Page 12 of Daddy's Naughty Author

I raise an eyebrow. “Why’s that?” I wonder briefly if there’s something about me that screams, I write naughty romance?

Margaret sips her tea. “It’s not what you write that doesn’t surprise me, it’s the fact that I don’t know. Because my son is about as open as his locked gun safe when it comes to personal details. He’s not exactly an open book. I mean, you were dating for months before he even brought you up, and only because I was arranging a date for him for a friend’s wedding.”

I huff out a laugh. “That sounds about right.”

Tiffany leans forward, clearly intrigued and wanting to change the topic back to books. I decide I like her already. “Okay, but like… are you one of those authors who writes about billionaires and secret babies? Sexy hockey players? Oh! Mafia? Do you write dark mafia?”

I smile. “No secret babies or mafia, but I’ve definitely written about my fair share of broody alpha males.”

Margaret tilts her head. “And KC? Would you say he fits the description?”

I nearly choke on my sweet tea. “Oh, uh?—”

Monica and Tiffany both burst out laughing, while Margaret just watches me, waiting for my answer. The weird part is, I’m not as flustered as I thought I’d be. Instead, my response comes surprisingly easy.

“He’s definitely broody,” I say, feeling a little smug. “And a little overprotective. Maybe a little bossy.”

Margaret smirks. “Sounds about right.”

Tiffany gasps. “So, are you’re saying KC is basically a romance hero? I can’t see it. Maybe it’s because I’ve literally known him my entire life.”

I think about the way he told me to wear a coat, how he scolded me for not locking my door, how he kissed me on his porch just days ago.

I swallow and remember I am supposed to be his girlfriend. “Maybe.”

Monica grins. “What’s your penname? I want read your books.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, uh, just… keep in mind, they’re fiction.”

“Fiction inspired by real life, I bet,” Margaret muses. “Where did you two go on your first date?”

I hesitate, knowing I need to stick to the fake relationship story KC, and I have been telling. But again, the answer comes easier than I expect.

“He took me out for coffee,” I say honestly. “I was helping him out with something, and he rewarded me by taking me to my favorite coffee shop.”

Margaret gives me a knowing look. “Helping him out, huh?”

“Sometimes, when he has to go out of town for work, I keep an eye on his place. Actually, he helps me out a lot more than I help him. He’s very helpful.”

Tiffany wiggles her eyebrows. “I bet he is.”

I groan. I stepped right into that one. “You guys are relentless.”

Monica waves me off. “Oh, come on, we’re just having fun. Besides, you’re the first woman KC has ever brought around. You can’t blame us for being a little curious.”

Margaret nods. “Exactly. And for what it’s worth, I like you.”

The words take me by surprise. Margaret doesn’t say it like she’s just being polite. She says it like she means it.

A warmth spreads through me. “I like you too,” I admit. “I was a bit worried about meeting you. You know, meeting your boyfriend’s mom for the first time can be intimidating and all, but you’ve been great. I enjoyed our dinner the other night.”

Margaret smiles, and just like that, the conversation shifts.

“Now, tell me,” Monica says, leaning back on the couch. “Mags, what do you think of this crazy Colorado weather? I swear, yesterday we had snow covering everything, and today it’s in the sixties. It is nothing at all like South Carolina, am I right?”

“Most people retire to warmer places. Not Monica here. She went from sunny year-round to Colorado.”

“My youngest is attending college at The Air Force Academy,” Monica explains. “And Tif is engaged to an airman stationed at Peterson. It made sense. The weather however…”

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