Page 64 of Tempt Me

“Yes, it is.” He glances across the street as my feet hit the ground.

“That’s awesome. Glad you finally got up the nerve to ask her out. Mira told us about the drawings you’d done of her. I can’t wait to see them.”

“For fucks sake,” Dominic grumbles as he shakes his head. “Apparently, everyone knew.”

“It’s a small town.” I wink as his face turns pink. “There’re no secrets in a small town.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

The Next Day

Bella

As I drive down Main Street, I scan for open spaces. The café is packed for lunch, so nothing close to my parent’s office is open. I pull around the corner and park. When my phone dings, I swipe it open.

Dom: Hey, baby. Miss me?

Me: Always.

Dom: I’m headed to work.

Me: Be safe. I’ll see you tonight.

I climb out of my car and walk to my parent’s office. After yesterday’s awkward conversation in the kitchen, I wanted to make sure everything was okay between us. When I walk in, the doorbell chimes, causing them to look up and smile.

“Hello, dear.” My mom drops the paperwork in her hand onto their receptionist’s desk and embraces me.

“What’s going on?” My father surveys the room as if he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Nothing.” I laugh as my mom rolls her eyes. “I wanted to stop by and make sure that everything is okay. Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity, and we didn’t get the chance to talk after the craziness of Brock.”

My phone dings again. “Just a second, Dom messaged me.”

Dom: Promise?

My heart races as I tape in a response.

Me: Of course, I promise.

“Dear, we’re fine.” My mom pats my father’s back. “Aren’t we, honey?”

“Yes, everything is fine.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

I narrow my eyes and study him. He doesn’t look mad, but he isn’t happy either. “It doesn’t feel fine when you give me that look.”

“You just surprised us. And you know I’m not good with surprises. We weren’t prepared for all these changes at once. We’d barely come to terms with you and Dominic dating, and then, you threw out this business about changing career goals.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “And then Brock was harassing you. It’s a lot to take in at one time.”

I strategically chose lunchtime to visit, knowing that they’d be alone until their receptionist returned from her break.

“I understand. I didn’t intend on springing everything at once. And if I could’ve avoided the entire Brock thing, I would’ve.”

“Don’t.” My mom places her hand on my upper arm. “You had nothing to do with that. And the rest….” She shrugs and steps back. “The rest isn’t your fault either. We pushed you from the beginning. We got excited at the thought of working with youand didn’t give you the chance to breathe. We should’ve realized it wasn’t something you’d enjoy.”

“Your mother is right. You’ve loved doing makeovers since you were old enough to brush your dolls’ hair. And cut it.” He cringes. “I spent more time vacuuming doll hair out of the carpet than I did dog hair when you were growing up.”

I smile as some of the tension eases from the room. “I did always have a pair of scissors in my hand.”

My phone dings again. This man.

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