“Of course not. I just…” I struggled to find the right words.
“You just want everything to be perfect.” Nathan finished for me.
“Exactly.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior, Cupcake,” Nathan promised, pressing a kiss to my temple. “No mention of earlier, I swear.”
My cheeks heated at the memory. After our trip down memory lane, we freshened up back at Nathan’s hotel. Theshower barely had time to warm before things…escalated. Let’s just say, the bathroom may never recover.
Were we running a little late because of that detour? Absolutely.
“Nathan,” I warned, earning me a light chuckle and another kiss to my temple. “Keep it up and I’ll be booking my own hotel room.”
“You wouldn’t deny me would you?” Nathan took on a boyish smile that made my earlier annoyance melt away.
“Maybe.” My bark already lost its bite before Nathan leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I marveled at the sweet taste of his lips and the calm that chased away the nerves as I relaxed into the kiss.
Someone cleared their throat and a shot of anxiety re-entered my body.
My face heated up with an intensity that rivaled summers in Florida when I pulled away from the kiss to see my parents standing at the entrance watching us.
On some level, I knew my parents assumed I dated, but that didn’t mean I had to confirm it. I’m pretty sure my parents thought I watched romance movies and went to Bible studies in my free-time, not make out with impossibly gorgeous men in front of restaurants for all of the world to see.
My father’s face was unreadable, but the slight tick in his jaw spoke volumes. My mother? Her arched brow and pursed lips told me I was in for a very interesting dinner.
I was a full-fledged adult, but I was still embarrassed to be caught kissing a man in front of my parents.
Okay God. If you want to open a hole in the ground to swallow me up, I’d be okay with it.
My silent prayer went unanswered. No hole. Just two stunned parents and a whole lot of awkward silence.
“You must be Elise’s parents,” Nathan spoke first, shattering the silence that blanketed us. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Nathan Edge.” He held out his hand.
I’ll give credit to my mother who recovered quicker than I thought she would. “Hello. I’m Colette.” My mother shook Nathan’s hand.
“Elise told me your favorite drink to have during a celebration is Kremas?” He held up the bottle. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought you some for your birthday.”
My mother’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Thank you so much.” My mother took the bottle, the memory of catching her daughter kissing was already forgotten.
See. This is why I wasn’t worried about my mother. My father on the other hand…
Damien Alexandre hadn’t said a word since he arrived on the scene. He didn’t need to. His eyes said it all.
Disappointment shined through in his eyes and I mentally compiled a list of reasons why that would be.
Was it because I broke his perception of me being the sweet little girl who waited by the door for him to get out of work?
Was it because Nathan wasn’t the Haitian doctor he always imagined I’d date?
The possibilities were endless.
“Edge?” my father mused, ignoring me completely. His brow furrowed as recognition dawned. “As in your boss,Mr. Edge?” The judgment in his voice was impossible to miss.
Nathan must’ve sensed my unease because he stepped forward, extending his hand towards my father with an ease that made my father’s disapproval look ridiculous in comparison. “Nathan Edge,” he said smoothly. “Yes sir, the same one. But tonight I’m just here as Elise’s boyfriend.” He met my father’s eyes evenly, no apology, no nerves. Just a calm confidence that said he wasn’t backing down. “I hope that’s not a problem.”
My father shook Nathan’s hand and I ushered all of us inside because that’s where the alcohol was. The three of us headed inside the bustling restaurant where I was instantly engulfed by the familiar smell of deep savory spices, rich meats, and fried goodness. The female host greeted us warmly before directing us to our seats where my older brother, Julian, was already waiting for us.
“Hey Juju.” I greeted him, barely able to contain my laughter when his jaw locked at the horrid nickname.
