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“Ah.” Ethan robbed his face. “Jesus. Thanks, Angela. Appreciate the warning.”
“Holly might come looking for you,” Angela warned, pointedly. “So, you know. Make yourself decent. Chop-chop.”
“Thank you, Angela, I’ve got it covered,” he repeated. “Literally.”
“Oh, and breakfast is almost ready! It’ll be laid out in the sunroom. Cinnamon rolls are in the oven! Come and get ‘em while they’re hot!”
“We both listened to her footfalls retreating down the corridor. I looked down at my naked, disheveled self. “Holy shit, for real?” I said, bemused. “Your sister? Your niece? Oh, my freaking God. I’ve got to get myself together.”
It hit me all at once, with a pang I couldn’t quite identify. This was one of those milestones that had been missing from my life, along with all those other things people took for granted. Like a graduation ceremony, a first kiss, a senior prom, road trips with girlfriends, college adventures, being a bridesmaid. This was a specific and extremely significant milestone entitled: “Getting Introduced To Your Boyfriend’s Family.” The big hurdle was traditionally a mom, but moms were thin on the ground, in my world. Still, a sister and a niece—that was a momentous step. At least for me.
Then doubt clutched at me. “Ethan? They don’t have to meet me today, if you’re not ready,” I said. “If it’s too soon. It might give them the wrong impression.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Are you kidding me? They’ll be dying to meet you. Why do you think they came here in the first place? It’s pure, in-your-face curiosity.”
That was a shocker. “Wait,” I said. “You mean they know about me?”
“Of course, they know about you. The Unredeemables are the worst damn gossips I ever saw. And it’s not too soon. By no means. I want this, Kat. I’m excited to show you off to everyone I care about, everyone I know. I wish I had a ring, or something like that. Are you sure you won’t wear a ring?”
“Nope,” I said swiftly. “Not the type. Don’t even try.”
“Okay, so maybe some kickass earrings?” His voice was plaintive.
“Maybe I should start with some socks and underwear,” I said.
“Oh, yeah, about that. I had some stuff delivered for you. Angela put your new things in the righthand closet and chest of drawers in the wardrobe.”
Well, of course he did. He caught my look, grinned, holding up his hands.
“I swear, I’m not dressing you like a doll,” he said. “This is just a stopgap, until we can catch our breath. Shopping takes time and energy, and you’ve been busy lately, you know, fighting for your life, shit like that. Please don’t get huffy. I did it with profound respect, and nothing more than a desire to help.”
I bit back all the ungrateful knee-jerk reactions I could have made, and probably would have, before I decided that yeah, I actually I trusted this guy. For real. He meant what he said. He was not shining me on. He was not making a fool of me.
“Thank you,” I said.
His eyes narrowed. “What? Really? That’s all you have to say? No cracks about concubines or bed toys?”
“Not yet,” I said. “Of course, I haven’t seen the clothes, so the vote’s not quite in yet. Maybe I should withhold my thanks until I take a look at what’s actually there.”
“I had Angela pick them out,” he assured me. “If it had been me choosing, it would have all been sexy lingerie.”
I snorted, and took possession of his bathroom, locking him out. No time for his sexy shower shenanigans this morning. Too much was at stake. One of those precious milestones made me more nervous than anything I’d experienced in ages. Hell, I felt more vulnerable in this situation than I had when I was fighting Nicole yesterday.
It made sense, when I thought about it. While engaged in hand-to-hand mortal combat with Nicole, I wasn’t wondering if she would judge me and find me wanting. I was just focused on not letting her kill me. Which was so much simpler.
Freya and Holly were a whole different thing. More fraught with doubt.
After my shower, I checked out the selection of clothes Angela had provided, and I was impressed. She had spared no expense, and she got my vibe. Nothing frilly or frothy. All classy, elegant pieces that were beautifully cut, stretchy, good colors, and it was stuff I could sprint in or fight in, if the need arose. Yay, Angela. I made a note to thank her for her good taste. She was a righteous matron for sure.
I dressed in loose-fitting flared black pants, paired with a silky blouse of deep forest-green, and cute-but-comfortable black boots. I wasted some time wondering whether or not to use makeup. If that would seem anxious. Like I was trying too hard.
In the end, I just used face lotion, swiped on a dab of mascara, and put on a little tinted lip gloss. I was too damn self-conscious to use anything else. Ethan was dressed, and waiting for me. His gaze slid up and down, admiring. “Mmm. You look great.”
I rolled my eyes, nervous. “Well. Yeah. Thanks, I guess.”
“You’ll love my sister, and Holly. I wish they hadn’t shown up today, but only because I know you needed some down time. Not for any other reason. It’ll be fine.”
“Sure.” My smile felt sickly and unconvincing, so I let it fade.
