Page 138 of Exposed

Mom literally swoons.

Another stinking handsome, charming smile. If it weren’t for the way he makes me feel when we’re close and he’s touching me, I wouldn’t recognize the man.

Mom’s glistening dark eyes turn to me. “I’m so happy for you, baby. And I’m not going to be upset that you didn’t tell me. You like your privacy. I get that. Heck, I even respect it. What strong woman like you doesn’t like her privacy? I’m just happy you’re here, and I get to know your King.”

My King.

“After Goldie’s father left me pregnant and alone, I was done with love. I had my baby girl, and she’s all I needed,” Mom goes on. King’s hand wraps possessively around the back of my neck. His fingers massage the knots that formed over the last day bottled up in the driver’s seat—and from being angry with him. It doesn’t matter how mad I am at him, it feels good. One more reason to kick him out and let the screen door hit him in his perfect behind. “But my daughter is special. There’s nothing hardened about her heart. I’m not sure anything ever could. She was born to love—she was just waiting for you.”

King gazes over at me.

The way he looks at me…

It’s like I’m sitting with a stranger who I’m intimately familiar with in every carnal way possible.

When he responds to Mom, it’s like I’m not even here. “Goldie waited for me. I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“Well, there you have it.” Mom throws her homemade cloth napkin on the table. “My hardened heart just cracked. Love is real after all.”

I swallow over the lump in my throat before my eyes fall shut to block everything out. It might be weak and pathetic, but it’s the only barrier I can muster at the moment.

“You’re tired from the drive. Go to bed, you two.” I open my eyes when I hear plates clank. Mom stands to clear the table. “Oh, you never told me how long you can stay.”

Of course, King answers for me. “I have a meeting in Miami on Tuesday. And Goldie and I have an important appointment next weekend. Don’t we, baby?”

King has a second pick up of dirty cash, and then there’s our upcoming fake nuptials. That’s one way to describe an appointment.

I shrug. “I might not be able to make it back for ourappointment. I want to spend as much time with Mom as I can since I made the drive.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine. I’ve got work, and it’s my volunteer week at the library.” Mom pokes her head around the corner from the kitchen and looks at King. “We don’t have a librarian. We’re small potatoes. We take turns running the place. You know, volunteer firefighters, volunteer librarians—one and the same. We’re all heroes.”

“Yes, you are,” King agrees.

“I can stay even if you’re busy,” I say.

“Marigold Violet, why are you being so obstinate when you have a fiancé to think about?” she calls. “Are you about to start your period?”

“Mom!”

She pokes her head around again, this time with a big smile. “What? I’m sure King knows your cycle, right?”

“I’ve got it all mapped out, Alina,” King says.

My mother looks like she might burst into a pile of rose petals. “I can tell you’re in touch with your feminine side. You’ve been here for half a day, and I already love your soul.”

Oh my gosh, she’s talking about his soul.

That’s it.

I’m done.

“I’ll let you two discuss my period. I’m going to bed.”

King continues to suck up. “I’ll help your mom clean.”

“No, no! I’ve got this. I’ve got a special concoction mixed up in the bathroom for her cramps. It’s cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils. Massage that on her tummy, would you, King? And don’t you worry. I am a modern woman. You don’t need to be married to sleep together under my roof. Goodnight, love birds. We’ll talk about the wedding tomorrow!”

Mom disappears back into the kitchen.

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