Page 252 of The Last Good Man

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who blushes so easily.”

“Your mother’s place… Your mother’s place??”

I screech a little as I remember her favorite brunette.

“What about that girl?”

“Angelina?”

“Angelina.”

He tips his chin down, observing me.

“Your mother likes Angelina.”

“She’ll like you too. You just need to behave.”

I jokily swat his chest.

“How have I ever misbehaved?”

He laughs.

“Just don’t freak out. She’ll like you.”

I no longer smile.

“This is important,” I say.“And I truly want to make a good first impression. I need to go home and change. Maybe buy some flowers.”

He shushes me, his finger going to my mouth and sealing my lips.

“We usually eat together on Saturdays. We try, at least. She’s a good cook. Noah and Rylee love it when I’m there––”

I gesture quickly.

“No, no. You don’t have to explain this to me. I know all that. It’s just that I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Ready for what?” he tosses at me, and my blush probably needs a fire extinguisher. It’s that intense.

“You’re afraid of what they might think of you?”

“Something like that.”

“Then disappoint them. You can only move up from there.”

“This is serious.”

“I am serious,” he says, smiling. “I had no problem talking to your friends.”

“It’s not the same thing.”

“And your mother.”

“Ugh.”

I bury my face in my hands and laugh.

“I can never win with you.”

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