Page 110 of An Engagement for Erica

He said it in a joking manner, but he wanted to know the truth of it.

“I think we are in a good spot,” she said. “We are both busy with demanding jobs and have respect for the other while dealing with those things. But I know Tucker is here when I need him.”

In his mind that should have been enough. But it didn’t feel it to him.

Wassheholding back?

Washeholding back?

He didn’t know what the hell was going on and his grandfather’s words about holding onto a false thing to keep her wouldn’t get out of his mind either.

He said he had a handle on his relationship, but clearly, he didn’t.

“And I know Erica is there when I need her,” he said. “Are you happy now, Mom?”

“I suppose that is about as happy as I can get, all things considered,” his mother said. And since his mother knew that his grandfather was aware of the fake engagement, they’d talked about it too.

He was hoping that she didn’t bring anything up in front of Erica, but he could tell she was walking the line and he wanted to make sure she didn’t fall off of it.

“Is there anything I can do to help with dinner?” Erica asked.

“I’ve got it covered,” his mother said. “I don’t often get to cook for my son anymore. Maybe I miss taking care of him.”

“I hope you aren’t saying that because you want Erica to take care of me,” he said. “I can do it on my own. I don’t need a woman for that.”

He looked at Erica. He threw it out there because it’d never been a conversation they’d had, being modern professionals. His mother was on the old-fashioned thinking side.

He’d never thought that way and sure the hell didn’t want Erica to think he did.

“I’m glad you can do it on your own,” Erica said. “I never doubted it. I mean you’ve lived this long without your mother cooking your meals and washing your clothes. You’re always presentable and aren’t wasting away. I suppose if anyone had more problems taking care of themselves it was me.”

She was laughing when she said it. Which was better than the sarcasm that she’d had before.

Or avoidance. She’d done that enough too.

“And that is in your past,” he said.

“I hope it stays there,” she said, grinning.

“Would you like some more wine?” he asked her.

“Just a half a glass,” she said. “I’d like more, but you know, moderation.”

He poured some into her glass and leaned in. “Maybe I want to get you a little drunk.”

“I heard that, Tucker,” his mother said. “It’s not nice to talk like that when I’m here.”

Erica’s face flushed. He rolled his eyes. “When is your flight tomorrow?”

“At ten,” his mother said. “I’ll be out of here early and have to return the car.”

“I would have taken you back,” he said.

“And leave you here with a rental?” his mother asked. “No. You’ve got more important things to do on your day off. Take your girlfriend out on a real date. Something more than at a restaurant.”

He frowned when he realized he hadn’t done much with her other than that.

Maybe she wouldn’t ask, but he was betting she’d appreciate it.

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