Page 168 of Bookworm

"Your dad hates me."

Bo's voice was serious, but I laughed.

"He doesn't hate you," I said."You're just the first guy I brought home. This is a totallynormal reaction."

"He's glaring at me like he hates me," he said.

Couldn't deny the truth in that statement.

Though we'd had a long talk before Bo arrived, it was almost as if my father couldn't help himself. I'd convinced him not to call in theKentuncles. That would've been way over the top. But it seemed to make him even more determined.

My dad had been eyeing Bo throughoutdinner. Scarlett thought it was hilarious, but Bo was sufficiently freaked out. Even when Bo knocked on the door and handed him the kimchi,even while my dad was wolfing down said kimchi like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted, Dad's glare hadn't wavered.

"It's just his way of looking out for me," I said.

"Least we have that in common," he mumbled.

"Why don't you just scowl back? You're good at that."

Bo looked at me like I was crazy. "And make himhateme more? No thanks, Kent. I want to be with you for a long time."

My heart stuttered.

"I want to be with you too," I replied.

"Still think he might take a swing before the night is over."

Patting his chest, I said, "Guess it's a good thing you're a black belt then."

Scarlett gave me a conspiratorial look then pulled Dad into the other room, saying something to him about discussing her college options for next year. I was grateful.Bo seemed like he needed a pep talk, and I was more thanready to give it to him.

I turned him so that we were facing each other and put my hands on either side of his face.

"Remember what I said about the talk?" I asked.

He nodded.

"It's going to be brutal, Stryker. But you can take it. Rememberrule one?"

"Show no fear," he said.

"Rule two?"

"Leo Kent's bark is worse than his bite."

"That's right. My dad's a totalmarshmallow. You can do it."

Bo wrapped his hands around my waist. "I will do it. For you."

"That's the spirit."

He tilted his head. "Reminds me of another set of rules."

I smiled up at him. "Oh yeah?"

"The first one didn't last 24 hours."

"Yes, because you couldn't keep your hands to yourself."

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