AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She’s important to you.” I pulled her in tight. I’d met her grandmother a handful of times when she stopped by the office and through our recent FaceTime chats. “Do you have any reason to think she wouldn’t like our change in status?”
Hazel let out a huff. “I’m not pushing you to define what we are.”
“Okay,” I answered slowly, realizing there was more she wasn’t saying.
Her eyes darted to the window behind me. “But what do I tell her you are to me? She knows you’re not just my boss any longer.”
I slid my finger under her chin to tug her attention back to me. “What do you want it to be?”
She groaned. “You’re not leaving this up to me. I know what I’d be okay with and I’m not pushing you to agree to what I want.”
“Since when do I let anyone push me around, Sunshine?”
She rolled her eyes.
“Why don’t you tell her I’m your boyfriend?” It was strange to hear the unfamiliar word fall from my tongue. I waited for the instant sense of disgust or boredom that usually came with this conversation. When neither appeared, I grinned at Hazel. “Does that work?”
She smiled and it lit up the dark corners of my soul, making me hope for better things in the future. For her. For us.
“Unless you’re not ready for me to meet her in this new capacity?” A twinge of disappointment stabbed my stomach. I’d never cared to be introduced to someone’s family members unless it was a business arrangement. I brushed the back of my hand across Hazel’s face. “I can wait for you in the car and we can do this another time.”
She grabbed my hand. “No, I want you to see her. I’m just nervous.”
“About what, Sunshine?”
“I want you two to like each other.” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Everything will be fine.” I squeezed her hand. “Everyone loves me.”
She laughed and batted at my chest. “Or they’re too afraid to tell you otherwise.”
“You’re not.”
“No, but I know you’re all bluster. Inside this hard candy shell is a soft and squishy marshmallow.” She lifted her face for a kiss and I was all too ready to accommodate her request. I’d meant it to be a light peck but the moment my lips met hers that intention went out the window. I anchored my arm around her waist. My mouth pressed tightly to hers.
I’d been contemplating shoving her up against the nearest wall when someone cleared their throat behind us. “Sorry to interrupt but we need the two of you to sign in please.”
Hazel’s eyes slowly blinked back into focus, her cheeks my favorite shade of pink.
Recovering a touch faster I turned toward the voice. An older female sat at a desk off to our right regarding us with a bemused expression. “Of course,” I replied and placed my palm on Hazel’s back to guide her forward.
“So sorry, Mrs. James.” Hazel murmured as we got closer. She picked up the pen to write our names, avoiding the older woman’s eyes.
I grinned, having absolutely no remorse. I liked being able to kiss Hazel when and where I wanted. “Mrs. James.” I inclined my head in greeting.
“License please, hot stuff.” She winked.
I got my wallet out from my back pocket and handed over the piece of plastic.
“Thirty-eight, almost thirty-nine. I’ve always had a soft spot for younger men.”
“Mrs. James,” Hazel gasped.
The older woman cackled and slapped her hand on the desk clearly having fun.
I winked back at her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You two have fun visiting Amie. I believe I saw her headed in the direction of the craft room.” Mrs. James waved us on our way as another family entered the facility.
