Page 42 of Tango

“Oh, no, you can’t bring it up,” he scoffed like I was nuts. “No, you need to dance all around the subject then go through a back door, so he doesn’t realize what you’re doing.”

“I see.” I could do that. It wouldn’t be the first time. “Good to know.”

“Are you staying at Shadows?” He switched topics.

“I am.”

“You want kids?” He slipped that in with a quick grin.

“Eventually,” my cheeks pinked, “but I’m not in a hurry.” I shifted in my chair then leaned in toward him. “What’s Ty scared of? Gimmie something good!”

He was about to speak when his gaze suddenly moved over my shoulder and his expression changed to one of surprise.

“Kit Moore?” A familiar voice had me swivel in my chair. “Oh, my God, and it’s Ivy?”

“Shelly?” Moore looked at Ty’s sister then at me. “Oh, that’s right. Ty mentioned you guys had met.”

“Yes, and, um…” She looked like she might jump right out of her skin.

“What’s wrong?” Moore asked.

“Well, folks, shit’s about to get real. Real interesting, that is.” She laughed.

“Why?” Moore said slowly as he stood.

“Because the gang’s all here.” Just by the way she said all put my nerves on edge. “If it counts, I’m team Ivy.”

“Team what?” I fought to catch up as an older couple approached us dressed in skiwear.

“Mom. Dad,” she said with a full-out grin at Moore, “look who it is.”

“Kit-lit!” Ty’s mother came around the table and threw her arms around Moore. I recovered fast and smirked at her nickname for him.

“Connie, how are you?” Moore got up and glared at me as he hugged her back. “What a nice surprise running into you.” He then patted Ty’s father on the shoulder. “Richard. I totally forgot Ty mentioned you’d decided to move here.”

“And I’m sure my boy was thrilled.” Connie’s voice dripped with sarcasm. Her gaze swung to me, and Shelly stepped forward.

“Ah, Mom, this is Ivy Knight.” Connie’s mouth went into an O and her eyebrows took a jump. I guessed Shelly had mentioned me. “Ty’s lady-person friend.”

“Oh,” her eyes went glossy, “so, you’re the one that he couldn’t stop staring at during dinner?” She stepped back to take me in. “Aren’t you a pretty little package.”

“Thank you.” I shifted at her compliment. “Lovely to meet you both.” I quickly looked down at my outfit, suddenly feeling nervous. Though I always dressed my best, I wasn’t prepared to meet the parents of the man I’d fallen for. “Would you like to join us?”

“Ah,” Shelly’s eyes went wide as she gave me a quick look, “do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Oh, Shelly-nelly, don’t worry so much. What T-Rex doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” Connie waved a hand.

T-Rex? I glanced at Moore and grinned. This was getting good. I’d learned so much in the last three minutes.

“That’s not what I meant,” she muttered as her father spun some chairs around and they settled in. Connie and Richard began to chat over the menu, and Shelly perched on a chair between her mother and me but didn’t look happy. She glanced at her watch and looked out the window at the street.

“What are you doing?” Moore whispered as he got closer.

“Going through a back door.” I shrugged as I tossed his own words back at him.

“Ty’s not gonna like this.”

“What T-Rex doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I flashed him a killer smile, and he shook his head with a chuckle.

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