(Brady)
Shit.
Shit!
There’s no universe where I’d ever choosethisintroduction.
Too bad the universe doesn’t give a flying shit and it’s made the choice for me.
The worst part is, I’m the idiot who put the wheel in motion.
Originally, I intended for this to be an organic meetup, a way to introduce Lena and Mother, but not like this.
Not with my fake fiancée covered in mud, panic filling her eyes as she realizes exactly what’s going on.
One quick glance tells me she’s as thrown off as I am by the timing.
She’s also covered in muck, painting one side of her body.
To my relief, she manages a smile.
It’s the one she uses with her clients—professional and kind, designed to put people at ease.
It’s also the biggest guilt-kick to my balls in recorded history.
“Hi, Kerrigan. You, um, you caught me at a rough time.” Lena checks her hands before offering Mom the clean one. “Sorry for the mess. This isn’t how I normally do my mud treatments.”
Mom laughs. Surprisingly, she doesn’t hesitate as she squeezes Lena’s hand.
“I appreciate your humor. A pleasure. Especially when you’re accompanying my son to his favorite place in the world.”
Lena gives back a pained smile.
“Still. Sorry about the rough first impression,” Lena says weakly.
“Oh, no. Your grace would shame me if I was in your shoes, darling. It never was my strong suit, was it, Brady?” She leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek. “He’s the only one in this family brave enough to climb on a horse. Lord knows my father tried when I was a little girl, but one minute in and I’d be a crying fit.”
“Just Brady, huh? His father doesn’t ride?” Lena sounds genuinely curious.
“Ha! I think Alec would opt for a crowded water park rather than climb any creature that can’t read an investment portfolio.” Now, it’s Mom’s turn to laugh.
I’m officially gobsmacked.
This whole situation could’ve gone down a million times worse. I can finally breathe, rolling my shoulders.
Both women talk warmly, apparently determined to make the best first impression they can under the strange circumstances.
That’s one giant fucking disaster averted.
Wendy hands off the horses to a stable-hand.
“Why don’t you guys come inside the big house and clean up?” she offers. “We’ll get you decent again. Would you like some coffee, Kerrigan? We’ve got that stuff from Kona you always love.”
“You’re a dear, but I’ll take some mint tea, if you have it. I’m watching my caffeine.”
“Of course!”
I slide my hand through Lena’s. She grins as I wince at the mud coating her palm.
