Page 39 of A Pretty Fixation

“Ugh.” I rifle in his pocket as fast as possible,pull my phone out, and back up from him. “Pervert.”

He only smiles.

Turning, I secure the box of roses on one side andcheck my phone. The lock screen lights up, and I realize he powered it back onat some point.

I open my messages, gasping at the exchangebetween my mom and Caleb.

I’llmake pancakes when

you comeat noon for laundry.

My mouth drops as I read Caleb’s response.

Thanks,Mom.

Isit okay if I bring the guy I’m dating?

It’sonly been a week

butI want you both to meet him.

Mom sends happy emojis to emphasize her excitementbecause I’ve never brought a boy home.

Ofcourse!

Can’twait.

“What the hell!” I peel around. “You can’t justinvite yourself to my house. We’re not dating. When did you even do this?”

“At the museum, while you were struggling to avoidme.” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I shut it off after and powered iton just now. You should change your passcode from your birthday. That was tooeasy.”

“You…” I ruffle my hair, at a loss. “Is that thereal reason you asked about my birthday on Wednesday?”

“Partially.” A sly smile forms. “It’s cute howeasily you reveal things to me.”

“Ugh.” I turn to enter the building.

“See you tomorrow, Jordyn.” That makes me lookback. “I can’t wait to meet your parents.” He winks, then walks away, whistlinghappily.

Caleb fucking Rosmond.

I told Jordyn we should focus on the present. But Ican’t help the excitement still swelling in my chest after she rememberedsomething.

“Sup, bro?” Noah slaps my shoulder before sittingacross from me at the table. “What are you smiling about?”

“He’s still excited over finding his friend, Ibet.” Mom sets the casserole of baked chicken in the middle and sits at the endof the table. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Um...” That will be tricky.

Dad walks in from the patio before I explain.“We’ll take a better look on Monday.” He ends the call and sticks the phone inhis pocket, coming over to the table. “This damn project is a pain in the ass.”A smile smooths out his stress lines when he stares at the food. “Oh, love. Youmade my favorite.”

Mom chuckles, and they linger on each other.

“Ew,” Noah gripes. “Cale and I are trying to eat.”

Dad sniffs at him and piles chicken and veggiesonto his plate. “So, crazy that you ran into Dove on campus, huh?”

“I know, right,” Mom adds happily. “I’m so glad youfound her. You searched so hard for her.”

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