Page 21 of Holidate Pursuit

I’m still surprised dinner went as well as it did. Other than her father being an arrogant asshole, I’d say we made it through the first day unscathed. However, it could’ve gone even smoother if Lucy had been up-front with me about a few things. In fact, it’s Lucy’s turn for the third degree before we call it a day.If she thinks she’s getting away with blindsiding me like this, she’s got another thing coming.

The door to the bathroom opens, and Lucy materializes in front of me wearing Christmas pajamas with dancing reindeer saying, “All the jingle ladies.” I can’t stop myself from breaking out in laughter.

She looks down. “What? It’s not that funny. And why are you in the bed?”

I pull myself together enough to answer, “No, it’s not. This whole situation is, though.”

“I guess that’s one thing we can agree on. What we aren’t in agreement on is the sleeping arrangement.”

“You made up the couch. You can sleep on it. Or… you could try behaving like an adult, use the other half of this massive bed, and sleep comfortably. Besides, we’re not done talking.” I grab the covers opposite me and pull them down, patting the mattress.

“Let’s not get started on the topic of behaving like an adult, or you’ll be the one talking, and frankly, I don’t want to hear it.”

With that, she turns on her heels toward the sitting room and scoops up a blanket from the couch, bringing it back. She rolls it up the long way and sets it between us.

“There. That’s the line. Not even one toe goes over it.” She climbs into the bed, abruptly yanking the covers over her, crossing her arms defiantly with a huff.

“You’re cute when you pout, you know that? I’ve never seen this side of you.”

“You haven’t spent enough time with me to see my many sides.” She looks down and grabs the paper next to her. “Do you want to go over the schedule, or what?”

The fucking schedule. What kind of family does that? There’s a new surprise around every corner when it comes to Lucy and her world. I’d like to reduce the amount of them.

“First, start talking. What do I need to know before your dad corners me for this discussion we’re supposedly having? It doesn’t look good for either of us if it goes badly, so cut the crap with the secretive shit.” I’m done playing nice guy until she gives a little in return.

She rolls her eyes before speaking. “Everything is about money to him. It’s all he’s ever cared about, so anything he says or asks will likely have to do with that. Job, future plans, background. He’ll probably want to know how secure you are financially, and I’m sure there will be mention of a prenup. Just go along with whatever he says, and you should be fine. Like I said, after this week, none of it matters.”

I nod my head in acceptance.

I’m not leaving anything to chance at this point. “Your mom bought our proposal story, but now she keeps trying to pin us down on wedding plans. Do we want to keep blowing it off or come up with something to appease her? I’d like the rest of the week to be less awkward than it was today, and that’s only going to happen if we start communicating more.”

“Okay, yeah, you’re right. We should come up with something. But first, how about we pretend for a second that we are interested in each other and ask questions that we would ask a potential spouse? I’ll go first. Do you want kids?”

My head jerks back at the turn in conversation. This wasn’t quite where I thought she was going, but it’s not a bad idea, so I’ll roll with it. Except… “I don’t know. I’ve never been asked that or even considered it.”

“Well, you better decide—because I wouldn’t say yes to marrying you if I didn’t know.”

“Do you want kids?”

“Yes. I want a boy and a girl just like me and my brother. The girl will be named Victoria, and the boy will be named Trevor after my brother.”

“Ha. That’s not happening. I’m not having my daughter teased her whole life. ‘Oooh, Victoria… want to share your secret?’ Absolutely not. I could get on board with Trevor, but only if we mend fences.”

“Oh my God. You have no say since these aren’t your children.”

“Really? Should we let your mom know about this?”

She flings her hands up in frustration before snatching my glass of champagne, taking a big gulp and setting it down. “You’re seriously impossible. Children or not, answer the question. Or do we agree on two?”

“I’m good with two, names debatable. My turn. You haven’t changed your mind about Thailand for the honeymoon, have you? Because I’m all for it.”

Her jaw drops as she looks at me. “You remembered?”

“Of course I did, baby. You…” I point to her, then bring my pointer fingers together before making a circle. “…complete me.”

Grabbing the pillow behind her back, she whacks me with it while laughing. “You’re awful.”

Laughing along with her, I rip the pillow out of her hands and toss it on the floor. My hands reach for her hips and push her down before I climb on top, caging her in. “You. Are. Irresistible.”

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