Page 123 of Trust Me

“Why is your seatbelt not on?” I chide Eve.

“We’re here,” she announces like I can’t see that. “Kyle, is this where you grew up?”

To be honest, I’m a little surprised that the house isn’t much larger. It’s not quite mansion size, but massively bigger than anything I lived in as a child. However, I would’ve thought anything Kyle Townsend grew up in would’ve been double the size.

I thought all rich types loved to flaunt their wealth with the ridiculous sizes of their homes.

“This is it,” he answers. He climbs out and then holds the door open for Eve. My fake husband is an asshole for forcing this marriage, but he is super kind and sweet with Eve. He might even love her.

I startle when my car door opens. Kyle stands there with his hand out for me to take. He must be putting on a show for his parents.

“Do they even know we’re married?” I ask out of the side of my mouth so Eve won’t overhear.

He looks me up and down. “They will after tonight.”

I slump my shoulders and stop walking. Eve is in front of us and doesn’t notice. Kyle pauses next to me.

“How could you not tell them? What the hell? How are you going to introduce me?” I whisper yell.

Kyle rolls his eyes.

“Hi!” Eve greets.

I look up to see she’s already reached the front door and is talking to whoever’s answered. A second later, a woman steps out onto the porch.

“Let’s go.”

“Kyle,” the woman with brown skin and short sister locks greets him. It’s the sound of a mother welcoming her adult son home. I recognize Patience Townsend from the photos in Kyle’s office and a few news articles.

“Hey, Mom.” Kyle greets her with a kiss on the cheek and a huge hug. It’s not practiced or phony. It’s a warm embrace, one that’s taken place between mother and son thousands of times. Kyle shows his family a different side than he shows to outsiders.

My heart squeezes in my chest as I realize I’m one of those outsiders, despite the massive ring on my finger. It shouldn’t bother me.

“And who’s this?” Kyle’s mother’s question brings me back to the present moment.

My niece waves her hand as she introduces herself, “I’m Eve.”

“Nice to meet you, Eve.” Mrs. Townsend gives Kyle a curious look before her eyes meet mine. They widen in surprise.

“Mom, this is Riley.” Kyle looks over at me but doesn’t move closer as he finishes with, “My wife.”

That’s when his mother’s eyes bulge in blatant surprise.

“Why don’t you come inside?” She steps aside, and I awkwardly follow Kyle inside of his parents’ home.

I tighten the hold on the strap of my handbag as I glance around the home he grew up in.

The interior is decorated in a classic style of décor. Yet, it feels warm and inviting. Not stuffy and pretentious like I would’ve assumed.

“Mrs. Townsend—” I start, but am suddenly interrupted by a loud noise barreling down the stairs.

“Kyle, is that you?” a young female voice yells. Her voice reaches us long before she appears in the entryway where we’re all standing. “It is you!” the girl screeches as she makes a beeline for Kyle. She’s a blur of long, spiral curls, arms, and legs as she barrels down in Kyle.

“Hey, Stasi,” Kyle murmurs, hugging his youngest sister. “Ouch!” Kyle barks when Stasi pulls back and punches him in the arm. “What the hell was that for?”

“Watch your mouth,” their mother interjects with a calm that tells me this is nothing new for this family.

“That’s for not calling me all last week. You said you would.”

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