Page 25 of Mink Hijinks
“Anna,” the taller one says.
“A pleasure to meet you both.” I bow and they both giggle. “Your family has amazing genes. You’re all beautiful.” It’s not a lie. Both sisters are gorgeous, not as stunning as my Pax, though.
Pax runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry, I’m not great with introductions.”
“It’s okay,” Anna says.
Abby pats Pax’s back. “We’re just excited you brought someone to meet the family. We’ve been worried about you.”
I thread my fingers through Pax’s and both sisters clock the action. “I’m pretty excited about meeting the family.”
Another car rumbles up and all three siblings stiffen. That doesn’t bode well. I know it’s just Pax’s mom. His dad walked out on the family when Pax was only eight. I have to wonder if that’s part of the reason his Heats are so hard on him. He doesn’t want to be needy because he has to be strong.
“Hey, mom,” Pax starts. “I wanted you to meet Aaron.”
She looks me up and down before taking my offered hand. “Olivia.”
The siblings seem to let out a breath together.
Olivia squints at me, and the siblings hold their breath again.
She seems hurt when she looks up at Pax. “How long have you been keeping him from us? I just want you to be happy. You don’t have to hide things from me.” Her shoulders drop.”
“Funny thing,” Pax starts. “Met him on my vacation.”
Her eyes narrow on me. “Are you trying to swindle my boy out of his savings?”
I raise my hands. “Oh, no. I plan to be his sugar Daddy if he’ll let me.”
Pax snorts out a laugh with his sisters as Olivia’s eyes go wide. It takes her a few beats, but she laughs with the others.
“Mom,” Abby says. “This is Aaron Rising. You know that toy designer we all like?”
Olivia’s mouth drops open. “No way!”
“Yes way!” I chirp.
“I have your axolotl from two years ago. The bright orange one. I needed something nice and cheery for the classroom, and the kids say you’re the best.”
I suck in a breath and press a hand to my chest. “That’s…”
Pax pulls me close when I can’t find the words to express how touched I am.
“Oh, yeah, the kids love the trinket fairy line with all the cute accessories. And then the Halloween costumes for all the different plushies. It’s a riot.”
“Let’s get some food,” Abby turns towards the building and we follow her.
I lean in to whisper in Pax’s ear, “It’s okay to tell them what I am. Or we can wait when we’re somewhere more private.” I gave him permission with Buckle and it ended well.
Pax bobs his head and pulls me down for a sweet kiss. “Later. I’m not ashamed of you. I just want them to have time to process it.”
Lunch is a hit, and Olivia invites us over to her place for the weekend. All of us, plus Anna’s new partner. I understand why Pax was apprehensive about me meeting his family. His mom is a touch old school, but I think we’ll all get along in the end. If not, I’ll have to work on my charm a little more.
“How do you feel about another introduction?” Pax asks when we’re back in my car.
“Buckle?” I ask.
“Yep. He said he’d love to meet us at my place and he’ll bring pizza.”
