Page 40 of Centering Kaos

It didn’t matter. Attraction meant nothing, and there were more pressing matters to deal with. Shelving the possibilities to worry about later, I focused on the problem at hand. “I’m sorry for even assuming… I freaked out, and—” There were so many things I wanted to say, but I lacked the words. A flicker of curtains drew my attention. Apparently, we had an audience. Kaos’s family was in there, watching and waiting as I struggled through the effects of my anxiety.

“Don’t even worry about it,” she said, patting my shoulder. “I know a panic attack when I see one. By the way, you can rest assured that if I ever do meet Matt, I’ll cut off his pecker and shove it up his ass for you.”

Strangely enough, I didn’t doubt her for a minute. Her brassy declaration wiped away the last of my lingering trepidation. I rallied my courage and smiled. “Thank you.”

“Oh, it will be my pleasure, trust me. Now, you ready to meet the fam?”

No, I wasn’t, not even remotely, but I followed her into the house anyway.

It was a little like stepping into a family-owned restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the air smelled of freshly cooked food, making my stomach rumble. A group of beautiful, olive-skinned women were clustered in the entryway. They opened ranks and enveloped us in a hairspray and perfume haze of introductions.

As soon as I’d met everyone and gave vague, incomplete answers for uncomfortable questions like how long I’d known Darius, and how I’d met him, Carisa passed me a glass of wine. It was before noon, but I had a feeling I’d need it.

Next thing I knew, we were sitting around a massive kitchen table. Soup was served, followed by salad, and then an olive tapenade served with bread and some sort of Greek bruschetta. A foreign fried cheese came next, and then spinach and feta filo. By the time roasted vegetables were added to the table, I was glad I’d worn stretchy pants.

“How many courses will there be?” I asked Carisa, who was seated beside me.

“At least a few more.” She smiled. “Might want to take smaller portions and slow down.”

Great. “Now you tell me.”

She gave me a sheepish smile. “We like to eat.”

Next came something called moussaka. It smelled delicious, and I didn’t want to offend anyone, but I didn’t think I could take another bite.

“This is Aunt Linore’s special recipe,” Carisa said, adding it to my plate. “It’s like an eggplant and beef lasagna.”

Linore smiled at me from across the table.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, Carisa added, “You have to at least try it.”

Of course, I did. “If I burst, please tell Dylan I love him.” I whispered.

“That’s a bit dramatic, but okay. Try not to make a mess, though. Exploding in my aunt’s home is no way to make brownie points.”

“I’ll be dead.” I pointed out. “I don’t think I’ll care about making points.”

But alive, I did care. Far more than I cared to admit. The ladies around me talked and laughed as they ate, and it was clear to see that they genuinely loved each other. The atmosphere was so comfortable, and everyone seemed relaxed and happy. Despite her previous digs, even Carisa was smiling and chatting it up with her family. My chest ached at the sight. I’d always wanted a big family. Matt was an only child, and his parents lived in the Midwest. They were super reserved and stiff, the kind of people who wouldn’t be caught dead gorging themselves at a family get-together like this.

I, on the other hand, loved it.

I devoured the moussaka. Then came fried potatoes, followed by dessert. By the time Carisa dropped me off at Kaos’s, my food belly was showing, I was tipsy, my cheeks ached from smiling so much, and I felt warm all over. I found Kaos and Dylan sitting on the sofa in the game room, watching a group of kids play hockey on the television.

“Hey guys,” I said, joining them.

“Hi, Mom.” Dylan gave me a distracted wave while keeping his attention on the television.

“Hey,” Kaos said, looking me up and down. Twice. “You’re home later than I expected. How was the spa?”

There was something carnal and forbidden in his gaze, and I wondered if he was aware of the full body goosebumps his twice-over had given me. He had a beer in hand and was back to his low-hanging sweatpants. He’d paired them with a T-shirt that stretched across his pecks in the most delicious way. It took me a moment to realize he’d asked a question, but I finally shook myself and told him where we’d really spent the day.

He groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “Man. You should have called. I would have put together a rescue party to get you out of there.”

“You sound like Carisa. I don’t know what’s wrong with the two of you, but your family is amazing. No rescue was required.”

“Carisa and I lead private lives, and the family doesn’t understand things like boundaries and plans that don’t include them.”

I grinned, seeing where that could be a problem. “Well, I think they’re amazing. And I’ll probably never need to eat again, so there’s that. Your mom sent you leftovers, by the way.” I held up the grocery bag full of Tupperware containers she’d sent. “Want me to put these in the fridge?”

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