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I cut the engine, letting the boat drift toward its spot.

“My parents.”

CHAPTER 9

MADDY

The look of pure dismay on Matthew’s face was amusing. So was the satisfied smirk on his father’s mouth. There was no doubt who he was. Matthew was a younger version of the man. He stood on the dock, one arm wrapped around his pretty wife, who was looking torn. Pleased, I thought, to see her son, but embarrassed by the ambush.

I glanced up at Matthew. “Payback for the cake?”

He grunted. “No doubt.”

“Well played,” I murmured.

“I should restart the engine and leave them on the dock. They’ll get tired of waiting,” he mused out loud.

I chuckled. “Stop it.” I lifted a hand to my hair. “Oh God, do I look like we spent the afternoon screwing on a boat?”

He shook his head. “You look like we were on the water and caught some sun. And beautiful.”

I blew out a sigh, wondering how much of that was true. I was about to meet his parents, and we’d had sex not long ago.

I was grateful we’d had a swim afterward. Otherwise, I might be the one driving the boat away.

His dad stepped closer. “Throw me the line, Matthew.”

“I ought to throw you in the water, Dad.”

His mom laughed, and his dad’s grin grew wider. “Your mom and I were out for a walk. Pure coincidence you showed up.”

Matthew tossed him the line and walked to the front of the boat, tying off that end tightly, muttering to himself. His dad winked at me and extended his hand. “Let me help you.”

I accepted his hand and jumped to the dock. He grinned at me. “I’m Richard. Matthew’s dad.”

Up close, the resemblance was uncanny. They shared the same hazel eyes, heavy brows, and sharp jaw. They were both tall and lean but muscled. Richard’s arms were as tightly corded as Matthew’s, his handshake firm and his broad shoulders straight. His hair was still fairly dark, but shot with silver and gray, the scruff on his chin the same blend of colors. His eyes were kind and his voice deep.

I smiled at him. “Nice to meet you. I’m Madison.”

He turned to his wife. “This is my Katy. Matthew’s mom.”

The way he introduced her made my heart melt a little. The love he soaked into those words and the use of “my Katy” was lovely.

She was warmth personified. She took my hand, smiling and shaking her head. “I didn’t know we were headed here until too late. I apologize for my husband.”

I had to laugh. Neither of them looked overly worried. Katy was small, with bright-blue eyes and a wide smile. It reminded me of Matthew’s. She spoke quietly but clearly.

And from the way her husband and son looked at her, she was adored.

Matthew jumped onto the dock, kissing his mom on the cheek. “Nice to see you.” He glanced at his dad. “What are you doing here?”

Richard laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “I told you, we were out for a walk.”

“Your neighborhood is that way.” Matthew pointed to the left.

Richard shrugged it off, not bothered by his words. “I felt like some chowder. You know I love Smithy’s place. Best chowder around.” The twinkle in his eye grew brighter. “Maybe you’d like to join us? On me, of course.”

Matthew groaned. “Not fair, Dad. You know I can’t resist Smithy’s chowder.”