Page 37 of Someday You Learn

Her words catch me off guard. “Maybe you just don’t know me well enough,” I say, swallowing down the lump in my throat.

She smiles as she studies me. “Not only are you one of the most considerate men I’ve ever met, agreeing to this fake engagement to help me, but…” Her eyes drop down to my lap, lingering there for a moment before lifting back to mine. “There’s much more about you to appreciate than just intelligence and a kind heart.” Standing from the couch, she looks down and winks at me. “Thanks for the sandwich, Parker.”

My dick rises in my shorts as I peer over my shoulder and watch her walk back to her room, shutting the door softly. I groan, dragging a hand down my face.

There’s no way I’m going to survive this arrangement—not when this woman is hell-bent on making me question whether I’m losing my mind…or if I actually want another woman for the first time in four years.

***

“Are you sure I look okay? I’m not overdressed?” Cashlynn smooths her dress down over her thighs, sitting in the passenger seat of my car as I drive to my mom’s house Sunday afternoon.

“You look great.”

Greatis not a strong enough word, considering how my body reacted when she came out of her bedroom when it was time to leave.

She’s wearing an olive green sweater dress that clings to every curve, paired with knee-high black leather boots. Her blonde hair falls in loose waves over her shoulders, and her lips are painted the same soft pink as the day we met.

Saliva pooled in my mouth the moment I saw her, reminding me that no matter how much I try to ignore it, my attraction to her is still there. It’s only been a few days since she came to town, and already, I’m wishing there weren’t so many complications between us—her being my boss’s daughter, this fake engagement bullshit, and the history that won’t stop haunting me. If none of that existed, maybe I wouldn’t feel so damn guilty for wanting her the way I do.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

“So, what should I expect?” Cashlynn speaks again as we close in on our destination.

“Well, my mother is one hell of a cook, so expect lots of food.”

She smiles at that, patting her stomach. “I have no problem eating.”

I think back to how I watched her devour the tacos she made last night and how much I stared at her mouth each time she licked her fingers clean.

Fuck, I have issues.

“All my siblings will be there, including Grady and his wife, Scottie. Grady is Astrid’s brother, and Astrid is married to my brother, Penn, so he’s basically family at this point.”

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep all of these people straight. I have no idea what it’s like to have a big family. It’s been just me and my dad.”

The corner of my mouth twitches as I turn on my mom’s street. “Well, my family is loud and loves to give each other shit, so don’t be afraid to give it right back.”

“I am not about to insult your family, Parker.”

Parking along the curb, I turn off the engine and turn to face her. “They won’t be insulted, believe me. In fact, you’ll fit right in.” I reach for her hand, trying to comfort her. I shouldn’t be touching her, especially since we’re alone. But knowing she’s nervous is makingmemore nervous. We have to be on the same page for this to work. “You’ll be fine. Just watch out for my sister.”

“Why?”

“Because Hazel loves to insert herself into my business. Don’t be surprised if she pulls you to the side and starts drilling you with questions.”

Cashlynn blinks. “Is there alcohol inside? I think I might need it.”

I chuckle. “There’s always wine. But I promise, tonight won’t be as bad as flying.”

“That’s not funny!” she calls out as I climb out of the car.

I walk around to her side, opening the door and offering my hand to help her out. She takes it, and I keep hold of it as I lead her to the front door, reminding myself this is all for show.

I brace myself for the inquisition that I know is going to come from my mother as I reach for the doorknob. Before I can even open the door, however, Mom swings it open with a borderline terrifying smile on her face. “Parker Eric Sheppard! You brought a date?”

“Uh, hi, Mom,” I say, trying to assess if she’s mad or elated. “This is Cashlynn.”

She turns to Cashlynn and pulls her in for a hug. “You must have a heart of gold.”

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