Page 105 of Mayhem
“You want to show it to me?”
“You can see it tomorrow,” Erin responded teasingly. “Where’s Cruz?”
“He’s taking a swim.”
“It’s after ten-thirty. Is he okay? Did something happen at work?”
“He’s fine, Angel.” He watched her look toward the sliding doors that led to the backyard. Cruz swam several times a week, and with him leaving in two days, it might be a while before he could. He also knew Erin was aware he did so after a hard day ifhe didn’t feel like using their home gym. “Did you and the ladies eat?”
Erin brought her eyes back to him. “We did before shopping.”
Paetyn stood and kissed her temple. “Why don’t you let Cruz know you’re here, and I’ll take your bags to your room.”
“Thank you, baby, and no peeking.”
Paetyn chuckled. “And ruin my first time seeing it being on you? I wouldn’t dare.”
He grabbed the bags and started up the stairs as Erin walked out of the sliding door. He hung the garment bag in her closet and placed the other bag on the floor. He decided to shower and see where the rest of the night took him.
28
Cruz opened the front door, then stepped aside for Erin to enter. They were having lunch with their parents and officially introducing her. Lunch instead of dinner had been decided on because of the auction event that evening, and they wanted to do it before Cruz left tomorrow afternoon. His mother must have been keeping an ear out for the door because she was coming down the hallway no sooner than it closed.
“Erin, so good to see you again,” she greeted, pulling their girlfriend into a hug.
“You too, Ms. Lena,” Erin responded, returning the hug.
“Please, just Lena. Hey, boys.” She kissed both of their cheeks after releasing Erin. “Lunch is almost finished. Come.”
They followed her into the kitchen, where Ancel was seated. When they entered, he stood and approached them.
“Papa, this is our girlfriend, Erin,” Paetyn started. “This is my father, Ancel.”
“It’s nice to meet you officially since we’ve met once,” Erin stated, smiling at Ancel.
The older man furrowed his brow momentarily before a lightbulb went off. “Ah, yes. It was a good time, no?” Ancel asked with a teasing smile.
“What are we missing?” Cruz asked.
“Oh, nothing, nothing,” Ancel responded. “Come, Picardias. The boys tell me you’re a tattoo artist, and I have something Ithink you might like.” He placed his hand on Erin’s back and steered her from the kitchen. “No need for the two of you to come. You’ve already seen it,” he threw over his shoulder to him and Paetyn, pulling a laugh from Erin and a snort from his mother.
Cruz could only shake his head as he went over and sat at the bar, Paetyn following suit. He would ask if his mother needed help, but she’d turn him down as usual. Instead, they would keep her company while Ancel showed Erin whatever he thought she would appreciate.
“You better be careful, or your father’s going to try to steal your girlfriend.”
They both chuckled at his mother’s words. “He can try,” Cruz responded. “But he won’t succeed.”
“Besides, we all know he’s whipped,” Paetyn added.
“The same way the two of you are for Erin,” she responded readily. “I didn’t miss how the two of you looked at her during Thanksgiving at Nik’s. She might have, but I didn’t.”
“You’ve got us there, Mama.”
“Good. It’s about time you two settled down because I’m not getting any younger and—”
“Lena,” Paetyn interrupted with a groan. “Please don’t start the grandchildren talk.”
“Paetyn, do you know the most efficient way to ensure we don’t have this talk? It’s to give me a grandchild,” his mother countered, and Cruz snorted. Of course, it was. It wasn’t like they were opposed; they didn’t want to rush Erin.
