Mom shook her head. “I’m not convinced.”
“It’s the truth.” He raised his shoulders and let them fall. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“If you say so.”
He checked his watch. “I hate to cut this short, but I have to go.”
“Date with Deena?” Although he could tell she tried to mask her displeasure, it came through loud and clear.
“Yes. We’re going to a small restaurant up in the mountains.”
“Sounds lovely. Enjoy.”
“Thanks.” He stood and kissed his mom’s cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Running late, he rushed out the door and to his truck minutes later. He pulled into the driveway of the luxury cabin three minutes past their meeting time. He quirked a brow when he saw a limo sitting in the driveway. What did she have planned?
He smoothed his shirt and suit coat before taking hold of the bouquet of red roses. His strides were long but slow as he strolled toward the cabin. Gage no longer met him at the door. Mac assumed he’d gained a measure of trust, which bolstered his ego.
Deena greeted him, dressed in a satin emerald gown. Her eyes canvassed his appearance. “It’s not Armani, but it will do.”
“Pardon me?” His chest constricted at the condescending remark.
She patted his arm and batted her eyes. “I’m joking. You could pull off a five-dollar Cal-Mart shirt.”
Several are hanging in my closet. He swallowed his pride. Maybe he was overreacting. “You’re beautiful. Green is a perfect color for you.”
“Thank you.”
He handed her the dozen roses. “I thought of you when I saw these.”
“How sweet.” She turned her head and called over her shoulder, “Come get these, Lynz, and put them in a vase for me.”
Her response was underwhelming. Or had his mom gotten into his head and made him doubt her? He held out an arm. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” She wrapped her arm around his and leaned in close. “I took the liberty of renting a limo for the night.”
“I’d prefer to drive.” He kept his shoulders squared, not wishing to clue her in to his increasing unease.
“Don’t be silly.” Deena giggled. “That’s why I have a driver.”
“But I’m takingyouout. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer to drive my dates to our destination.”
Confusion lifted Deena’s brows. “I can’t have you drive the limo and look like my chauffeur.”
“What’s wrong with my truck?”
She stuttered. “It’s comfortable and all, but not it’s appropriate for an elegant evening out.”
He laughed, realizing she ‘d made a joke. “Good one.”
“What do you mean?” She angled her head and looked at him through squinted eyes.
“You’re joking again, right?”
Her eyes opened wide, and her mouth formed anO. “No. It’s nothing against your truck, but I have standards I’m expected to keep.”
His cheeks burned as though she’d slapped him.Walk away now. He didn’t listen to the voice in his head. “We’ll take the limo. This time.”
