Page 47 of Don't Make Me Beg
“It’s called studying my craft. I told you that. And he can’t help it, he gets hot when he’s stressed.” She shrugs. “You watch the football show, and I watch the weather.”
I forgot how much I love watching this family banter. They’re so funny when they argue about trivial things because despite how heated things seem to get, I always know they’re kidding—mostly. And no one can deny that Frank Kingsley is just as head over heels for his wife today as he was the day he met her. You can see it in the way he looks at her, even when they’re squabbling and seem to be at each other’s throats. It’s all a show, and he loves getting a rise out of her. Innocent teasing and joking are another one of the Kingsleys love languages, and to that, no one is safe.
“It’s called the game… the football game. It’s not a show. How many times do I have to explain that to you?”
“You don’t. Maybe I’m just trying to get you to unbutton your shirt for me, Franky,” she says sweetly, placing a palm on his cheek before sliding it down his neck.
He catches her hand over his heart and holds it there. “Well, if that’s all you want, we can kick these kids out and pretend there’s a thunderstorm outside. I’ll be happy to unbutton my shirt and roll my sleeves up for you.”
“I think I just threw up in my mouth,” Guy says as he downs his glass of wine without even flinching, then promptly refills his glass.
“You guys are disgusting. I love how much you love each other, but I could do without the explicit reminders while I’m trying to eat,” Roman adds in between bites.
They smile warmly at each other, and just like that, their squabble is over. You can practically feel the love radiating between them. I’ve always wanted a love like theirs, and I’m happy to see they haven’t changed a bit. It gives me hope that true love really does exist.
Mrs. Kingsley turns her attention back to me and Luka. “Okay, enough of the small talk.” She gestures between us with her fork. “What I really want to know is, why I had to hear about the two of you getting married from Miss. Scarlett in the produce aisle?” She sets down her fork and wipes her mouth. “I get it, you wanted to keep the ceremony between the two of you… But you couldn’t have even given me a heads up?”
My stomach sinks, feeling the searing guilt begin to rise in my chest, and then I feel Luka’s hand on my thigh, squeezing tighter, making my brain glitch at her question. I’d like to believe his intentions behind his distraction is intended to be helpful, but the chances are probably closer to a fifty-fifty split.
“Mom, like I said… We were worried about how Scout’s parents were going to handle it, and we didn’t want to make things any more difficult.”
I shake my head. “No, Luka. Your mother’s right. We should’ve told you.” I turn so that I’m facing them both as I say, “It’s my fault. Luka was trying to make it easier for me, but I accept full responsibility. I’m sorry I was so selfish…” My apology is interrupted by the sound of the door bursting open.
“Sorry, I’m late! My new bartender had a family emergency, and I had to cover for her,” Jett calls as he steps into the dining room. His face flashes with surprise when he sees me—but he quickly recovers as he takes a seat next to Roman and quietly serves himself.
“Honey, I’m so happy you made it,” Mrs. Kingsley coos, and I can’t help but see the relief in her face. Jett was always distant, from what I remember and judging by the thick tension in the air ever since he walked in, I’m assuming that hasn’t eased. If anything, it feels heavier than I remember.
“Glad you could make it, Jett. How’s everything going at Restaurant?” Roman asks, then looks at his dad and Guy and mouths behind his hand, “Pay up.”
Mr. Kingsley and Guy don’t even try to be inconspicuous as they both pull out their wallets and hand over the cash.
Roman flashes a smug grin. “Good doing business with you.”
Jett shakes his head. “Seriously? You’re betting on if I’ll show up for family dinner now? Sounds like you two need a job. I’ve got a dishwasher position open if you’re really that bor?—”
“Who’s ready for dessert?” Mrs. Kingsley cuts in, already jumping up from the table. “I’ll go grab it, and then I want to hear all about how you two reconnected.”
“Here, let me help,” Mr. Kingsley says, excusing himself to follow his wife into the kitchen.
Guy reaches for the wine and tops off his glass. “Glad I cleared my schedule. I didn’t realize I’d be getting dinner and a show.” He gives us a wink, and I feel the panic already rising in my chest.
How could we be so negligent? We didn’t even come up with a story…
“Stop freaking out,” Luka whispers, his hand moving higher on my thigh, making my nerves heighten even more than they already are. “Just follow my lead…”
I nod as I reach for my own wine now. Looks like I’m going to need it.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Luka
“Hang on. You mean to tell meshereached out toyoubefore her engagement party?” My dad gestures between us, wearing a look of utter surprise.
“What can I say?” I lean back in my seat, wrapping an arm around Scout. “My girl’s needs weren’t being met.” I flash Scout a cocky grin and wink.
She rolls her eyes, trying her best to seem unfazed by my elaborate backstory, but the blush that rises on her cheeks only makes the story that much more believable.
The scent of cinnamon and warm apple pie wafts through the air, and we’re already on our third bottle of wine. Unlike the beginning of the evening, the tension has finally calmed down, and everyone, including Scout, has finally relaxed as I fill them in on how we reconnected.
