Page 78 of Off Season

She lets out a laugh. “Holy shit. I’ve never heard that term.”

I shrug. “Can’t claim it as mine. I got it from a Jade Dollston book. She’s one of my favorite romance authors. She’s a dirty bitch and I’m here for it.”

“Maybe I should start reading books instead of Google.”

I nod in agreement. “What else did you learn last night?”

“Ashton Kutcher has webbed feet.”

I chuckle. “What? For real?”

She nods. “Yep. I saw a picture. It was nasty but I bet he’s an awesome swimmer.”

After a sexually eventful airplane ride,we land about an hour from my hometown and grab an Uber. My family offered to pick us up, but I still need time to tell Kam that we’re supposed to be engaged so I told them not to worry about it.

I’m a fucking nervous wreck. It’s been on the tip of my tongue since takeoff, but I haven’t had the balls to tell her. This ring has been burning a hole in my pocket all day.

“Are you listening?” she asks.

I snap my head. “Sorry. I’m feeling…nostalgic for my hometown. I’m excited to show you a bunch of my favorite places. Obviously today and tomorrow will be about Christmas, but then we’ll go out and see some of the sights of Galveston. It’s a great town.”

She smiles. “Cool. I love seeing new places.”

After we arrive, I grab both of our suitcases from the trunk of the Uber. My knees are practically shaking as we approach the front door. It’s now or never, Gonzales.

I reach into my pocket for the ring. There’s a really good chance she throws it in my face and then gets on the first flight home.

I take her left hand in mine and kiss the backs of her knuckles. “Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it.”

She gives me a warm smile, one that will likely fade in about five seconds. “My pleasure. You’re a good guy, kitten. I’d do anything for you.”

I nod. “I’m glad you feel that way, because—”

Suddenly the door begins to open. Oh fuck. I have no choice but to quickly slide the ring onto her ring finger.

She looks down at it and her eyes practically pop out of her head. As I see my mother appear, I wrap my arm around Kam and smile widely. “Hola, Mamá. Te presento a mi prometida, Kamryn Hart.”Hi, Mom. Meet my fiancée, Kamryn Hart.

My mother looks like she’s going to burst with happiness. Kam turns a shade of green and looks like she might puke, but she doesn’t out me. She simply takes a deep breath and holds out her hand to my mother. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gonzales. Thank you for having me. Merry Christmas.”

I didn’t know which way this was going to go. Whether she’d go along with it or slit my throat. One thing I knew for sure was if I asked her beforehand, she would have said no. She’s going to be mad, but this was my only chance at her playing along.

My mother pulls her into a hug. “No handshaking. You’re going to be my daughter. We hug in this family.” She squeezes Kam tightly. “We’re so happy to finally meet you. Cruz has told me so much about you.”

Kam is tentative at first before gingerly hugging mymother back. I know she wasn’t given much motherly affection growing up, so this must be weird for her. That, and the fact that I told my mother Kam is my fiancée.

My mother pulls away and looks Kam up and down. “You are stunning, though I would expect nothing less from my handsome Cruz.” She looks at me and mumbles, “No hay ni una pizca de latina en ella.”There’s not a single ounce of Latina in her.

I roll my eyes, but Kam is blissfully ignorant and does nothing but smile. “He really overachieved with me though, right, Mrs. Gonzales?”

Mamá laughs. “Ah, I suppose I see the compatibility now. Don’t call me Mrs. Gonzales, mi hija. Call me Mamá. All my children do.”

I see Kam stiffen immediately. She remains that way as my mother and I embrace. She touches my face. “Such a good boy, shaving for your mother.”

I nod. “I’m always a good boy.”

Kam shakes her head and narrows her eyes at me. “Nope, he most definitely isnotalways a good boy.”

Mamá laughs before eventually walking ahead, leading us through the house.

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