Page 65 of Inked Temptation
“I don’t want to fuck this up. And I know you’re not Marc.”
“I’ll try not to bring him up. That was wrong of me.”
“It really was. I don’t think you’re Marc. And maybe sometimes I’ll react like you are because it’s habit, but I’m getting better.”
Killian was there then, cupping my face. I wanted to lean into him, but I was so afraid, because he was right. Marc had done this. Lashed out at me, made me feel small, and then had warmed to me, making me feel better.
Killian wasn’t Marc, and I needed to be better than this.
“I am worried about the vandalism. But it’s been three weeks since anything else happened, so maybe it was just kids or passersby. The authorities don’t have anything, we’re being safe, and Cora is never alone at the house.” Something dark flashed over his eyes before he continued. “Penny’s keeping an eye out, and so are all the other neighbors.”
“The neighbors sure do like you. They’re all rallying around you.”
He shrugged. This time it was him blushing.
“The neighbors are nice. Don’t know what they see in me, but whatever.”
“I could tell you what they see in you, but I don’t know if you’d believe me.”
“Maybe.”
Killian leaned forward and kissed me soundly on the mouth before he moved back to go put on his watch. “All I’m saying, though, is that yes, I am a little nervous about meeting your family in full and not just talking to someone on the phone for work things. However, you don’t need to cower in on yourself like you thought you had to do with Marc if you’re afraid of upsetting me. I’m not him.”
“I know that.” I let out a breath. “I know that. But you also don’t have to bring him up like that.”
“Maybe. Maybe we both need to be better. I’m not good at this whole thing.”
“Neither am I, but we can maybe be poor at it together?” I asked, my voice going a little high-pitched.
“If that’s what we need to do,” he teased, then sobered. “Are you sure this is right? That I should be going to this? Because the last time I met with my significant other’s family, they shouted at me, pushed me away, and told me that I was a horrible person because their daughter and granddaughter were dead, and I was still alive.”
I moved to him then and held him close. “We don’t have to do this tonight. If this is too quick for you, we don’t have to go.”
He let out a shuddering breath as I wrapped my arms around him, my chest pressing to his back.
“I’m not good at this whole thing. I never fit in with Danielle’s parents.”
“The good thing about the Montgomerys is everyone fits in with us. We’re a handy bunch.”
“Maybe, or maybe I’ll just sit in the corner and watch you guys like I’m watching the Discovery network.”
“That could work too,” I teased. “We are interesting.”
“You are. That’s why I like spending time with you.”
I blinked. “Really?” I asked, blushing.
“Of course, really. It’s why I’m here, after all. And why you’re here. You brought me out of my shell just a bit, Archer.”
I looked over his shoulder into the mirror, our gazes meeting. “Are you sure?” I asked softly.
“Yes, I’m sure. I wasn’t good with Danielle’s family, but our family was strong. The one that we made with the four of us, including Cora,” he said as the Lab leaned against us. “And I know I’m going with you tonight because your family wants to meet me because, apparently, I was such an asshole to you before that they’re worried.”
“That’s not the case,” I said, hoping I wasn’t lying.
“It seems like a little bit of a case,” he said after a moment. “I know that I’m not easy. That I’m not ready for anything beyond what we have now.”
I smiled softly. “I’m not either. That’s why we’re taking it slow. However, you are meeting my entire family. At least, my entire immediate family.”
