“It’s my home,” I reply. Should I have given her more of a warning?
“Home? It looks like something off Bridgerton!” She gasps, her eyes bouncing from the house to the land surrounding it. “No wonder your dad never wants to leave.”
“Nah, he's just a miserable old bastard thatlikes his home comforts.”
“Well, this is definitely more than comfortable. I feel underdressed,” she fidgets with the hem of her skirt.
“You look perfect, Fal. I promise.” And she does. She could be in a sack and still look perfect to me.
We pull up at the front door, and I hand my keys over to the parking assistant my parents hired. I have to admit, it is a little overkill, but it's just how my mother likes it. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, is her motto.
Taking her hand in mine, I notice the slight clamminess as her fingers squeeze mine.
“Hey, if you want to leave, just say the word and we're out of here,” I say. She stares up at me, her eyes bright as she shakes her head.
“I’m just a little nervous. I have never been to something like this before. I would hate to embarrass you.”
Is she joking?
“Fallon, I don’t need any help in embarrassing myself. I do it often,” I laugh. “You will love it. Also, my parents are dying to see you, so I wouldn’t worry.”
“I do love them,” she says.
“Good, because they love you,” I reply just as my mother's voice comes barrelling towards us.
“You’re here!” She exclaims, avoiding me and rushing straight to Fallon, throwing herarms around her. “Oh, my darling girl, you look absolutely exquisite in that dress.”
Fallon's cheeks flush, but her smile is so bright that it makes my heart melt.
“You look lovely, too. Thank you so much for inviting me. Are you sure you don’t mind me staying over?”
“Do I mind? I haven’t thought of anything else all week. I am so excited that you're here. I have even booked us in for a spa morning tomorrow, just you and me,” my mum grins, linking her arms through Fal’s and stealing her away from me.
I can't help but laugh. It was only a few seconds earlier that she was worried about coming. Trust my mum to make her feel at ease so quickly. I'm starting to think she likes Fallon more than me. Not that I can blame her. Their heads are bent together as they make their plans for the following day, with me trailing along behind them.
Mum directs us straight to the gazebo, where the party is already in full swing. I make a mental note to show Fallon around the house later. I know her curiosity won't last the full evening. The room looks fantastic. My mother has really outdone herself this time. I'm quite sure she makes it her goal to do better each time she throws one of these events, and she always succeeds.
The room is dark but twinkling with warmfairy lights. The rest of the room is dressed in gold, and she has even managed to get sparkling chandeliers. All the men are dressed in various types of tuxedos, and the women in extravagant gowns. This is the type of thing I'm used to attending, but looking over at Fallon, I can tell this is a whole new scene for her.
She bends to whisper in my mother's ear, which causes her smile to widen immensely. From the proud shimmy of her shoulders, I know Fallon just complimented her skills.
A group of people come over to steal her attention, but she doesn’t let go of my girl. Walking closer, I take her other arm.
“Mother, I'm going to get Fallon a drink,” I state, dragging her away.
“Of course, enjoy your evening,” she beams, then continues to host.
“Wow, this is something else,” Fallon admits as we both take a glass of champagne from the passing waiter.
“That is my mother for you,” I smile. “Are you feeling better now we're in here?”
“Yes. But there is one thing that’s bothering me…” she admits, her eyes gleaming with mirth.
“Oh? And what would that be?”
“That my boyfriend looks incredibly sexy in his suit, and I am dying to rid him of it.”
The way she narrows her eyes and bites that fucking lip of hers sends blood rushing tomy dick.Down boy. There is a time and a place. Maybe that tour of the house would be better sooner rather than later. I wrap my free arm around her waist, pulling her close so I can whisper into her ear.
