IfeltterriblethatIhadn’t eased Eden into the idea of meeting my parents, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how adorable she was, worrying about whether they’d like her, afraid they might think she was rude. Though I had only told them a little bit about her, they’d heard much more from my brothers and my nephew.
After game night, Carter practically worshipped the ground Eden walked on, so he’d shared plenty.
But she was the first woman Iwantedto introduce to my parents, the first woman I felt this strongly about. They’d adore her, and I wanted her to experience even a fraction of the love and support I’d grown up with.
She deserved all that and more.
While our lazy Sundays together were my favorite day of the week, Monday afternoons were a close second because Eden always stopped in to hang out with me and Carter after school. They’d trade book recommendations or draw together or play rummy, which was another one of those games where Eden remained utterly undefeated.
For the first time in my life, I was thinking about the future—building a life with someone else, marriage, maybe having kids of my own. I wondered if Eden wanted those things, but her freakout over meeting my parents had put the brakes on any discussion of that nature with her.
Hell, I’d be happy with her in my future, whatever form that took.
Maverick, on the other hand, had zero qualms about bringing it up when he came to get Carter later in the week.
“So she spends more than half her nights at your place, and all of her time off—when are you gonna ask her to move in?”
“I told you what happened when I mentioned dinner with Mom and Dad,” I grumbled under my breath, wondering if there was any chance Carter wouldn’t overhear this conversation.
Maverick rolled his eyes. “Milo, we both saw how she bolted when she realized I knew you two hooked up. Why were you surprised she freaked over meeting the parents? You’re usually more observant than that.”
I didn’t like to admit Maverick was right, but I’d been wondering the same thing all afternoon. WhywasI surprised? Thatboldness I so enjoyed about Eden hid a soft, vulnerable center. Sometimes, it was so well hidden that I forgot about it.
“I screwed up,” I admitted, rubbing my forehead.
“You did, but fortunately, I think she’ll come around. You’re pulling a Mark, bro, falling hard and fast. My guess is Eden can see that, but if you think she’s the one, you need to be sure she’s on the same page.”
I sucked in a breath and nodded. “You’re right. I guess you’re not as stupid as Mark says you are.”
“I could take both of you at once, asshole,” Maverick muttered as he slapped the back of my head, but he grinned. “Get your shit sorted, Milo. Carter’s already calling her Aunt Eden.”
Aunt Eden.Christ, I liked the sound of that.
After Maverick and Carter left, I pondered just how to ascertain that The One was truly The One. And, more importantly, how to know whether The One felt you were also The One for them.
Just before closing time, Eden sent a text that made me grateful it was almost the end of the day.
Package arrived. Hope you’re ready for some fun tonight.
“Fuck me.”
After involuntarily whispering the words, I jerked my head up to make sure no one else was in the store. Fortunately, I was very much alone.
So, SO ready,I replied, tacking on the eyes emoji.
Eden, the little tease, went radio silent after that, but she strolled in just as I flipped the off switch on the neon OPENsign. Today’s outfit consisted of a black scoop-neck tee tucked into a patterned skirt that fell between her ankles and knees. A large tote bag was thrown over one shoulder, a sure sign she was planning to spend the night.
My gaze snagged on the shoes, which were much higher heels than she normally wore for work.
“Is it my lucky day?” I asked, locking the door. “I don’t think I’ve seen these shoes before.”
“It is, and you haven’t. They’re not terribly comfortable, but I decided they would suit the occasion. I changed before I came over here.”
Dropping my head, I kissed her hard and deep, then grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind me until we reached the back door of the shop. Eden laughed, but I forced myself to slow down so she didn’t break one of her pretty ankles tripping over those sexy heels.
I barely remembered the drive home. Before I could blink, we were inside the house, plastered together against the front door. Jiji meowed loudly at such blatant disrespect, so I tore myself away to give him a quick cuddle and a fresh bowl of food.
Eden and her bag disappeared into the bedroom.
