Eyes narrowing, he turned to face the mirror, making a moue of dismay. “I should change.”
I wanted to insist he was fine. That Ma had seen him in nothing but my hoody and a pair of boxers this morning.
I didn’t though. Reid’s comfort was more important than proving my parents wouldn’t care. “If you like, sweetheart. I tell you what, why don’t I go down and let them know you’ll be a few minutes?”
Visible relief appeared on his face. “Are ye sure? Will they not mind waiting?”
“Not at all.” I smiled. “It’s not like we agreed on a time or anything. You take as long as ye need. Have another shower too, if you like. I know that always makes me feel more refreshed after sleeping.”
I went to leave, but Reid’s small hand wrapped around my wrist. “Thank you, Ev.”
I frowned down at him. “For what?”
He shrugged, biting his lip. “Just for being you, I guess. I appreciate it.”
My heart swelled in my chest as I thumbed his lip from between his teeth. I didn’t question my instincts, just lowered my head and kissed him lightly. “Well, that’s one thing you can always count on me to be.”
I was still riding the high of Reid’s words as I descended the stairs two at a time. “Hello, life givers!”
Ma and Pa shot out of the kitchen like bullets, both their faces falling when they spotted me. Ma full-on sulked. “Oh, it’s just you.”
“Aw, you have a new favourite already? Typical.” Igrabbed her by the waist and spun her around. “Always looking to replace me.”
I could barely contain my glee at the situation. Reid was in my home. About to have dinner with my parents. He’d just slept on my chest before letting me kiss him.
All of those things made me happier than the fact that we’d also had sex earlier. Don’t get me wrong, sex with Reid was wonderful. Transcendent, really. But it didn’t make me as happy as having him in my space, knowing he was giving us a chance.
“Put me down, ye numpty,” Ma scolded, whacking me on the back. “I spent ages doing my hair.”
I returned her to her feet, warmth filling me at the sight of her carefully pinned curls. “And ye look beautiful, Ma.”
“She always does,” Pa said, putting his arm around her and kissing her cheek in a move I’d seen a million times growing up. He’d also made an effort, swapping out his usual flannel shirt for a crisp blue one and even attempting to tame his unruly locks. “My mate is always perfect.”
Ma winked at me. “He didn’t say that earlier when I burned the first beef Wellington and made him go back to the butcher’s for another fillet.”
My mouth immediately started to water as I trailed after her into the kitchen. Ma’s beef Wellington was legendary, even outside the clan. It wasn’t the English version; it was far superior. Instead of using pâté, Ma wrapped the meat in haggis and black pudding. “Oh my god, you’re pulling out all the stops to win him over.”
“Can ye blame me? First time my son brings someone home, and he expects me not to make an effort? Yer lucky I didn’t roll out a red carpet and bully Hamish and Brodie into playing the part of waiters.”
I snorted, leaning against the side. “God, could ye imagine?They’d bitch so much you’d need to tape their mouths up.”
“I have plenty of duct tape.” Ma peered into the oven. “It’s cooked to perfection, but if Reid isn’t ready, it’ll happily sit for a bit.”
“He won’t be long,” I assured her. “He just wanted to make himself presentable.”
Lines appeared on Ma’s smooth forehead as she frowned. “He didn’t need to worry about that. We’re just happy he’s here.”
I raised a brow, gesturing at Pa as he stepped into the kitchen. “I’ll point out that neither of ye usually look this polished.”
Ma tutted as she checked the potatoes. “That’s different. We need to impress the lad.”
“And ye think he doesn’t need to impress ye?”
“Course he doesn’t.” Ma looked genuinely perplexed. “Why would he need to?”
Above my head, I heard the floorboards creak as Reid made his way towards the stairs. I dropped my voice low. “Reid grew up being made to feel inferior to shifters.”
Pa stiffened. “We know, Son. But we’d never make him feel like that.”
