Page 85 of Magic and Mayhem

Kenzie decided being polite was a good idea now that he was in strangling distance and completed the introductions.

When we were all politely introduced, I stepped closer to Kenzie just in case I had to protect him and tried to decide what to say next. “I was thinking that we should have you over for dinner next week. We’ll have to figure out a time that works for everyone.”

I shrugged as they looked slightly surprised. “With my job, my schedule can be interesting to work around, though.”

I had no idea what had them giving each other curious stares, but Kenzie did. “I told you I’d find someone who could take care of me. Daddy cooks and makes sure I have hot meals and don’t just eat cupcakes.”

It was the first time anyone had introduced me as Daddy to their parents, so I found myself smiling at Kenzie for a variety of reasons. “You take very good care of me too, and you’re not a picky eater, so it’s not a problem.”

He seemed to eat almost anything that wasn’t soup, so I wasn’t going to complain about cooking for him. If I didn’t, it would just leave us eating salads and sandwiches, which would end up punishing both of us. Nope. I didn’t mind cooking at all.

“That sounds lovely. Thank you for inviting us over.” Lindsay smiled politely and didn’t remark on the fact that I was asking her over to have dinner at her son’s house.

“I’m looking forward to it.” They seemed to sense the honesty in my response because their smiles were less polite and more genuine. “Kenzie’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about you both even though we haven’t been seeing each other long.”

I was hoping that reminding them both we’d only been dating about a week would smooth over some of his mother’s frustration, but I wasn’t sure it worked.

“Yes.” She was trying not to glare at a smiling Kenzie and not doing very well at it. “He’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about you, and everyone in town has as well.”

Oh, was that the problem?

Was this ashe wanted to know things firstissue?

The way Kenzie’s father’s lips twitched made me think I might be right, but before I could figure out how to respond, Kenzie jumped in. “Yeah, everyone is really nosy and doesn’t leave Daddy alone. They were even lined up outside his office the other day after they found out he’d seen my dragon. It was so rude. He’s got to think we’re insane, but he was really glad you guys were giving him time to figure everything out. He said you guys had much better manners.”

Kenzie lied like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth and had me wondering if he thought we’d already had that conversation.

It was impressive and confusing, and we were going to talk about that at some point when we had privacy. But to play along, I leaned over and kissed his head. “They’re excited and I’m glad to have everyone’s support, but yes, it was nice to have some time to get used to the idea.”

And to try to smooth things over with his mother a bit more, I turned to her and smiled. “With Kenzie having your eyes, does that mean he gets his dragon’s coloring from you as well? You must be a beautiful dragon. If it’s polite for me to say so, of course.”

Bingo.

His father’s lips twitched, but his mother gave me a beaming smile that was definitely Kenzie’s as well. “Thank you. You’re so sweet. Yes, he gets his height and his passion for woodworking from his father, but his coloring is from my side.”

“Well, he’s beautiful and it was an amazing experience getting to see that side of him.” I didn’t think I was downplaying my nervousness too much, so I was glad to see his mother’s smile get even wider.

“I have to admit, we were a bit worried when we’d heard how quickly you moved with that part of your relationship.” She was back to aiming frustrated daggers at her son, who was just smiling sweetly.

My adorable brat was having a wonderful time.

“I didn’t pick it.” Kenzie shrugged, not willing to be thrown under the bus for that one. “The council did.”

And his friends helped too.

Her face scrunched up, but she didn’t call out the council. “Yes, well, I’m glad to see it all worked out.”

Me too.

As she opened her mouth again, Kenzie’s father stepped in. “We should be letting you get on with your date. We know how important those are because we were heading out ourselves. We’ve got some errands to run over by the interstate and we’re gonna grab dinner.”

She deflated slightly but seemed to realize arguing was fruitless. “Yes, we have to get going, but we’ll figure out that dinner date, and Kenzie, I expect you to call more often. You’ve been ignoring my texts.”

“I forgot my phone at home.” Kenzie didn’t seem to have any desire to promise to call her more because he just ignored that part completely. “Have fun.”

Turning to me, he kept up that ear-to-ear grin, giving me the thought that it might actually be real. “You ready, Daddy?”

His willingness to show everyone who I was to him still amazed me, but I nodded and took his hand. “Yes, I’m starving and I haven’t gotten to ask about your day yet.”

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