Page 108 of Ice Rebel

When he pulled next to the trucks, he remained with the engine running. It was easy to see he was the nervous one. My goodness. Beads of sweat were trickling down his face.

“I thought you adored your family.”

“Mostly. But they are a little over the top.” He lifted his gaze, glaring at the front door. “We could turn around.”

Seeing his apprehension pushed me into facing mine. I reached over, turning off the engine, and grabbed his key.

“What are you doing?” His demand was cute.

In a deft move, I unfastened my seatbelt and was out the passenger door before he could stop me. But I bent over, winking at him as he did with me when trying to suggest nothing was a big deal when it actually was. “Taking matters into my very capable hands, Mr. Kendrick. Get out. Now.”

He shored his shoulders and laughed. “I do so love it when you’re rough.”

We were no sooner on the bottom step than the front door opened, two older people who were so obviously his parents walking out. They stood for a full five seconds, glancing from one to the other of us, his mother nodding while allowing a heavy sigh.

“You’re right, Pat. She’s the one.”

“I told you, Mags.” The older man was built exactly like Cole, strong with broad shoulders, his salt and pepper hair making him distinguished. Still very muscular, he had the look of a man who worked hard for a living but was comfortable in his skin.

“Mom. Dad. Please don’t scare Chelsea away before the family antics even begin.” Cole shook his head, grumbling more than before when two big strapping men who looked remarkably similar to Cole swung around his parents, leaning over the porch railing. Both with evil grins on their faces.

“Hot damn,” one of them said.

“Watch your mouth, Ford,” Cole’s mother chided.

“Ah, come on, Mom. It isn’t often our baby brother brings home a girl,” the other brother, who was obviously Beck, chimed in.

“And his mate,” Ford insisted.

I was completely flabbergasted. Not by the insinuations, but by how loving they all seemed. And welcoming. My father would have already started grilling Cole on his 401-K.

Although I couldn’t help but admit I was overwhelmed.

Thankfully, Samantha finally appeared along with two other incredibly beautiful women. All three were visions. I felt like the ugly Cinderella in my faded, soon to have holes in the knees jeans. At least I’d convinced Cole to stop at a big box discount store so I could pick up a few things.

That in and of itself had been a sexy experience. There was nothing like indulging in acts of sin in a women’s dressing room.

“Don’t mind the boys,” Samantha said. “They are mostly harmless and I’m happy to gag them if necessary.”

“I’ll join you,” one of the two other women said loudly enough Beck winced playfully.

“How about some introductions, Mom?” Samantha tossed out.

“Yes, drinks are obviously needed.” I could already tell the matriarch was a spitfire.

“Patrick and Margaret Kendrick,” Cole stated. “AKA my parents. The goofball on your left is Ford with his wife Georgia.”

“I read your white papers,” I told her. “They had incredible and well thought out information about shifters.”

Georgia’s smile could light up an entire city. She was hugely pregnant, as if the baby could drop at any minute. “See, Ford? I told you the information was important.”

“My wife is grouchy because of the twins,” Ford shot back.

“You try carrying two huge hockey players in your belly, buster.” Her comeback was perfect and I laughed.

“Twins?” I whispered to Cole.

“Twins,” he repeated. “They run in the family.” It was his turn to wink when I uttered a slight gasp.