Page 63 of The First Play

I balk, my blood running cold as I throw him a jittery glance, then dart an SOS to Sienna.

She bites her lip, her nose wrinkling before she finally says, “About a month or so.”

“Right.” Mrs. Erling nods, eyeing me up and asking, “Are you being safe?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I answer swiftly, my heart pulsing so hard, I can feel it between my ears.

Sienna nods, flashing me a nervous smile. “We use protection.”

“Well… at least that’s something.” She tips her head and looks between us. “And you love each other?”

“Very much,” we say in unison, then glance at each other and grin. It’s so fucking obvious how we feel about each other, and I’m really hoping that’s gonna score us some points here.

I’m still reeling that her dad isn’t losing his shit and fisting my shirt, dragging me out of the house, and throwing me onto the lawn, screaming at me to never come near his precious girl again.

“I still think you’re a little on the young side.” Mr. Erling sighs. “Sex adds a whole new level to a relationship. It ups the emotion in a big way, and if things fall apart, it’s gonna hurt so much worse.”

“They’re not going to fall apart,” Sienna assures them. “Weloveeach other. We’re in this for the long haul.”

“Sweetie.” Mrs. Erling laughs. “You’re only seventeen. How do you know this will last?”

“He’s meant to be mine.” Her blue gaze hits me then, confident with affection. “I can feel it in my bones, Mom. Zander and I are endgame.”

A flash of skepticism crosses Mrs. Erling’s face before she looks at me. “You think so?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nod, then turn to grin at my girlfriend. “Endgame.” My throat suddenly feels thick, this hot buzz racing down my spine that I don’t understand.

Of course we’re endgame.

She’s everything.

But you guys are so young.

Why our parents’ logic is suddenly starting to hit me, I have no idea. Shaking my head, I rub my sweaty hands on my jeans and rise from the table. “Well, I better get home. The longer I leave it, the worse my old man’s gonna get.”

“Do you need me to come?” Sienna rises as well. Her skin is so pale, her eyes wide with fear.

“No, it’s okay.” I shake my head. “It’s probably safer if I face the firing squad alone.”

“Okay.” She bites her bottom lip. “Well, can you maybe apologize on my behalf to them for… I don’t know… doing something they didn’t like?”

Resting my hand on her cheek, I block out the fact that her parents are watching us and quickly assure her, “Iloved it, and I’m not apologizing for enjoying the best night of my life.” I wink at her, loving the blush forming on her cheeks.

Her dad steps into my line of sight, catching my eye and throwing me a warning glare that makes me swallow.

“Sorry, sir,” I mutter. “I promise I’ve always respected her, and?—”

“He does.” Sienna nods. “We’re all about consent with each other, and?—”

“And I don’t need to hear any more.” He raises his hands. “I don’t want details.”

“Good, because we don’t want to give them to you.” Sienna’s face is all bunched up, and I can’t help a soft snicker.

This is so fucking awkward. My skin’s on fire, my heart is pounding, and I seriously need to get out of here.

Yet I love this family so much.

They’re so calm and open and… they don’t seem to hate me, even after they’ve found out I’m sleeping with their precious daughter.

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