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I almost choke on my own salvia. “Mom, it’s not like that!” I whisper.
I check over my shoulder toward the cracked doorway. I stand up from SJ’s bed and shuffle my way over to softly close the door. The last thing I need is for SJ to overhear my mother accuse me of having feelings for him. God, that would be embarrassing.
I’ve already had enough of that today. I stood in the dressing room of that store today, looking at myself in the mirror, and I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.
I lost all courage to march out of there with my head held high and buy the two pieces of lingerie that I looked pretty damn sexy in. I couldn’t fathom facing SJ with him knowing exactly what I just bought. I turn pink all over again just thinking about it.
Which pisses me off. I own my sexuality, and I’m comfortable in my skin. I would’ve never thought twice about buying something that made me feel good in the past, but that wasn’t what stopped me. It was the fact that he knew and I both knew that I wanted to buy it for him.
The heated look he gave me right before I stepped into the dressing room was enough to have my knees knocking and my heart racing. It made me second guess everything. Why would he look at me like that if I’m just a client to him?
None of it makes sense, and I’m giving myself a migraine trying to figure it all out.
“We aren’t even friends, really. It’s strictly a professional relationship, mom.”
She laughs at my answer. “Oh, really? I’ll be the judge of that when I get to lay my eyes on the two of you together.”
I groan again, feeling like I’m back in high school, denying that I don’t have a crush on a boy. What has my life come to?
“I swear it’s not like that, and please don’t embarrass me. He doesn’t see me like that,” I plead.
“Why in the world would he not? You’re gorgeous and talented. Sweet, funny, and loving,” she sooths, like she can’t believe that he wouldn’t be attracted to me.
I love that she has so much confidence in me, but I also hate it because she’s wrong.
“He’s a stand-up guy who takes his job seriously. I’m his job, and he’s made that very clear.”
She huffs. “Well then, maybe SJ isn’t as smart as I thought he was. That’s his loss because you are freaking wonderful, honey, and you would make a brilliant partner for someone.”
I smile, but it feels forced, and a little broken. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime, sweet girl. I never want you to forget how special you are. Inside and out. Listen, I need to go. Your father and I can’t wait to see you. Kisses.”
“I love you. Kisses. See you soon,” I say.
“Love you too, honey,” she says right before she disconnects the call.
I put the phone down on the bed and fall back into the cushioned mattress. My head hits the pillow. I spin the ring on my finger, anxiously worrying about what my mother will say when she meets SJ, and how SJ will react to it.
Chapter 29
SJ
Walter and Marie Reyes are pulling into my parents’ driveway, and I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous.
It feels like I’m about to meet my girlfriend’s parents for the first time, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nora has been quiet since Sunday and the shopping trip. I can’t seem to stop myself from imagining her in those sexy one pieces. I can’t think about anything else.
It’s fucking frustrating.
I open the front door, taking the steps two at a time to meet them in the driveway. I can feel Nora following close behind me. I know she’s excited and happy to see them, and I’m glad we could make this happen for her.
There were some minor logistics to think about, for their safety and Nora’s, but it was nothing the security firm can’t handle. Considering they’re right on time, I assume that means our plan went smoothly.
I quickly scan the street and don’t see anything out of the ordinary. “Ohhh,” Nora sounds from behind me. I quickly turn, instantly on alert. Does she see something I don’t?
“Wha…” I start to say before I realize she lost her footing on the last step and is about to fall despite her best efforts to recover her balance. My hand shoots out and grabs her forearm, pulling her into my chest.
“Hrmmph.” She grunts as she lands against me.
