Page 43 of Tempt Me

“Good morning, dear.” My mom glances at me over her shoulder. “Rough night?”

“No,” I growl between gritted teeth. “It was fine. Thank you.”

She waggles her brows and smiles. “I bet it was.”

“What do you mean?” I stop in mid-step and clutch my chest as heat pools under my armpits. What does she mean? Did they hear something? Shit. My head spins as my stomach lurches up into my throat.

No, they didn’t hear anything. They didn’t hear anything. If I keep repeating it, I’ll make it true.

“Because Dominic’s pickup was outside in the driveway after midnight, and….” My dad’s face turns pink. “Never mind.”

Oh, my God, I’m going to throw up.

My mom twists off the stove knob and spins on her heel. Her eyes dance with humor, causing me to groan. Here it comes. My mom is not as easily embarrassed as my dad. She’s liable to say anything. This is not good.

“So….” She winks. “Was it as good as it sounded?”

“Oh, my God.” I cover my face with my hands and calculate what I have in the bank to add to the money my grandparents gave me for birthdays. It’s not much, but it’ll have to do. I’m moving, taking on a fake name, and never returning.

“I take it that it was better than it sounded.”

“Stop.” My voice is muffled behind my fingers as my father’s voice joins mine.

“I told you I couldn’t handle this.” My dad stands motionless as if the room is spinning around him.

“Honey, you’re going to be fine.” My mom grabs my father’s upper arms. “Breathe. We discussed this last night. All night. You’re going to be fine. Bella is an adult. Dominic is an adult. We want grandkids someday. That means our kids must have sex.”

“Just stop,” my father groans as he shudders from head to toe.

“Dear.” My mom drops her hands from my father’s shoulders and spins on her heel to face me. “I realize this is as awkward for you as it is for us–”

“Speak for yourself.” It feels like my face is on fire. What am I going to do? Shit. Sam and Ben are going to beat the shit out of Dominic.

“Bella,” he growls as I stomp to the refrigerator, dragging out a bottle of water.

Remember moments ago when you thought water would solve all your problems? Yeah, I don’t either.

“I’ll leave it alone.” My mother returns her attention to the stove. “Just know that we love Dominic and can’t wait until you have babies. I’ve been telling your dad for years that the two of you would grace us with our first grandchildren.”

Oh, my God. This is horrible. I choke on the water, coughing until tears fill my eyes, and my dad pounds on my back. I can’t stop. I can’t breathe.

How are we going to live this down? He’s going to hate my guts, and all because I stupidly thought horny and tipsy could co-exist with Dominic and I getting naughty and this family. That’s a big fat no.

“Are you okay?” My dad’s eyes travel over me.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I inhale and straighten my shoulders. “Dominic and I aren’t together, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“That asshole.” My dad stomps toward the door. “I’m going to give him a piece of my mind, and he’s out on his ass.”

Oh, fuck. “Don’t.” I snatch his arm and hold on for dear life. “It’s not his fault.”

“It’s not?” His eyes flash with anger as his hands ball into fists. Okay, my dad is back. Now, he’s going to lose his mind.

“No. It’s not. It was my idea, and….” This is so humiliating. “And it didn’t mean anything. I promise. Please, just let it go.”

“I can’t let it go.” His jaw flexes as he pops his neck. “You’re my angel, and he…,” he growls.

“Dear.” My mom rushes over and rubs his back. “Don’t get upset. Remember your blood pressure. You need to take a deep breath and count to ten.”

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