Page 101 of Dirty Pucker

Mom looks intrigued at the idea. I notice an amused look in her eyes as she glances between Ingrid and me. “I’d be okay with that. If you’re okay with it?” she asks me.

I look at Ingrid. “You sure you’re okay with me staying with you for a few days?”

She smiles. “Yeah.”

“I’ll go pack a bag.” Mom disappears down the hall.

I turn to Ingrid. “You’re really okay with this?”

She grabs my hand in both of hers. “Of course I am.” Her expression sobers. “I’m with you. I don’t think your mom should stay here, at least not for a few nights.”

I drop a kiss to her lips. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Of course.”

While we wait for my mom to finish packing her bag, Ingrid cleans up the kitchen while I fix the window.

I grab my mom’s bag and load it into the back of Ingrid’s car. We lock up the house and Ingrid drives to my townhouse. We all head inside. I get my mom settled then pack a bag for myself.

Once we’re ready to leave, Mom pulls Ingrid into a hug. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done tonight, Ingrid.”

“It’s my pleasure, Nancy. Anything else you need, just call me okay? I mean it. I’ll have Del text you my phone number.”

Mom beams up at her.

Ingrid turns to me. “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

She steps out, giving me a minute alone with my mom.

I shut the door behind Ingrid and turn back to my mom.

“What a gem that young lady is.”

“She’s amazing,” I say softly.

A knowing smile pulls at her lips. “And how long have you two been a thing?”

I huff out a breath, not wanting to go into detail about my love life with my mom. So I give her an abbreviated version. “Not long. We were friends first, but there’s always been something more between us.”

Mom smiles like she’s keeping a secret. “I knew it. I knew the second you walked in with her there was something romantic between you two. She’s just your type.”

“Seriously, Mom?”

She crosses her arms, looking mildly offended. “Del, honey. Come on now. You think I haven’t noticed how almost every girl you’ve ever dated is beautiful and blonde?”

My cheeks heat. I guess my mom knows me a lot better than I thought.

I go to hug her. She squeezes me tight. “Thanks for everything, honey.”

“Call me in the morning when you wake up, okay?”

“Promise I will.”

I walk toward the door.

“Hang on to her, honey. She’s a keeper.”

My heart swells in my chest. “She really is.”

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