Page 69 of Now That We Don't Talk

I send Mac a text letting him know things went well with Katie.

I still can’t believe I’m having dinner with his family tonight.

I take another deep breath, trying to silence the logical part of my brain that’s screaming at me to be careful and protect myself. But another part of me, the part that’s still replaying the kiss we shared, wonders if taking a risk this time could be worth it.

"It's so good to see you, Vivian," Mrs. Evans exclaims warmly as she opens the door, her arms outstretched to hug me. The gesture takes me by surprise, yet it feels kind of natural. There's a familiarity between us, even though we've never interacted like this before. I suppose it makes sense—we aren't strangers even though tonight is a bit different.

"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Evans," I say politely, inhaling the comforting scent of spices filling the air.

"Oh, please, call me Jeannie," she insists, waving her hand. Just then, Mac appears behind her, his tall frame towering over his mom. A wide grin spreads across his face, and before I can stop myself, I return it. He looks just as attractive as ever, but there’s something different about him tonight—he seems more casual and at ease. Maybe being at home with his parents offers a more relaxed environment. He doesn’t have to be Mac the professional athlete here.

"Hi," he says.

"Hey," I reply, my pulse quickening just a little.

"Come in, come in." Jeannie urges, giving my shoulders a quick squeeze before stepping aside to let me through. I step into the house, a welcoming feeling surrounding me. The three of us linger in the entryway for a few seconds.

"I should check on dinner," Jeannie announces abruptly, already moving down the hall without any hesitation.

"I'm surprised she got the hint," Mac murmurs, shaking his head with an amused smirk.

"What hint was that?" I ask, tilting my head.

He shrugs, but there’s a teasing glint in his eye. "That I wanted a moment alone with you before I have to share you with my well-meaning parents for the rest of the evening."

My heart skips a beat as he leans in closer to me and presses a soft, lingering kiss on my cheek. This simple gesture sends a surge of heat through me, leaving my knees slightly unsteady.

I can't remember the last time I received such a nice welcome. Between Mac and his mom, I’m immediately put at ease, calming my nerves.

“So, everything is alright with Katie?” he asks, his voice low with concern.

I nod, still trying to catch my breath after his kiss. “Yes. And she’s talking to Kyle.”

He gives a hopeful smile. “Good. He hasn’t texted me back yet.”

I reach for his hand, threading my fingers through his, giving a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be okay.”

His grip tightens slightly as he exhales. “Hearing you say that makes me feel a lot better.”

His arms slip around my waist, pulling me closer, and my pulse kicks up as I try to process being here in his arms at his parents’ house.

“Now be honest—did Katie give you any warnings about me?”

I purse my lips. “Nothing specific, other than some concerns about you going back to Tennessee.”

His expression softens, and he inhales sharply. “Yeah. That’s totally understandable.”

I glance toward the hallway where his mother went. “Anyway, I don’t want to be rude to your parents.”

He grins, giving a nod. “Smart girl. We’ll talk more later.”

Mac reaches for my hand, his fingers warm and steady as he leads me into his childhood home. The house is cozy, lived-in, and filled with pieces of a past I never witnessed firsthand. As we step into the hallway, my eyes scan the walls, which are practically a shrine to Mac—framed newspaper clippings, action shots from different games, and a ridiculous number of trophies and medals.

I exhale loudly. “Wow. Look at this display. You must love seeing this every day.”

Mac grins, clearly unfazed by my teasing. “Of course I do. Every home should have a Mac Evans wall.”

I roll my eyes, but there was a time when hearing him say this would’ve made me groan out loud. He’s always been confident—borderline cocky—but somehow that charm has become more endearing than annoying.

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