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“Dear, I think he knows her pretty well. He agreed easily enough. I’m sure this isn’t the first time for them,” her mom says.
“Nope,” Monroe chirps.
She thinks I made the offer to impress her parents. And while that might be true, it’s also who I am. She’s mine. We may be pretending, but in the eyes of the world and the law, she’s going to be my wife, and I’ll treat her accordingly. Just because I’ve never found a woman to become my world doesn’t mean I don’t know how to treat her and make her feel as though she is.
Our food is delivered, and the four of us eat and continue with the easy conversation. We talk about the shop, Monroe’s job, her parents’ cruise, and all the while, Monroe and I eat off each other's plates. It’s not something I’ve done before, but then again, I don’t date. I don’t mind sharing anything of mine with her. Monroe is one of those people who are easy as hell to be around and talk to. She’s gorgeous, smart, loyal, and well, she’s the total package. We’re pretending, but I’m one lucky son of a bitch to have her be mine. Any man would be, but I’m starting to see that there might not be a man who’s actually good enough for her. The more time we talk and spend together, my fondness for her grows. We’re a week into this thing, and I’m already struggling.
Not that I’ll ever tell her that. We made a deal, and I won’t go back on that.
I’m going to enjoy this time with her.
“You kids have fun. Be safe,” Monroe tells her parents as we’re standing outside on the sidewalk.
“Legend, thank you for dinner. You didn’t have to do that.” Her dad offers me his hand.
“It was my pleasure.”
“Are you coming home tonight?” Monroe’s mom asks.
“I’ll probably stay at Legend’s. We’re going to have lunch with his parents tomorrow,” she tells them. She steps out of my arms and hugs them both. “I love you.”
“You, too, sweetheart,” they say at the same time.
“Big weekend for the two of you as well.” Her mom smiles at us.
“Yeah, everyone has been really supportive. Not that it matters. We’re in this.” She turns to look at me over her shoulder, and I hold my arm out, inviting her into my embrace. She steps into me, wrapping her arms around me.
“Oh, Monroe, I have something for you. Come with me to the car.” Her mom motions toward their car that’s a few spots down, and Monroe releases me, following along behind her.
“She’s our entire world,” her dad says once they are out of earshot.
“Yes, sir.” I don’t really know how to reply to that. Maybe I should have said she was my entire world, too, but “yes, sir” was the best I could do.
“You’re quite a bit older than my daughter.”
Well, fuck.
I clear my throat. “Ten years.”
“Listen, Legend. I raised my daughter to be a strong, independent woman. I know how stubborn she can be when she sets her mind to something. I’d never tell her who she can and can’t date. Mostly because she’d never listen. I like you, but if you hurt her—” He doesn’t need to finish. The unspoken words are clear.
“Never.” The conviction is my tone is strong. “I’d never hurt her. We’ve known each other a long time, and it just kind of progressed.”
“Don’t play with my little girl's heart, Legend Raines.”
“No, sir. I would never. If anything, she’ll be the one to play with mine.” The words ring true, because I can’t stop thinking about her since the words first came out of her mouth a week ago tomorrow.
I’m standing stock still, waiting for his reply. What I’m not expecting is for him to toss his head back in laughter. We’re talking deep belly-rolling laughter. “That’s my girl,” he says, clamping a hand on my shoulder and nodding.
“You broke him,” Monroe says to her dad. “Why does my boyfriend look so freaked out?”
“Just guy talk, sweetheart. You kids be safe. Monroe, we’ll be in international waters, but we upgraded our cell plans. We’ll call when we can.”
“Love you.”
With another round of hugs, we wave them off, and I help her into the passenger seat of my truck.
“That went well.” She smiles over at me when I slide behind the wheel.
