Page 45 of I Blame the Rival

She giggles, “I’m sorry, I’m trying not to laugh.”

“You’re doing a marvellous job of it.”

Laughter spills from her mouth and she leans into me, shoulders shaking as humour takes control of her. I shake my head, feeling a smile hit the corner of my mouth.

“What scene did you want to show me?”

“Never mind. It was nowhere near as funny as that was.” She wheezes, trying to pull herself together, “Just to clarify, I’m not making fun of you.”

“Of course not.”

“It’s just…” Laughter takes hold of her again and soon she’s wiping away the tears streaming down her face, “That has never happened to me before.”

“You’ve never gotten a boner in a bookstore before?” I shake my head, soaking in the smiling face next to me, “You’re missing out.”

“No, I mean I’ve never caused a guy to…” She gestures towards my jeans which thankfully are not tented, “Struggle to keep things under control.”

I frown, unable to comprehend how any guy would be able to stay in control around her. From her lack of coordination to the way she laughs out loud when she reads, Lacey reminds me of everything good in this world.

“His loss.”

She smiles and a wayward curl falls across her face. I gently brush it aside, hearing the sharp intake of her breath as I lean forward.

“You must be Lacey!”

I jerk back, snatching my hand away from Lacey’s face. Her eyes go wide, looking over my shoulder to the newcomer beaming at her from the doorway.

“Do I know her?” She whispers and I smother a groan.

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

The woman limps into the romance section and gives us a bright smile. I close my eyes, wishing I was anywhere but here, and turn to face the intruder.

“Hey, mom.”

Chapter 10

Lacey

Skylar’s mom is adorable.

After awkward introductions were made, she immediately wrapped me in a hug and insisted I join them for dinner.

“I’m making Shepherd’s Pie tonight, Skylar’s favourite.” Amber Vin looks at me with a mischievous glint in her pale blue eyes, “He would be so disappointed if you didn’t join us, isn’t that right, honey?”

Skylar, who hasn’t stopped glaring at his mom since she stepped into the room, finally looks over at me. His cheeks are stained pink and there’s an embarrassed glow in his eyes.

“You’re welcome to join. Don’t feel like you have to, though.”

I smile, “I would love to join you for dinner.”

Placing my hand on his arm, I give him a reassuring squeeze. Amber tilts her head, tracking the movement and I quickly drop my hand.

“That’s settled then. Once you two finish up here, come on over and we’ll have a proper catch up.” She beams, “I’m so glad I decided to visit Betty today!”

Skylar narrows his eyes, “I’m sure that’s exactly what happened.”

“Oh, hush. You know that woman loves to socialize.” Amber tugs at the grey cardigan draped over her shoulders, “I’ll see you two in a little bit, okay?”

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