Page 76 of Free to Judge
I shake my head, trying to clear the “hope for the best but prepare for the worst” attitude. I’ve never been like that. I’ve always been balls to the wall and letting things play out.
I need to stop acting like I’m a different person because he’s in my life.
I need to be me.
A knock sounds at the door and a frown mars my brow. “I’m supposed to be meeting everyone at the farm.” Curious as to who it could be, I pull it open.
Declan braces one arm on the jamb, eyes raking over me like a man starved. His hungry gaze lingers on my body, making me feel like I’m wearing nothing at all.
He’s here.
He’s not backing out.
He’s braving a family dinner.
The relief that floods my system is intense and overwhelming. “Damn, Kalie.” His voice rumbles with a raw, aching need.
A slow smile crosses my face as I step back to let him in. “What are you doing here? I thought you were just going to meet me there.”
He brushes his lips across mine in greeting, setting my blood on fire before I capture the hint of vulnerability he tries to hide. “I hoped you wouldn’t mind company on the car ride.”
“I’m glad you came. I could use fortification before facing the family.” I pull him in, my heart flipping. He cups my face, kisses me again, and I swear my bones liquefy.
He pulls back, his eyes dark and heated. “It’s getting harder to leave you.”
I savor his words, trying to memorize the way they feel inside of me. “Then don’t.”
His chuckle is low, sending a jolt of arousal through me. “You’re dangerous.”
“You have no idea,” I tease.
He follows me into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as I grab my keys. His lips twitch. “I’m not going to be skinned alive once I walk through the door?”
“Not now.” I step closer to him. “You’ve been invited by how many members of my family?”
“Eight,” he answers unhesitatingly. “Including your mother, aunt, and cousin.”
“Then, you’re fine.” I pause. “Wait. There’s a very important question I have to ask you.”
His face pales. “What?”
“Did anyone warn you about the dancing?”
His face relaxes in amusement. “Jon mentioned something sounded funny when he told me about it. All the women in your family dancing on tables? As if.”
My smile is slow as I pick up the keys. “Oh, you’ll see.”
“Check the group chat. Uncle Phil tried to insist on having a light meal tonight once he got his cholesterol results back,” Laura’s voice explodes in laughter over my Bluetooth. Fortunately, Declan insisted on driving my vehicle so I can do just that.
I frown, wondering why she’s laughing so hard. “Is there a problem?”
“No, Uncle Phil just ate like garbage the week leading up to his test. He openly admitted to having no self-control. Mama said that’s his problem, and she’s not going to be subjected to crap food because he can’t control himself. Uncle Jason agreed.”
“Ohh, this should be good.” I unlock my phone just as it chimes with more messages. The screen floods with texts:
Mama:
Apparently, Phil’s basic comprehension of fasting for bloodwork is worse than his understanding of scheduling.
