Page 162 of Scandalous

“Nice to meet you, Ezra.” Nicole holds out her hand for me to shake.

Instead of shaking her hand, I bring it up to my lips and place a quick kiss on the back. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Blake,” I say, laying the accent on a little thicker than normal.

Aurora’s mother’s eyes go wide as she pulls back her hand and laughs awkwardly. “That accent, Aurora. Wherever did you find him?”

“How about I tell you how we met inside? It’s a little hot out here.”

“Of course, how silly of me. Come in, come in.”

We follow behind her mother and head inside. As we walk through the house, I look around. The furniture isn’t new but well kept, with old pieces that look like antiques scattered around. Pictures hang on the walls of various family members. I make a mental note to stop and check them out when I get a chance and to send the guys pictures of any good ones of our girl.

“How was your flight?” her mother asks as she frets around the kitchen. “Please sit. I bet you’re thirsty. Would you like tea or water?”

I go to respond when Aurora covers my mouth and shakes her head.

“Water, please. For both of us. Do you need any help?” she asks as I take a seat.

“I can surely get us drinks.” Nicole smiles. “Now about the flight, where was it you came from again?”

“Las Vegas.” I say as I eye my girl. “We were both there for work when she got the call.”

Aurora sits up straight and is so stiff it looks as if she’s not breathing. Reaching over, I take her hand in mine and squeeze it tight, reminding her that I’m here.

“Is that where you two met?”

“Thank you,” I say as I take a glass of water that she set on the table. “No, Aurora and I have been friends for years but recently started dating.”

Aurora makes a small squeak at the word friends and her mother eyes her. “How lovely. Give me one second and I’ll text the boys and tell them you made it. They can bring your bags inside,” she says as she picks up her phone.

“No need to bring our bags in. We’re staying in town.” I tell her as she sets her phone down.

“Where is Abby?” Aurora asks.

“She’s at the pool working her shift as a lifeguard. She had to trade someone to get tomorrow off. You know how it is.”

“That I do,” Aurora says lightly.

The door slams, making Aurora flinch.

“Easy, love,” I say under my breath as we stand.

A large man stops at the opening of the kitchen and eyes us both.

“Are you going to move, Dad?” a man says as he pushes past his father.

“Jake,” Aurora says affectionately.

Jake steps forward and gives her a side hug. “How’s it going, city girl?”

“It’s going well.” She shrugs.

He looks over at me, and his eyes widen. “Holy shit,” he says as he busts up laughing. “Ezra Morgan, huh? I thought you two were enemies.”

“You know what they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate,” I joke as I reach out to shake his hand.

Aurora’s brother slaps his palm into mine. “Thanks for bringing my sister home.”

“Aurora,” her father says, making us turn toward him.

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