Page 38 of Faking It Right
I took a deep breath and nodded, trailing behind him out of the bedroom. As we headed downstairs, the aroma of chocolate chip pancakes wafted up to greet us. My stomach growled, making Harley snicker.
“Sounds like someone worked up an appetite,” he teased, bumping his shoulder against mine.
“Shut up,” I growled, trying not to combust from embarrassment.
We entered the kitchen to find my mom at the stove, flipping pancakes while my dad plated them. Sawyer and Gia were already digging in, their plates piled high and dripping with whipped cream and syrup.
“Well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence,” my sister called out, a mischievous glint in her eye. “We were starting to think you two might haveoverslept.” Her tone dripped with innuendo.
“Good morning to you, too, brat,” I replied, taking a seat across from her.
Harley slid into the chair beside me, his thigh pressing against mine under the table. The casual contact felt charged with new meaning now.
“Morning, everyone,” Harley greeted cheerfully. “The pancakes smell incredible, Jacinta.”
My mom turned from the stove with a beaming smile. “Thank you, Harley! I put extra chocolate chips in yours. I know they’re your favorite.”
“You spoil me.” His charming grin made my mom glow with happiness.
“Someone has to,” she replied, setting down a fresh stack of pancakes like a culinary trophy. “Since my son clearly doesn’t appreciate what a catch you are.”
“Mom!” I protested, my face on fire.
Harley laughed, draping his arm over my chair. “Oh, I don’t know about that. He seemed pretty appreciative last night. And again this morning.”
I choked on air as everyone burst into laughter.
“Harley,” I muttered, elbowing him in the ribs.
He grinned. “What? I’m merely saying you were grateful when I gave you a helping hand with thatthingyou needed help with.”
“You mean his dick?” Sawyer joked, setting off another round of snickers at my expense.
I pouted. “You guys suck.”
“Almost as much as your boyfriend,” she retorted, causing Harley to double over with laughter.
My mother placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of me, patting my shoulder. “Don’t be embarrassed, biscuit. We’re just happy for you both.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I mumbled, drowning my pancakes like a sad little island in a sea of sweetness.
“So, what are your plans for today?” Dad asked, heroically shifting the conversation as he refilled his coffee mug.
Before I could respond, Harley jumped in like a bodyguard getting paid to save me from myself. “Actually, I was hoping to take Ryker into town. There’s that little bookstore he always talks about, and I’d love to see it.”
I turned to him, surprised. “You remember that?”
“Of course.” His smile lacked its usual swagger. “You mentioned it has that fantasy series you’ve been trying to track down their elusive first editions.”
“Veilwalkers of Aelthar,” I confirmed, oddly touched he’d remembered such a trivial detail.
“That’s so thoughtful,” Mom cooed, looking at us with misty eyes.
“Very thoughtful. Almost suspiciously so,” Dad added.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I demanded.
“Nothing,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “Just that Harley seems to know exactly what makes you happy.”
