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“Yes,” I shout, and he laughs, reaching over to give me a quick kiss.
“Too late.” He opens his door. “Hey, Mom,” he calls out to the woman waiting for us on her large porch. And I want to die, which is absurd. We’re adults, but he’s off limits. Suddenly, I feel sick. What am I going to say if they ask me how we met?
“Alexandrea.” His deep voice makes me look up as he waits for me. Screw it, my parents are not rich, but they have money. I know how to behave; I’ve been entertaining with my mom for years. I step out and square my shoulders, ignoring Brett because he’s not even trying to be discreet as he blatantly stares at my breasts, which of course hardens my nipples.
“Jesus,” I whisper. “Stop it.” He keeps laughing and grabs my hand, pulling me with him as we climb the steps.
His mom stands waiting, hands on her hips, wearing stylish black slacks, heels, and a deep sapphire top.
“Mother, this is Alexandrea. Alexandrea, this is my mother, Natalie.” His eyes twinkle as she points at him.
“You’re late.” Her blue eyes narrow as she looks at him, then me. I’m startled by how much Brett resembles her.
She swats at him, and he hugs her, planting a kiss on top of her dark bob.
“Your baby boy has arrived.”
She laughs and shakes her head at him, but you can tell she’s crazy about him. Turning to me, she smiles.
Good God, I’m completely underdressed. My outfit screams beach chic, not elegant sophistication. Then again, Brett is wearing jeans and a light blue T-shirt, so maybe it’s just his mom who dresses up.
“Welcome. I’m so delighted to meet you.” She gives Brett a sassy look of approval and my whole body relaxes. Mrs. Powers may look intimidating, but her energy is wonderful.
“So nice to meet you, Mrs. Powers. Your house is gorgeous.” I smile as I hold out my hand to shake hers.
“Oh, call me Natalie.”
She escorts me inside. Briefly, I turn to look back at Brett, then face forward, blinking at the large foyer and the giant crystal chandelier hanging from a ceiling that must be three-stories tall. Dark hardwood floors match the impressively ornate wooden staircase. The walls are a deep yellow, and a beautiful round, ornate table holds an enormous flower arrangement.
“Everyone is in the living room watching the game and having cocktails.” She motions toward the right.
“Perfect.” Brett takes my hand, pulling me into his arms.
His mother looks stunned for a second.
“Well, can I get you something to drink, Alexandrea?” She cocks her head, her large diamond earrings sparkling in the light.
“Um, I’ll just have water.” It’s the safest bet, considering I’m not sure what to do because again, am I being my real age or am I older? I wish Brett had given me a plan instead of telling me to be myself. What does that even mean?
“Flat or sparkling?”
“Sparkling would be lovely.” My nails dig into Brett’s hand as he leads us toward the sound of laughter. We walk through a large room with massive windows looking out over large pool and what looks like a guesthouse.
“Brett, am I supposed to lie or tell the truth?” I whisper.
“Just relax.” His hand squeezes mine.
My eyes dart ahead to the sound of loud cursing and the sight of a huge television with football on.
“Who’s winning?” Brett calls out as all eyes turn toward us.
“Brett,” I hiss, suddenly shy as he drags me into the middle of the room with him.
“Finally.” A man who has to be his brother Jett laughs and takes a sip of his beer, his arm casually draped around the shoulders of what might be one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.
“I’m not that late.” Brett grins and gives the stunning woman a kiss on the cheek. And again, I feel completely underdressed. Not that they’re wearing suits or a ball gown, but they all carry themselves as if they are.
“Raven, Jett, Dad.” He brings me forward, and all I want to do is hide behind him, but I plaster on a smile as he says, “This is Alexandrea.”
