I’d rather take a bullet to my head than go to Paris with my mom. All right, that might be a bit dramatic. But there is no way in hell I’m spending time away from Reed. Also, why would I want to surprise my dad? If he wanted to see us, he would come home.
“No, thanks. Reed and I have plans.” I smile, and her eyes narrow as much as her tight face allows.
“What does that mean, Tess?”
“It means I’m busy, Mom.” I smirk at her. “And for the record, do you honestly think you should get more work done? You can barely smile as it is.”
“What the hell does that mean?” She flings a hand in the air.
“Language, Mom,” I remind her.
“Knock it off. I’m the mother, not you.” Her face is turning red—a sure sign I’m getting to her. I snort in disgust at that comment.
“You know, Tess, I feel sorry for you.” She’s so fake, it makes my stomach hurt.
“What are you talking about?” I snip, not wanting to look at her when she gets ugly like this.
“I’m talking about your boyfriend.” She sneers. “He will leave you so fast. The first time you do something wrong, or you do something he does not approve of, he will drop you like you never existed.” She snaps her skinny fingers in my face. “So, prepare yourself.” Leaning back into the gray leather seat, she wears a disturbingly satisfied expression on her skinny face.
I’m taken aback. “Why would you say that to me? It’s so mean.” Shaking my head at her, I tell myself it doesn’t matter what she says, but it does. Deep down, I feel it.
Suddenly, I desperately need Reed.
This time, she snorts. “Please, Tess, you need to grow up. I don’t even recognize you anymore.” Her eyes sweep up and down me. “You have completely changed since you’ve been with him.” She crosses her arms over her fake boobs.
I can barely react. Once again, she has stripped me of all my self-confidence. What is wrong with her? She’s my mother. Shouldn’t she be my biggest fan?
“I guess I will take my chances,” I choke out.
Alex clears his throat. My face heats up, and I’m embarrassed that he has heard every ugly thing. “Um… we’re here.” His deep voice is filled with sympathy.
“Thank God,” I say, grabbing my purse.
Turning to my mother, I glare at her. “Good luck, Mother. Try not to die on the table.”
The door opens, and I can’t get out fast enough. Strong hands reach for me. I’m filled with relief as I stare into the most intense blue eyes with a ring of green around them.
“Hello, Kitten. I’ve been waiting for you.” He flashes me his incredible dimples and my heart skips a few beats to the point that I absently wonder if I should have it checked out.
“Reed.” I breathe in his fresh scent. We’re standing on the curb. It’s crowded with people, but all I see is him.
“You’re fine, beautiful. I’ve got you.” And just like that, I am fine. Those little words erase all the ugly things my mother said. She’s right that I’ve changed—hopefully for the better. If I ended up like her, I don’t know what I would do.
Bringing me close, he brushes my lips with his. There’s that flutter again.
This time he smiles and holds my hand up to his strong heart. “Mine flipped too.”
“I doubt that yours feels like a machine.” I love Reed’s heartbeat; I’m kind of obsessed with it.
He kisses my nose. “Come on,” he says, lacing our fingers together as he pulls me toward his massive building.
“My mom is waiting for you. She’s got some new rules.” He winks.
Suddenly, I remember turning away from my mother. She’s gone. “Great!”
What, if she does die on the plastic surgeon’s table? And the last thing I said to her was “Good luck.” Now I have guilt.
“What’s wrong?” His dark brows arch at me.
“God, Reed, I told my mom to try and not die on the plastic surgeon’s table.” Putting my hands over my mouth, I swallow. “I’m the worst daughter ever.”
He bursts out laughing as we zigzag through people. “Why the hell would you feel guilty about that? All you said was the truth.”
See? I feel better. Reed is like a drug I can’t live without.
“You think?”
“I know. You have to stop letting her crazy insecurities affect you. You’re too strong for that. The only thing you need to worry about is how to sneak into my room tonight.”
“Reed!” Slapping my free hand on his bicep, I wave hello to Thomas the doorman. He winks at me, causing Reed to glare at him.
“What do you mean sneak?” I glance around at the elegant lobby. It’s pretty much all gray marble with giant mirrors.
“I always sleep with you whenever I stay the night,” I whisper, so Thomas doesn’t hear us.