Page 74 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Of course. Why don't you all sit down first?" Mom gestures to the living room. "I just made some coffee."
"I actually need to use the restroom first." I glance at Kade, suddenly nervous about leaving him alone with my parents. "I'll be right back."
As I slip away, I hear Mom ask, "So, Kade, what exactly is your background in security?"
I cringe, hurrying down the hall. Poor Kade.
When I return a few minutes later, I pause in the hallway, hearing unexpected laughter from the living room. I edge closer, peeking around the corner.
Kade sits on our worn leather sofa, a tiny espresso cup looking ridiculously small in his massive hand. Dad leans forward in his armchair, completely engaged.
"—so I told the senator, 'Sir, with all due respect, the secret service doesn't approve of improvised parachuting from hotel balconies.'" Kade's deep voice carries the punchline perfectly.
Dad throws his head back, laughing harder than I've seen in months. Mom's covering her mouth, shoulders shaking with giggles.
"Oh my goodness," she manages between laughs. "And what did he say?"
Kade's lips quirk up. "He asked if we could at least let him keep the bedsheets he'd tied together."
They all dissolve into laughter again. I stand there, mouth slightly open, watching my intimidating, dangerous Kade charming my parents like he's known them for years.
"Alina!" Mom spots me. "Your friend here has the most fascinating stories."
"Just keeping it professional, ma'am," Kade says, standing smoothly as I enter the room. The knowing gleam in his eyes makes my cheeks flush.
"I should get down to the archives," I say quickly. "Need to check a few records."
"Of course, honey." Mom stands too. "Will we see you for Sunday dinner this week? Kade's welcome too, of course."
"Oh, Mom, I don't think—"
"I'd be honored, Mrs. Bennett," Kade cuts in, his voice warm and sincere. "Thank you for the invitation."
I stare at him, speechless. He merely raises an eyebrow at me, the picture of innocence.
"Wonderful!" Mom beams. "Diana, please. Mrs. Bennett makes me sound ancient."
"Diana," Kade repeats, nodding respectfully. "James," he adds, shaking my father's hand.
"I'll show Kade to the archives," I manage, tugging at his sleeve.
As we head toward the basement door, Dad calls after us, "Don't worry about my daughter, Kade. She can be a handful, but she's worth the trouble."
"Dad!" I hiss, mortified.
"Oh, I'm well aware, sir," Kade replies smoothly, and I want to melt into the floor.
The moment we're alone in the stairwell, I round on him. "What the hell was that?"
"What?" His face is the picture of innocence, but his eyes dance with amusement. "I was being polite."
"You were... they were..." I sputter. "Since whenare you so charming?"
Kade backs me against the wall, one hand braced beside my head. "I'm a man of many talents, Alina. Some I haven't shown you yet."
My breath catches as he leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "Your parents are lovely. It would be a shame to disappoint them by not showing up for Sunday dinner."
"You did that on purpose," I accuse, fighting to keep my voice steady as his body heat envelops me.
