I cut her off. “No buts. I’d rather have you than membership at one particular gym.”
Her expression crumples, and then she’s kissing me. Our lips collide and I smash that space between us to smithereens. Heat curls through me, slow and sweet, like warm honey, but then I taste salt and pull back. Her cheeks are streaked with tears. Everything inside me stills. I yank her tight to my chest and cradle her head.
“I don’t want to be responsible for you losing your fight family,” she mutters, voice thick with emotion.
I press my lips to the top of her head. “Baby, you’re my family now. And I hope I’m yours too.” Although that doesn’t allay all of my guilt.
Gently, she disengages, then wipes her cheeks on the hem of her tank top. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” She visibly pulls herself together. “How about we get through the next few weeks and figure out what comes next after Nightshade?”
“Sounds perfect.” I intend to have her in my arms every night. “One other thing: no more secrets. From each other, or anyone else. Deal?”
“Deal.”
I grin. “So, want to come to dinner with my parents this week?”
She huffs a laugh. “Go big or go home, right?”
Devon
We’re due at my parent’s place soon and I’ve spent the past twenty minutes trying to soothe Harley, who’s quietly freaking out. After her bravado a few days ago, she seems to have grown steadily more anxious.
“It’s not that big of a big deal,” I assure her. “They’ll love you.” Okay, it kinda is a big deal. I’ve never brought a girl home for dinner. But laying that out there isn’t going to make her feel better.
“Meeting the parents is always a big deal.” Her tone makes it clear this ought to be obvious, and I can’t help but wonder how many parents she’s met in her time. I assume she didn’t get to that stage with her ex-coach because surely she would have mentioned it, but how many boys came before? Was she a heartbreaker during high school? God, I wish I knew. I’m hungry for information about her. “What if I say the wrong thing? I sometimes blurt stupid stuff when I’m nervous.”
“You’ll be okay.” I smooth my hands down her arms and smile reassuringly. “My dad is super chill.”
She cocks a brow. “And your mom?”
“Less chill,” I admit. My arms encircle her waist, holding her close. I can’t seem to go for long without touching her. As soon as we’re alone, I’m all over her. She doesn’t seem to mind. Although she’s not the gushy type, she likes physical contact and being close to me.
“Hmm.”
My lips drift over her neck and she angles her head to give me better access, then I lift her off my lap and set her on her feet. “Time to go.”
“Hang on,” she says. “I need to change my outfit.”
I snort. “You’ll be fine. Mom is gonna love you.”
Harley could turn up in a sack and Mom would throw a party. It’s the first time I’ve come close to living life the way she’d like me to.
“No.” She digs in her heels. “At least let me put on lip gloss and a different shirt.”
I wait while she strides to my room, where she’s taken to storing some of her belongings, and returns a few moments later in a white blouse with a pink sheen over her lips.
She gives me a thumbs up. “Good to go.”
“Great.” I sling a jacket over my arm and escort her to the door, locking it behind us.
Soon after, we arrive at my parents’ place.
“Are you sure I won’t be intruding?” Harley asks as I knock, gnawing on her lower lip.
I ease my thumb across her mouth, forcing her to stop abusing the soft skin. “I’m certain.” Holding a hand up, I add, “And before you mention it, Mom will have plenty of food. She cooks enough to feed an army.” I’ve given her the heads up that I’ll be bringing a friend, but didn’t say who because I want the pleasure of seeing the shock and joy on her face when she realizes I’ve finally brought a woman home.
“Ah, her famous roast.”
I wink. “Exactly.”
