Page 125 of Craving Danger

“I’m good. Congrats on becoming a grandfather.”

“Thanks. You must see how much he’s grown already. I’m telling you, he’s going to be a football player.”

“Hush, Scott. He’s not even a month old,” Mom chastises Dad.

Franco comes walking toward me, and leaning down, he presses a kiss to my forehead.

“I’m actually calling to tell you I have a boyfriend,” I say, and it has Franco’s eyebrow lifting.

Too curious for his own good, he pulls a chair right next to mine, and taking a seat, he leans closer to try and hear the conversation.

“You do!” Mom exclaims. “Who? What does he do? When?”

I let out a burst of laughter. “I met him at work.” Remembering how I complained to my parents about my asshole boss, a nervous chuckle escapes me. “Ah…it’s Mr. Vitale.”

“I’m confused,” Mom says.

“You’re dating your boss?” Dad asks.

“Yes.” I glare at the grin on Franco’s face. “He wore me down.”

“What do you mean he wore you down?” Dad asks with a worried tone.

“I’m kidding, Dad,” I say to put him at ease. “He’s actually very nice.”

“You don’t date someone because they’re nice to you,” Mom mutters.

“Fine. Nice is the wrong word.” I take a deep breath, then say, “Franco is amazing. He’s been nothing but good to me, and I love him.”

“You love him?” Mom asks. “When you were here, it sounded like you hated him. What changed in a month?”

So much. But I can’t tell them, because they don’t know what Todd did to me.

“It’s hard to explain, Mom. I was always attracted to him, and when he told me how he felt about me, I gave him a chance. He’s attentive and caring. I promise you’ll approve of him once you meet him.”

“When are we meeting him?” Dad asks.

I give Franco a mischievous smile, then say, “He’s coming with me for Thanksgiving.”

Instead of panicking, he looks happy.

Mom sounds less worried when she says, “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Does he make you happy, Sammie?” Dad asks.

“Yes, Dad. I’ve never been so happy before.” I take a deep breath, then admit, “He’s the one I want to spend my life with.”

Franco wraps his arm around my shoulders, and pulling me against his chest, he presses a kiss to my hair.

“Oh, sweetie,” Mom mutters with an emotional tone to her voice. “That’s all we want for you. If you feel he’s the one, we’ll accept him with open arms.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” I clear my throat before I continue, “I have to go. I just wanted to tell you the good news.”

“Okay. We’ll talk again soon.”

I end the call, and rubbing my cheek against Franco’s suit jacket, I say, “I can’t wait to introduce you to my parents at Thanksgiving.”

“I can’t wait to meet them.”

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