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“Watching your dad do the work doesn’t count.” His mom and Sarah laugh under their breath, and he narrows his eyes at me.
“I feel so attacked right now, babe.” He mocks hurt and comes up to me, his arm snaking around my waist.
I smile. “Stop it, you know I love you.” It comes out before I can stop it, and I feel him tense. Shit, shit.
Monica and Sarah look away, pretending to be preoccupied. Awesome, I let it slip in front of his mom. I can’t back track now, so I just continue my task, acting like I never said it.
He presses a kiss against my cheek and slips away, heading back outside. I refuse to think about him not saying it back, that I just told him I love him, and he replies with a kiss. Is he regretting this now? Bringing me home?
“I think I’ll take that wine now.” I try to laugh but it comes out forced. Sarah fills it up and slides it across the island, she gives me a small smile, and I try to return it.
I focus on the salad for what feels like forever as the ladies talk, and I hop in every few minutes. I want to text India and Patrick so bad, but I left my phone in his car. Also, if I tell them they’ll think I need saving, which I don’t. What did I really expect? This is the guy that has never had a girlfriend, he hasn’t even brought a girl home. Why would I even think he could be in love with me after a few months together?
Monica lets the guys know everything is ready to go while Sarah sets the table. The meat is done, and Sam is setting the tray filled with grilled chicken and ribs in the middle of the table, while Monica brings over the mac and cheese and corn bread. Grabbing the two bottles of dressing and the salad bowl, I head over to the table.
“Need help?” Cuba walks up behind me.
I just shake my head and set my items down, taking a seat across from Sarah and Edward. Cuba slides in the seat next to me and his hand brushes mine, I start to pull my hand away but don’t. I can’t be mad, and I don’t want to ruin our day by being petty because I’m in my feelings.
We take turns making our plates and Cuba offered to make mine, which I let him. He also gets me a beer instead of wine. I guess he noticed I wasn’t a fan. He loads his plate with ribs, chicken, and all the trimmings while I go for the chicken, corn bread, and mac. If I eat anymore, he’ll have to roll me out of here.
“So, Bliss, what are you majoring in?” Sam asks, wiping his mouth.
“Education.” I set my fork down. “But I specialize in history, mostly ancient history.”
“You want to be a teacher?” Monica sounds surprised, but not in a bad way.
“That’s the plan. My dad isn’t too happy about it, but I’m not in it for the money, I just really love it. It’s fascinates me.” I shrug.
Edward leans forward. “What does your dad do for a living if you don’t mind me asking.”
“He’s an attorney.” I smile. “He keeps trying to get me to go to law school, but I would be horrible at it. My mom just wants me to be happy.”
Cuba nudges me. “She’s a great tutor too, and that’s how we met. I actually learned something.”
Sam smirks. “I’m sure you did.” Monica slaps his chest and waves her off. “Like we were never their age.”
Blush spreads through my cheeks, oh my God. Cuba chokes on his beer. “Dad, come on. Don’t scare her off.”
And dinner goes just like that, everyone making him embarrassed. By the end, I think we’re both a little tipsy and his parents insist we stay the night. Cuba doesn’t argue, he’s totally against drinking and driving. I’m even surprised he drank at all tonight, ever since he started playing basketball he’s avoided alcohol.
Cuba shows me to his room before saying he has to get something out of his car, leaving me at the open door. His room is huge, way bigger than the one at his condo. Although it’s bigger, it’s decorated almost the same, a huge bed with dark blue covers, and matching curtains cover the floor to ceiling windows. A flat screen hangs on the wall facing his bed. Walking over to the desk underneath it, I see a few picture frames. It’s Cuba and another boy, they couldn’t have been older than fifteen, both skinny, holding basketballs. This must be Jackson, he has his mom’s big blue eyes and his dad’s smile, along with their golden blond hair. The next picture couldn’t have been taken more than three years ago, Cuba has tattoos, and he looks just a little bit younger, both of them are taller and muscular. Jackson has a goofy smile going on, he has the whole California surfer look down, and I wouldn’t be able to tell he ever played basketball a day in his life by looking at him.
“So, I figured we would probably stay the night, I packed us a bag.” Cuba’s voice makes me jump back from his desk, turning toward him. He’s carrying a black duffle bag and two water bottles.
“Think of everything,” I muse, smiling up at him.
He sets the bag on the bed. “You want to take a shower?” He’s giving me that look and I have to laugh.
“Don’t even think about it, we are in your parents’ house.” I take a step back shaking my head. “No.”
He’s giving me serious puppy eyes right now. “Baby, their room is on the other side of the house, and they won’t even hear us.”
Pushing past him, I go to open the bag, but he pulls it away. “I’ll get it.” He takes out a pair of my pajamas and my phone. “You forgot that.”
Narrowing my eyes, I look at the bag, he’s being weird. “Thanks,” I say slowly. “I’ll be back.”
He rocks back on his heels. “I’m going to use the guest bathroom.”
“Or you could just wait for me to get out.”
“Or I could just meet you back here.” He gives me his boyish grin, and I don’t even care anymore.
“Fine.” I give in. “I’ll meet you back here.”
Leaning down, he kisses me softly. “I’ll be here.”
What am I going to do with him?
