Page 111 of Break Points and Face Offs

He tries to hold in the coy smile but fails.

“You get cornier the farther from Princeton we get.”

“Can’t be letting my peers see how corny I am, can we?”

“No, you’re right. Though Professor Moreno definitely knows something’s going on between us.”

“Yeah, but I think she approves.”

He shuffles in his chair. “So, about the sleeping arrangements at your parents’ house….”

“You’re in the basement.”

I let myself enjoy the disappointment on his face before I fix it.

“But Ma fully expects me to sneak down there after everyone goes to sleep.”

He smiles before smothering it. “I would prefer it if your mother didn’t know what we’re getting up to of course, but it’ll have to do.”

“Can’t spend one night away from me, Rosie?”

He looks at me through his dark lashes and my heart stutters at how beautiful he is.

“No,” he says, this time there’s no hint of humor in his voice. “I can’t.”

“Damnit, why do my family have to be so eager to see me?”

He laughs, throwing his gaze out of the window again like he hasn’t just got me all riled up.

I start to get excited to see everyone as I enter the familiar neighborhood and look for somewhere to park Priestley’s car. I still can’t believe he let me drive it all the way here.

Dad comes to the door as soon as I switch the engine off.

“Hey, son, Priestley. Need some help with the bags?”

I’d tell him we’re good, but he’d only try to help anyway. I hand him the lightest one.

Mom rushes out into the hallway and makes us put our bags down to give her a hug. She starts talking a mile a minute.

“Your brother and sister should be home from school soon and Aunt Linda will be here for dinner, and Uncle Stu and your cousin⁠—”

“Jesus, Ma, why all the people?”

She slaps me on the arm. “It’s the first time you’re bringing a boyfriend home. Everyone’s excited.”

“You make me sound like a loser who couldn’t get a date until now.”

She pinches my cheek. “No, just a playboy who wouldn’t settle down until now.”

When I look at Priestley, he’s actually smiling.

Ma turns her attention to him and he doesn’t flinch or anything when she puts her arms around him.

“It’s good to see you again, sweetheart.”

Dad comes back from downstairs.

“Isn’t he handsome?” Ma asks him, keeping Priestley in place.