Page 36 of A Very Merry Mistake

“And what idea would that be, exactly?”

I give her a pointed look. She’s not this dense; I know better.

She lifts her brow. “Would it be the worst thing that could happen?”

I shake my head, taking two steps forward and removing the space between us. “You bein’ my girlfriend? They’d honestly be giddy if I brought someone home. I’m already gonna get the third degree, and even then, after I explain what happened, they probably won’t believe the truth. But I’d rather just rip the Band-Aid off now if you’ll be stayin’ here for a few weeks. Otherwise, the rumors will start flyin’.”

“Yes,” she says.

“Huh?”

“Yes, I’ll go with you to your parents’.” She gives me a mischievous grin. “When?”

“In about five minutes.”

Her eyes widen. “That’s barely enough time to get dressed.”

“It doesn’t matter what you wear. Fashion won’t impress them. That said, they’re old-fashioned, so be on your best behavior.”

She lifts a brow. “I know how to be polite.”

“I have no doubt about that,” I assure her as she rushes toward the bedroom, and I follow. When I enter, clothes are thrown on the bed like she’s pairing outfits together. She looks stressed. I meet her gaze.

“What’s up?”

She pulls her hair down from her ponytail. “First impressions are important. They’re everything.”

“Are they? I mean, the first time I met you…”

She holds up her hand. “That was different. I had no preparation.”

“Whatever you say.” I shoot her a wink, then go into my closet and grab a hoodie, tugging it over my body along with some jeans.

When I walk into my room, she’s wearing a blue, fuzzy sweater that matches her eyes and some black slacks, along with those boots again.

“Wow, you look…amazin’.”

“Really?” She doesn’t sound convinced. “You’re sure it’s not too much?”

I shake my head. “Nah. My parents are gonna love you. They’ve never met a stranger and never disliked a single human.”

She sucks in a breath. “Okay. Awesome. I’m nervous. Totally out of my comfort zone.”

“It’s fine. My mama will do most of the talkin’ anyway. We won’t be there very long, but I thought it might be nice to get outta the house.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

She walks out of my bedroom, and I place my hand on her shoulder and squeeze. “It’s gonna be fine.”

“I hope you’re right.”

As I move toward the door, Tinsel jingles toward me with several meows. She trots past me and runs straight to the kitchen. “Just one second. I forgot to give her treats earlier. She’ll be pissed at me for the rest of the day if I leave without giving her some,” I explain as Claire puts on her coat.

I pour a few treats onto her food mat, and she eats one, then looks up at me with her big golden eyes. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she can count. I sigh. “Just a few more.”

When I tip the container, a pile falls out, but I keep them down there for her. “Better not waste them.”

Her tail flicks, and then I meet Claire at the door. “Ready?”

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