Page 88 of A Perfect Match
Mom turns to Griff, her brows knitting together.“Her boyfriend!Why are you guys acting like I’m speaking nonsense?”
“But…Mom.I haven’t even told you about him yet,” I say slowly.
“None of us have,” Dane adds.
Mom’s smile stretches wide, almost conspiratorially, as she drifts my way and pats the side of my face.“You didn’t have to.Bring him on Wednesday for game night.”
****
Kru is understandably hesitant to be in the same room as all four brothers on Wednesday.
“That’s eight fists,” he says, “all of which will likely land on my face.”
“They won’t touch you…in front of my mom,” I promise.
He smiles down at me, smoothing his hand along the curve of my neck.This is the first dinner service he’s leaving in the hands of his team, and it’s a big deal for him.A big deal forus.I recognize that sacrifice, as a small business owner.
“That’s not very reassuring.But you know what?I’ll risk it.Because you’re worth it.”
He bends down and we share a long, passionate kiss.When we’re together, it’s perfect.I’m falling for him more with every passing second.Meeting the full Keegan clan is the last step to really making this a thing.
“I appreciate you putting yourself in harm’s way for our relationship,” I tease.“Not to mention leaving the fate of your restaurant with Brady for a full two hours.”
“I think he can handle it.And if not, I’m just a short drive away.”He smiles, but I can see the tension in his face.It makes me nervous, too.
“Well, luckily they won’t expect you to be here every week.But making an appearance once in a while would be nice,” I add softly.
“You’re thinking long term,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against mine.
“I am.Are you?”I look up hopefully into his eyes.
“One hundred percent, Sandpiper.”
Kru drives me to game night, a gesture that seems so small but no one has ever done before in my family.The only boyfriends I ever had were so short-term that they never made it home to meet my family.And all of them were while I studied at Ohio University, hours from here, far from my brothers’ controlling gazes.
As soon as we get to the house, anxiety really sets in.My belly is tingling.I’m gnawing on my lip as we walk up the sidewalk.
“Listen, they’re probably going to be a little…unfriendly,” I warn him.
“I can handle it,” Kru assures me.“I could always tell them a food joke to break the ice.”
“Yeah,” I say, trying to imagine how my brothers might receive one of his jokes.“That could help.”
Asher opens the door before I can reach the handle.His dark gaze sweeps over the both of us.He sniffs.
Let the hazing begin.
“Hey, Asher,” I say brightly.
Kru waves.“Hi.I’m Kru.”
Asher stares at Kru for an uncomfortably long time.Then he holds the door open for us to pass through.“Asher.”
Nonice to meet youor general pleasantries.Internally, I’m rolling my eyes.I guess I should be grateful we’ve made it this far.
“Can you not be a creep?”I hiss to Asher as we pass him by.Inside the house, Mom is seated at the dining room table, and all my brothers are there beside her.The air is tense.
Mom sends us a warm smile—aside from Lia’s sweet perma-grin, it’s the only smile to be found in the room.She stands, holding her arms out for Kru.
