Page 52 of Just A Date

I glance at the floorin time to see Kabobs revving up for round three. What is wrong with that stupid thing? And how did it get upstairs?

I jump on the bed, and the pig chases after me, jumping and squealing like some kind of guard dog.

Why won’t the little demon leave?

Juliet laughs so hard she has to lean on the dresser for support.

“Wanna help me out here?” I ask, eyeing the little menace running around the edge of the bed.

“It’s just a little piggy,” she says through her gasps.

No. He’s a bloodhound. And he’s got my scent.

She stops laughing long enough to walk over to the thing.

“Careful it’s danger—”

I warn, but she picks it up, anyway. The little pig curls up in her arms and rubs her with his snout.

“He’s harmless.” Juliet chuckles as the pig bathes her in kisses.

Now I get it. He’s jealous and wants me out of the picture so he can have Juliet to himself. I don’t think so, bub.

I hop off the bed and the pig instantly squeals.

“Let’s get you back to the party,” Juliet coos, petting its head.

Do pigs even like to be stroked like that? The pig’s head lolls to the side, and I swear it purrs. Something is seriously wrong with that thing.

“Maybe we should roast him instead,” I mutter.

“Michael!” She scolds me and hip-checks me out of the way to head downstairs. “Don’t worry, Kabobs. I won’t let him anywhere near you.”

Well, there goes the rest of my night.

Chapter 21

Juliet

Apparently, while Michael and I were upstairs…babysitting a pig, Chanel provided the crowd with an additional showing and made Sean lift her above his head. Then he “accidentally” dropped her. She went home cussing his existence, but Sean doesn’t seem too stirred. Then the palm tree fell and scared Trent so badly he toppled over the table.

Unfortunately, only one of those things was recorded.

This family is nuts. And I love it.

Look at me using the L word.

I’m changing. I thought I could push Michael away at the end of five dates, but tonight I stayed. For the first time in my life, fear isn’t controlling me. I want this. And the realization is exciting.

We stay until the party is over, then help put things away. Kabobs has been running around my feet all night, and as much as I adore the cute little pig, it would be nice if Michael dared get near me again.

I scoop up Kabobs and find Mark. “Where do you want this little guy?”

Mark pats the pig’s head, then takes off the Santa costume. “There’s a crate in the garage, if you wouldn’t mind putting him in there. His owner’s picking him up soon.”

“Okay.” I head down the hall. I’m pretty sure the garage is this way. This is where everyone has been taking the tables and chairs.

The door is already propped open, and I walk inside. It’s much colder in here and Kabobs burrows deeper into me. Hopefully his owner is coming soon.

---