Page 142 of Off Limits
‘Am I gonna pass the Mom test?’
‘I told her I’m crazy in love with you, so I think you already did.’
She bites her lip. She’s so cute when she’s worried. ‘Can I pick up some flowers on the way over? Just in case there’s a chance she doesn’t like what she sees.’
I open up the passenger side door. ‘That’s impossible. But okay, if you insist.’
‘You think Serenity’s passed the Mom test?’
I watch as River leans her head back, away from the sink, both her arms immersed almost elbow-deep in the suds. I follow her gaze. Dinner over, Serenity is still at the table, talking animatedly to Mom and Dad. Riv and I promised we would share the task of washing the used pans afterward.
River lowers her voice. ‘I think she’s surpassed any kind of yard stick that might have existed for the Mom test. In fact, I think she just obliterated the Mom test altogether. Look at her. She adores Serenity already.’
I pick up the pan that River just placed in the dish rack and dry it. I can’t help but smile. ‘You think I’m ever gonna get her back?’
‘I hate to say it, but you might have a job on your hands. This might be the first of your girlfriends Mom’s actually liked.’
I glance back. My heart swells just watching her, because I knew Mom and Dad would take to her immediately.
‘Seriously,’ River continues. ‘She’s really something. You guys make a very cute couple. I’m so happy for you.’
‘Thank you.’ I wrap my arm around her shoulders and plant a kiss against her hair. ‘When you next seeing Wylder?’
‘He’s video calling me in, like, fifteen minutes.’
‘So, you guys are serious now?’
River blushes. ‘I like him. I like him a lot.’
I’m happy for her too. And that she’s finally settled into school. ‘Did I hear Dad say you’re bringing him to the game Sunday?’
‘Already organized the wheelchair access. Is there gonna be a game to watch?’
I raise my brow. ‘I wouldn’t wanna speculate.’
‘You realize Sunday night your golden boy era comes to an end?’
I laugh. ‘Thank god. ’Bout time I embraced my wild side.’
River sobers. ‘For the record… I think that what you’re doing for her… well, it’s special. It takes balls. Standing up for somebody less powerful than you like that. And it’s gotta be worth a try.’
‘Even if they fire me?’
River punches me in the arm, sending soapy water everywhere. ‘Especiallyif they fire you.’
It’s warm in my room. Even with the air con at full blast, Serenity lies naked with me atop the bed clothes, our limbs intwined, breathless post-climax, our bodies radiating heat in the darkness.
The fact that she just fell apart for me twice in quick succession – the first time the result of me just using my tongue – fills me with a deep satisfaction.
We lie there for a few minutes, coming down, cradling one another, our heart rates returning to normal.
‘Jake?’ Serenity says after a moment as she traces a line down my face with her finger.
‘What is it?’
‘I’m scared.’
I draw back and search her face in the shadows. ‘What are you afraid of?’
