Page 67 of Bria and the Tiger

He didn’t miss the look of relief between his parents. His stomach churned but he understood why they were relieved. After what happened with Jonah, he couldn’t blame them. Not to mention the way he himself had been after he and Tabitha ended things. It was no surprise that his parents were leery about him dating.

“Are you driving with us to Ashley’s engagement party this weekend?” His father ate another piece of bacon.

“No. I’ll take my own car,” Jace said.

“Are you driving up Friday night or Saturday morning?” His mother added two eggs to a plate as the toast popped up.

“Probably Saturday morning.” Jace buttered the toast and added it to the stack on the table.

“Why don’t you drive up Friday night and we’ll have dinner at that restaurant – Bobby, what’s the name of it again?”

“Franco’s,” Bobby said.

“That’s right, Franco’s. Your aunt says they have amazing pasta.” Velma put eggs on the remaining two plates before placing the bacon on the table.

“I have a showing on Friday afternoon. I may not be finished in time to drive up and meet you for dinner.”

“All right, but make sure you leave in plenty of time on Saturday morning,” Velma said.

Jace joined his parents at the table and quickly ate a piece of toast and most of his bacon. He really was starving. Starving and tired and more than a little sore.

His tiger made a low growl of satisfaction. He had pleased his mate well this weekend and that made him happy, despite the pain in his back and chest.

Shit. He stared at the food on his plate. His appetite had disappeared. and nausea had taken its place. His tiger was still calling Bria his mate. He was so screwed.

“Velma, did you tell him?”

“Not yet.”

“Tell me what?” Jace glanced at his mother.

“Marilyn will be at the engagement party.”

He groaned and pushed his plate away before standing and pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Why? Ashley and she aren’t friends.”

“No, but their mothers are,” Velma said.

“You should bring Bria,” his father said.

Jace’s mouth dropped open as his mother said, “Why on earth would he do that? They’re not even dating.”

She turned to Jace, the anxiety evident in her voice. “You’re not dating her. Right, honey?”

“No, I’m not,” he said.

“I know,” Bobby said. “But Marilyn doesn’t know that. He could use that wee tiger shifter to fend her off.”

“Marilyn outweighs that little thing by sixty pounds. She’s big even for a female lion shifter.” Velma ate some eggs before sipping at her coffee.

Bobby shrugged. “After seeing Jace’s chest and back - my money is on the wee tiger shifter. Think about it, son – you know Marilyn is like a dog with a bone when it comes to you. If you show up with a date, it’ll help cool her off. She doesn’t have to know that Bria means nothing to you.”

Jace didn’t reply and his father glanced at his mother. “You know what, forget I said anything. It’s a dumb idea.”

“It’ll be fine,” Velma said. “Just be polite to Marilyn.”

“And when she tries to corner you in the bathroom for a quickie, duck and run,” Bobby said.

“Dad!” Jace glared at him. “Seriously?”

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