Page 16 of Hooked on Marshall

I need you, Lana. I’ve taken care of so much so I can have you back in my life. Your job is waiting. And so am I. In a new apartment. And Emily is out of the picture. Please get back to me or let me know where you are so I can come to you. We need to talk and plan.

“I don’t fucking think so,” I whisper.

Needing a distraction, I go back to the message from Marshall after I save him name in my contacts.

Any time is fine with me. What did you have in mind?

I set my phone down and head to my closet. Fall is my favorite season because I love nothing more than wearing jeans with tall boots and comfy sweaters. In less than five minutes, I’m changed and somewhat excited for my evening. Then Marshall gets back to me.

I’m leaving the Alehouse now. I need a shower first, then I’ll come pick you up. Text me your address and I’ll let you know when I’m headed your way. We’ll keep things simple tonight. If things go well, I’ll wine and dine you next time.

I’m laughing after I read his text. Then I send him my address and decide to give my family a heads up. When I explain that Marshall is picking me up for dinner, I can tell by the twinkle in their eyes that I’m going to have to warn Marshall, too. I enjoy my family’s company until he texts me that he’s on his way. So, I send my warning.

BTW, I’m still at my parents house. Be prepared for the third degree when you pick me up. Let me know if you want to cancel.

I hope he doesn’t, but I figured I should give him the option anyway. In less than a minute, he gets back to me.

I look forward to it. But not as much as I’m looking forward to spending more time with you.

I shake my head and sigh. In ten more minutes, I see his Jeep pull up in front of the house. I start to stand so I can get the door, but my father gestures for me to stay where I am. When the doorbell rings, he moves to answer it. And my mother and grandfather are grinning like loons. I shake my head at them and rise as well. Positioning myself so I can see Marshall when the door opens. And hopefully be close enough to intervene if necessary.

Thirteen

When I pull up in front of the Rose house, I smile. Then I take a deep, cleansing breath. Because it’s beenyearssince I’ve had to endure the third degree from the parents of the woman I’m dating. Well, the woman that Ihopeto start dating, anyway. I grab the flowers I picked up earlier today and head for the door. After another deep breath, I ring the doorbell.

Thirty seconds pass before it opens. The man before me doesn’t look happy. I focus on him and smile, but I can see Lana behind him, too. Which sets me at ease a bit.

“Hello, Mr. Rose,” I say with a nod. “I’m Marshall Jones.”

I offer my hand, and he takes it. Firmly.

“I’m Ben Rose,” he says. “I understand you’re here to take my daughter to dinner.”

“Yes, sir,” I say with a nod.

“What are your intentions with her?”

“I’d love nothing more than to be her boyfriend,” I say honestly. “But I think she needs to get to know me a little better first.”

He makes some sound of acknowledgement. Then he looks at the flowers in my hand.

“And who are those for?”

“Your wife,” I tell him. “If that’s okay with you.”

He takes me in for a long moment. Almost too long. Then he steps back and gestures for me to come inside. I thank him and enter. Lana smiles at me. Then Mr. Rose gestures for me to walk into the living room. Mrs. Rose rises to greet me, smiling a little more when I offer her the flowers. After a quick hug from her, and elderly man steps beside her. When I look at him, I gasp in shock.

“Mr. Riggin?” I ask.

“Good to see you again, Marshall,” he chuckles. “It’s been too damn long.”

I offer my hand, but he pulls me in for a hug instead. And I return it wholeheartedly. He was the head janitor at our high school. And I befriended him when I was a freshman, and a senior prank went wrong, and I stuck around to help with the cleanup. He retired the next year, but he showed up when I graduated. And I had no idea he was Lana’s grandfather.

“Yes, sir,” I tell him. “You look good.”

“No ass kissing just to date my granddaughter,” he chuckles as he pulls back. “It will get you nowhere.”

“Yes, sir.”

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