But back to my mom.
She’s absolutely shell-shocked as this attention she’s getting from the two attractive shifters is happening. She’s sitting across from me, Mason beside me, and Mom has nudged my calf with her foot about seven times so far. I’d call it a “sit and eat popcorn scene”, but I’ve got chili fries and a double smash burger on a brioche bun coming, so… even better.
First, the attractive guy called Cade who works here is dripping with sexual innuendos and giving my mom bedroom eyes while being overly touchy-feely (and in a hot way, not a creepy way). He’s probably ten years younger than Mom and built like a football player with a crew cut and very nice blue eyes.
But then the Daddy Dom guy comes over. A little older than Mom but uber-hot with a… presence. That’s the only way I can think to describe him. Lorenzo is well-dressed and with a commanding aura about him, dark hair, dark eyes, and not to mention muscles for days. He sits with us and starts asking Mom about herself, looking into her eyes like he’s trying to hypnotize her. Mom looks like she’s about ready to drop to her knees and obey his every command.
Through the conversation and Mom talking about her new place, it transpires that Lorenzo will be following her from here so he can unload her van for her.
Cade overhears this and the next thing I know, he’s one-upping Lorenzo and is helping with the big move, now happening on Sunday for the rest of her stuff. He’s going to borrow one of the Savage Construction trucks. Lorenzo insists he’ll come, too. They’re driving together to meet Mom at her house Sunday morning.
Mason offered to go as well and Lorenzo piped up with, “You shouldn’t even be here right now, Mase. You’ve had your honeymoon interrupted how many times now? You two should finish up your food and get out of here now. Go home and bond. I’ll take care of your sweet momma, Amelia. Don’t you worry about a thing.”
“I don’t know if I should be worried, though,” I say. “The males around these parts are rather… ” I search for a word.
“Don’t fret. She’ll be in good, capable hands.” He winks at Mason and does it in a way that ensures we all, including Mom, notice.
Mom’s eyes widen.
Yeah, because my original thought was correct. OMG Arcana Falls is like The Bermuda Triangle. But instead of being lost at sea, you’re whisked away by a hot wolf shifter, never to be seen again.
Because he’s knotting you to death.
“Kidnapping my mother will not be tolerated,” I announce and immediately, I’m kicked under the table. I yelp in pain, making it very obvious that she just kicked me.
Mom’s giving me shut the fuck up eyes.
My mouth drops.
Mason chokes on a laugh.
“I should powder my nose,” Mom announces, looking at me pointedly.
“And I should help,” I say, shuffling closer to Mason who slides out to let me out of the booth, then takes my hand to help me up. He drops a kiss on that spot on my neck and squeezes my hand with affection before he releases it. I walk away with Jell-O knees, feeling like I’m being watched. I look over my shoulder and see Mason checking me out, and both Lorenzo and Cade checking Mom out.
***
“One does not allow oneself to be kidnapped without a freshly powdered nose,” I muse once Mom and me are behind the bathroom door.
“Where are you going?” Mom grabs my arm in order to halt me.
“To the stall to pee,” I defend, laughing.
“Hurry,” she snaps, then releases me and gets closer to the mirror, fluffing her blonde hair and rolling her lips.
“You’re popular tonight,” I call out after closing the stall door, sitting to have a tinkle.
“What if he makes a pass at me?” she says a minute later.
“Lorenzo?” I ask.
“Yeah. We’ll be alone in my new apartment.”
“Well…” I finish up and flush. I come out and wash my hands, noting the look of terror mixed with something else on her face. What’s that something else? I’m thinking excitement.
“You do whatever you want to do. You’re a grown woman. You’re a single, unattached female. But if you don’t want his help tonight, or to be alone with him, tell him not to follow.”
“He’s very handsome.”
“Yes…”
“And charming.”
“Mm hm.”
“And big.”
I smile. He is, indeed, big. The man is tall, broad, and attractive with chiseled features.
“So… if you’re not comfortable with this, Mom, we can go out there and say you’re coming back with us to Mason’s for the night and that we’ll help you unload your van in the morning. Or… we can just follow you there. We’ll say I insist on seeing your new place. And then we won’t leave until he –”