Page 45 of It Started With a Scarf

"Oh, I'm sorry. That was… Joan's daughter was just… you know what? Never mind. She was just being her miserable self in there, and I don't even need to think about it anymore. I'm so happy you're here."

"Is it something I could go in there and take care of for you? Because I would be happy to. I'll walk in there and set them straight." He had a hold of my hand, and he brought it up to his mouth. The back side of my hand, that sensitive flesh, was touching his glorious lips. I could just die.

"No. I don't want you to give them the pleasure of going in there," I said. "Even though it would really put Deb in her place."

"Why's that?"

"She thinks I'm lying about knowing you. But that's not saying much because she thinks I lie about everything. I'm sorry. I said I was going to leave it alone. Hello! How are you? I've been missing you! I'm so happy to see you."

He still had a hold of my hand, and squeezed me. "I'm missing you too. Did you say that lady thinks you're lying about knowing me?"

"Yes, but it's not a big deal. I don't care what she thinks."

"Joan?"

"Her daughter."

He sat up and put a hand on his door handle, letting go of my hand.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going in there."

I shook my head. "No, it's okay."

"No, it's not. If someone's giving you a hard time about knowing me, that's something I can deal with. Is she in here?"

"Yeah, but I don't really care what she thinks."

"I do. I don't want anyone calling you a liar. And I'm not just going in to prove that to her. I'm going to look her in the face, to see who you're living with. I want to meet Joan and see these people and your place."

His door was open by then, and I knew there was no talking him into staying in the truck. I got out, and he came around the front of the truck and met me on the sidewalk. He was wearing dark jeans and a light blue and navy jacket that looked amazing on him. He smiled and leaned in to kiss me on the cheek as soon as we converged on the sidewalk.

"We do not need to go inside," I assured him.

"Come on, didn't you forget something? I think you have to go back in your room for some chapstick or something you forgot."

"I did forget my chapstick," I said, walking with him toward the house.

"You don't have to explain that," he said. "Just tell them you're getting something from your room, and I'll go with you."

I was nervous as we went up the path, but Dominic took my hand and grinned at me. "Do we need to knock?" he asked.

"No."

He grabbed the door handle and opened it. He held the door for me so I could walk inside before him. He never let go of my hand. Dominic was huge, and it really showed in Joan's living room. All conversation stopped, and everyone turned to stare at us when he walked in.

"Hey everyone! Who's Joan?" he asked.

Joan raised her hand, and Dominic waved at her. "Happy birthday! It's nice to meet you." He adjusted the grip he had on me, holding me with his left hand, making it obvious that we were connected while he reached out to shake Joan's hand with his free hand.

"Marley had to come back inside, and I told her I wanted to tag along and wish you a happy birthday."

"Thank you, I'm honored," Joan said with a hand to her chest.

"I'm a huge fan," Patrick's friend said. She was so excited it looked like she was about to burst.

"Me too," Brandon added.

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