Page 135 of Exposed

“Shut your mouth,” she whispers.

I can’t help it. I’m tired, hungry, and have to go to the bathroom. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Is that all you’re going to say to me?” she exclaims.

I’ve lost all decorum, patience, and don’t care who’s here. “Sorry, but I’m about to wet my pants.”

Mom throws her head back and laughs.

I try to step out of her hold, but she won’t let go. “You are high.”

That’s when I see him.

All the blood drains from my head and my body goes numb. I’m actually surprised I don’t wet my pants.

My mom shifts to the side, and my brain confirms he’s not a mirage or dream or a nightmare.

He’s here.

King is here.

In my childhood home.

And he’s looking fine.

Not fine like Daniel Armstrong in his casual Ralph Lauren or his dressy Armani. And he’s not looking fine like he does when he’s in gym shorts and nothing else standing in my kitchen making me the tastiest omelets I’ve ever eaten.

He’s in a nice pair of jeans and a crisp linen shirt. His cuffs are rolled, showing off his veined forearms that mesmerize me. One time I traced them for an hour while he watched a baseball gameand held me close to his chest. His hair is even more perfect than his casual outfit. After being with him for this long, I know for a fact it was styled.

Blue eyes the color of the ocean I left behind last night stare me down. “I’ve been waiting on you for four hours. Unless she’s popping gummies every time she refills my tea, I guarantee no one is high.”

My bags fall—thump-thump—in unison to the floor at my feet as I hiss, “What are you doing here?”

“I love him!” Mom shrieks. “I’m talking loooooove him, Goldielocks! You didn’t even tell me you were seeing anyone, let alone engaged!”

I gasp.

“Engaged!” She echoes her own words as she jumps up and down like a middle school cheerleader. “My baby is engaged!”

“I … I’m not—” But I can’t get another word out.

King’s Mason jar hits the side table that’s covered in so many plants there’s barely room for his drink. Mom is a firm believer in the health benefits of photosynthesis in the home. He kicks my duffle to the side and claims my face.

When his lips land on mine for a kiss so firm and overwhelming, I’m surprised he doesn’t dip me for dramatics. I have to hold onto his forearms for balance, and because I still have to go to the bathroom.

He lets go of my lips but not my face and smiles down at me like he’s not the grump he is. “Took you long enough. Worried the whole time. I’m just glad I could meet you here after my meetings in D.C. I’ll drive home so you can relax.”

“Your meetings?” I frown and keep on. “You’ll drive home?”

He tips his head to the side and gives me a little shrug. “Sorry I got here first and blew the surprise. Your mom wasn’t going to let me in until I explained her daughter is the love of my life.”

I frown deeper. “Love of your life?”

“I knew you’d find love. I just knew it!” Mom yells. She actually yells. “I told ya’ you were nothing like me. You waited until you knew who you wanted in life, and then you found him.” Mom wraps her arms around both of us and wiggles us from side to side. “I can’t lie, I never wanted a son, but I’m excited to have a son-in-law! And grandbabies! I can’t wait for the grandbabies! You’re not getting any younger Marigold Violet.” She shakes the three of us like we’re one, big happy family. Which. We. Are. Not. “I might even get on a dang plane to visit grandbabies.”

I turn to her in our weird threesome. “You won’t get on a plane to see me.”

“Well,” she huffs and finally releases us, letting her arms slap to her sides. “Give me a grandbaby, and I will. I’ll get you something to drink. Go to the potty. You don’t want to pee yourself in front of your fiancé.”

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