He gripped her chin gently and lifted her head up so that he could peer into her eyes. “I’m more than okay with that. I’m here, right?”
She smiled. “Does this mean that we’re going to continue exploring each other?”
“I think that’s what it means,” he said, chuckling when she shoved him playfully. “Okay, I’m just messing with you.” He kissed her jaw. “I want to explore everything with you.”
“Me too.” And Paige was looking forward to whatever that included.
Chapter Twelve
Andrew pulled the brim of Paige’s hat over her eyes. “You’re sure about this?” he asked.
“I’m sure,” Paige said, with a hard nod.
He smiled at her, so adorable in her hat and jogging suit. He took her in, lingering on the curve of her mouth. “I’m not,” he said. “You still look like Paige Mills.”
Lifting her chin up, she said, “IamPaige Mills.”
“I’m just sayin’. This disguise isn’t very good.”
“I’m just going into your mother’s house, Drew.”
Andrew’s mother had been released from the hospital. When he’d told Paige he needed to go see her, she offered to come with him. At first, he’d hesitated. He didn’t want to do anything to put her at risk. She’d done a good job of remaining hidden. But Detroit was a big city full of Paige Mills Fans. The probability of someone spotting her there was pretty high.
“Come on,” she said. “It’ll be fine.”
Sucking in a deep breath, he told her, “Okay. We’re going to go into the house. And, whatever you do, don’t look at Mrs. Fulton.”
Her brows furrowed. “Who is Mrs. Fulton?”
Pointing toward the house to the right of his mother’s he said, “She owns the house next door. I guarantee you she saw my car pull up. She’ll probably come out and try and talk to us.”
Paige shrugged. “Okay, but what’s wrong with that?”
“If she recognizes you, the whole world will know you’re here.”
Laughing, Paige said, “You’re joking, right?”
He shot her a blank stare. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
Paige’s smile fell. Shaking her head, she said, “Okay. Got it.”
Andrew got out of the car, jogged around to the passenger side, and pulled it open. Holding out his hand, he waited until she slipped her palm in his and helped her out. They hurried, hand in hand, to the front door. Right before they stepped onto the porch, he heard his name being called.Shit.
“Andrew?” Mrs. Fulton called again.
He felt Paige tense next to him. Giving her hand a comforting squeeze, he turned toward Mrs. Fulton and waved. “Hi, Mrs. Fulton.”
With her hands on her hips, Mrs. Fulton said, “Hey! Is that your girlfriend?”
“Yes.” The word came out before he could stop himself. Because he knew he’d opened himself up to more questions.
“That’s so sweet. I need to come over there and meet her,” Mrs. Fulton said. “I’m so happy to finally see you with someone. Maybe now your mother will get that grandbaby she’s been dreaming about.”
Paige giggled.
Andrew frowned.
Mrs. Fulton started the slow trek across the lawn toward them, the whole time yapping away about the bad kids who keep kicking her trash cans.
