Page 161 of One Big Little Secret

Patton’s arm falls away as I sit up quickly, trying to ignore the heavy sense of doubt about what’s ahead.

“What’s wrong, Lady Bug?”

“…are you sure today’s a good idea? I mean, are youcertain?”

“Why would I not be sure?” He blinks as I look back at him, watching as the laziness fades from his face.

“Because it’s your mom and your family and I’m…” I hesitate. We’ve never given it a name even though it’s pretty clear. “I’m with you,” I finish lamely.

“Dexter already knows. If Archer’s brain wasn’t mixed up with a moose at birth, he’ll know it too.”

I slap his shoulder, laughing, but he’s right.

Dexter Roryhasbeen dropping hints lately.

Dropping by The Cardinal to compliment me on the way things are going. Justhappeningto arrive at the same time Patton does and annoying his little brother to death.

The comments, too.

Sly remarks about how well we work together and how much we seem to enjoy each other’s company. Last time he was around, he even invited me to a dinner with him and his wife. That’sdefinitelynot something you do for a random employee.

“They won’t be angry, I promise. What has you so worried?” Patton sits up and brushes my hair back from my face.

“Archer might be…”

“Then Archer will realize he’s an idiot for not seeing what’s happening right under his nose.”

“And your mother?” I swallow thickly. That’s the part that really scares me.

I burned my bridges with my family ages ago, and Arlo never knew them.

Until now, the thought of adopting more relatives through Patton never occurred to me. And what will they really think when they figure out Arlo’s a Rory and I’ve kept him hidden for five years?

If they don’t approve of me—

Yeah, I’m cooked.

“Stop it. Mom already loves you. You know that. Nothing that’s happened will change her mind one bit,” Patton says, folding an arm around my waist. Maybe it’s weakness, but I lean into him. “She’s only going to love you more.”

I so wish I shared his confidence.

“She likes me just fine as your employee, you mean. But not as your—” I stop cold.

I don’t want to say the word.

“My girlfriend?” he says firmly.

I watch his eyes flash, so bright and confident it scares me.

“Is that what we are, Patton? Boyfriend-girlfriend?”

“Why wouldn’t we be?” His grip tightens, holding me in place, though I know if I tried to move, he’d release me. That’s what’s so addictive about this man. He wants me enough to hold me close, but he respects me enough to let go.

“You saying you don’t want to be?” he demands when I don’t answer.

“We just never talked about it.”

“This is us talking. Now.”

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