Page 97 of The Perils of Pretending
“I’m sorry. At least you won’t have to deal with my snoring or Brody’s farts.”
I laugh.
Sadie smiles affectionately at me. “Too bad your parents don’t have a basement or anywhere else for us to sneak off to for some privacy. I’m not sure I can wait four days to kiss you the way I want to.”
My belly swirls with heat. “I’m sure we can plan a drive or walk somewhere. I won’t be able to resist you either.” Kissing Sadie is the best thing in the world. Her lips are as sweet as her peach shampoo that I love to smell.
Sadie groans.
“What?”
“You need to circle the block.”
I’m confused. “Why?”
“Because talking about kissing you is making me want to kiss you.”
I laugh. “No one knows we’re here yet. Come here.”
I lean across the center console, placing my hand on the side of Sadie’s neck. Staring into her eyes, I say, “I love you. Thank you for coming with me.”
“I love you too.”
Sadie presses her lips to mine. My heart soars. I love this woman who makes me laugh, asks me millions of questions, has a beautiful brain, compassion, and loyalty, who can stand up for herself but also accepts help when needed, and most importantly loves with all that she has.
I part her lips with my own. At some point, we’ll have to head inside, but I'm in no hurry. All I want is Sadie.
A knock at the window makes me jump. My heart thrashes against my chest. I pull away from Sadie. Standing outside Sadie’s side of the car is my youngest brother, Spencer. He’s grinning and waving with a smirk on his face. He looks like Mom with blond hair and blue eyes.
I hang my head and groan. Thanks a lot, Spence, for ruining my last moment of alone time with my girl.
Sadie glances over her shoulder, then turns to look back at me. “Is that Spencer?” Sadie whispers.
“The one and only.”
“Until next time?” Sadie asks with raised brows.
I’m looking forward to being with my family, but it also would have been nice to have the last few minutes with Sadie to myself. Rallying myself, I squeeze Sadie’s hand. “Yep. Are you ready to meet my family in person?”
Sadie smiles nervously. “Yeah.”
We climb out of the car.
Spencer holds a hand out to Sadie. “Hey, Sadie. It’s nice to meet you in person.”
Sadie shakes his hand. “Same.”
I come around the front of the car, wrapping my arms around Spencer, pounding his back. “Hey, man. It’s good to see you, although you have awful timing.”
Spencer pulls back. “Mom’s the one who sent me out. She saw you pull up. She’s been waiting at the front window the last half hour waiting for you to get here.”
As if they timed it, Mom opens the front door and runs down the sidewalk. “Max! Sadie!”
I open my arms, ready for a hug. To my surprise, Mom goes to Sadie first. She hugs Sadie tightly, rocking her slightly back and forth.
“My darling girl, it’s a pleasure to see you. I didn’t think Max would ever settle down and bring a woman home. I’m beyond thrilled to invite you into our family.”
I wince. Sadie and I discuss our future together, but nothing is official—yet.
