“Yeah?” She arched an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” I peered down at her. “Thank you for coming. I, um, may have told my dad you’re my partner.”
“Your partner?”
“I know we haven’t talked about labels, but girlfriend just seemed… I don’t know. Wrong. Immature.”
She laughed. “Because we’re so mature.”
“No,” I huffed, tugging at my tie, feeling a bit hot under the collar. “But you know what I mean.”
“I do.” She slipped her hand in mine. “I’ve never been someone’s partner, but you make me want to be worthy of the title.”
I pressed my lips to hers, relief coursing through my veins. We’d come a long way from her rules. No lies. No feelings. Just sex.
I kept my forehead pressed against hers. “You already are.”
I swallowed down the guilt. She might be worthy of the title, but I wasn’t. Not when I was keeping secrets.
Tonight, I thought. Tonight, I would tell her about Mia and the baby.
“Hunter.” Mom’s voice sliced through the moment, reminding me of our surroundings.
I glanced up to find her watching me curiously. “Mother, I’d like you to meet Lauren. Lauren, this is my mom.”
My mom assessed her with the eye of an appraiser as she held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I was just admiring the house.”
I grinned. “Lauren’s keen eye for design is what brought everything together.” I gazed down at Lauren, smiling at this woman who seemed to make everything right. “I’m in awe of her talent.”
My mom’s eyebrow rose. “You did a wonderful job. I love the subtle use of color, and the art is stunning.” She gestured to a few of Kate’s pieces.
“Yes. Your daughter is a talented artist,” Lauren said. “As is her boyfriend.”
“This must be Lauren,” Dad said, joining us.
Dad charmed Lauren with stories of his latest campaign, and she and Mom appeared to be getting along as well. All the while, I felt as if I’d entered an alternate reality. One where I had a girlfriend who lived with me. A woman my parents seemed to approve of. A reality where my parents were actually happy and proud of me.
Someone wrapped their arms around me from behind. “Hunter!”
“Kitty Kate,” I said, gripping her hands as I attempted not to spill my drink. “So glad you could make it.”
“And Lauren—” Kate turned to Lauren, watching as Xander gave Lauren a side hug. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Why wouldn’t she be here?” Dad asked. “She and Hunter are together.”
“Wait…” Kate glanced between Lauren and me. A knowing grin spread across her face, and she turned to Xander. “I knew it. I told you they were together.”
“You told me they were sleeping together. There’s a difference.”
“Whatever,” Kate huffed. “I was still right, which means I win.”
“Win what?” Lauren asked.
Kate’s cheeks reddened, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the answer.
My parents excused themselves, circulating around the room, talking with donors and friends. It wasn’t until later, after everyone left, that I realized why my cheeks hurt—from smiling. I’d gone into the evening filled with nothing but a sense of dread, but I’d actually enjoyed myself.
I stood at the sink, washing my hands as Lauren undressed in the closet behind me. I could see her reflection in the mirror, and I watched as she unzipped her dress and shimmied out of it. I’d promised myself I’d tell her tonight, come clean about Mia and the baby.
