it and backed out, my eyes focused on my rearview mirror.
Light poured from Alaric’s garage when I pulled into his driveway. I could see his broad back and muscular forearm as he wiped down his workbench, cleaning it.
I stepped from my car, closing the door lightly. Tig stood up from his spot in the corner of the garage, letting out a warning bark as he ambled over.
“Hi, Tig,” I said, leaning forward to pet his fluffy face. When I straightened, Alaric was standing in the doorway of the garage with his arms crossed and a panty-melting smile on his kissable lips.
“How was dinner?”
“An actual disaster,” I moaned, my shoes crunching against the gravel as I walked up to him. His hand pressed against the small of my back as he dragged me toward him, causing my body to spark with awareness. Desire pooled low and hot in my belly as he kissed me.
His touch quickly made me forget about Grant, about my parents, and everything else for that matter. My hands clenched at the material of his waffle shirt, and I let out another sigh when his lips left mine a moment later.
“Come on, it couldn’t have been that bad.” He chuckled.
Pulling away from him, I walked over to look at the coffee table he’d just finished making. “It was,” I said, running my hand along the smooth plank of wood, held in place with intricate black metal bars and studs. I was in awe of his talent; of him. It stung, this realization that I’d gone and fallen for him. I was scared and trying desperately not to act like it. I didn’t want to lose him by admitting what I felt, but I couldn’t do it anymore. I’d wantedhimin that chair tonight.
I was tired of wondering, tired of replaying every touch and wondering if they meant as much as they felt like they did. I had him, but not completely, and I needed to know if there was hope.
“Grant Hernandez was there.” I don’t know why I brought his name up. I told myself I wasn’t interested in playing games, and I wasn’t, but it’d get back to him sooner or later, anyway.
“The engineer?” Alaric questioned, recognizing the name. His frown deepened. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I have a feeling it was my mom’s idea. My dad probably told her that Grant asked me out the other day—”
