Page 66 of Lassoed Love

“Captive being the operative word,” she teases. “—and my name is Imogen,” she spits.

Olivia, unable to resist, chimes in with a playful tone. “This is the best fucking thing ever. I think this is better than watching Xav and Bradley bicker. Come on, you two!”

“Olivia! Language,” Xavier’s mum retorts, and we all chuckle.

“Sorry, this is just too funny. This is why we need more females around the house,” Olivia says, shooting a playful glance at the boys.

“Too many males,ugh. No offence.”

Imogen snickers. “He’s the one that started it. He’s like a mosquito buzzing in your ear—annoying and impossible to get rid of.”

Harrison smirks. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Deep down, I know you secretly enjoy talking to me. Admit it.”

“Hard pass. I’d rather spend my time watching paint dry,” Imogen scoffs. “You must be so used to women falling at your feet, huh?”

Michael, who sits beside Harrison, just smirks as he watches the two of them bicker. Xavier chuckles, joining in the banter.

“You don’t even know me, sugar,” Harrison replies.

Imogen scoffs, “And that’s perfectly fine with me. I don’t need to know you well to know what you’re like.”

“You know, I have been told I’m unforgettable.”

“Doubt it.”

“We’ll see,” he says sarcastically, sending her a wink. She just rolls her eyes.

Xavier’s mother, who has watched this whole exchange, just chuckles before saying, “Now, now, you two. Let’s not get too carried away.”

My eyes flit back and forth between them. Imogen and Harrison—now that’s a combination that would be the funniest match, chaotic and potentially explosive. They only just met and act like they’ve known each other for years. I suppress a laugh at the thought, imagining the sheer unpredictability they could unleash on each other. Caught in my silent musings, I feel Imogen’s eyes on me, and I offer her a small smile, silently acknowledging the entertainment her banter with Harrison provides. She raises an eyebrow in response, her expression a mix of amusement and challenge, as if daring me to join in their verbal sparring.

I shake my head slightly, deciding to remain an observer for now. I glance at Xavier, who catches my eye and gives me a knowing smile. Mrs. Mitchell rises from her seat to collect everyone’s plates, and I instinctively stand up to help. Xavier watches my movements, and his mother reprimands me with a warm smile.

“Oh, honey, sit. I’ve got this.”

I know better than to let someone else do all the work, especially when they’ve been gracious enough to host us.

“No, please, I insist. It’s the least I can do to thank you for cooking for us and allowing us to stay.”

She appreciates the gesture. “Oh, dear, you’re too sweet. Thank you.” As we walk up to the kitchen to start washing and loading the dishwasher, I take a moment to express my gratitude.

“Dinner was lovely, Mrs. Mitchell.”

She responds with warmth. “Please. Call me Grace. Mrs. Mitchell makes me feel like a granny.” I blush, letting out a chuckle at her lighthearted comment.

While rinsing the dishes, I can hear the laughter and banter still echoing from the dining table. Imogen is likely bickering with Harrison, and Olivia is probably not doing anything to help the situation. Michael and Bradley remain quiet, and Xavier... well—need I say more?

As my mind gets lost in these observations, Grace's voice breaks through my thoughts. “You’re good for him, you know.” I freeze, not entirely sure if I heard her correctly.

“I’m so sorry. What was that?” She chuckles.

“My boy, he’s smitten. I haven’t seen him like this before. You make him smile… laugh.” I smile shyly, avoiding her gaze. Her intensity is almost as palpable as Xavier’s.I do?

Grace remains confident. “Oh, indeed, dear.”Oh shit. Did I say that out loud? I hadn’t realised. "He hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you, and you with him.”

I feign a blush, unsure how to respond. “I don’t even realise…”

Grace interrupts with a knowing smile. “Darling, I see the way you look at him.” I’m left at a loss for words, feigning embarrassment at having been caught out.

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