“I would,” I cut her off, steaming now. Jenn’s been hinting around her strained relationship with her mom, but seeing it now up close, I can only imagine the passive-aggressive bullshit she’s had to tolerate her entire life. “Jenn can eat whatever the hell she wants, she doesn’t need you sniping about it. Her body is fucking perfect, I know I sure as hell don’t have any complaints. Not that my opinion matters,” I add. “Nor yours, nor anyone else’s.”
I push my chair back, pull out my wallet, and throw down some bills. “You coming?” I ask Jenn, needing to leave the table before I tell her mom what I really think of her.
Jenn bobs her head, grabbing her purse.
“Well, really—” her mom tsks, but I’m not done.
“And for the record, she’s not the lucky one here, I am. I’m fortunate as hell she walked into my life, because she’s the best thing that’s ever happened—to my business, and to me. So I suggest you wake up, and start appreciating your daughter the way she deserves. Because you’re lucky to have her, too.”
With that, I turn and stride out of the restaurant. It’s only when I hit the sidewalk out front that my blood pressure lessens, and I realize that I basically just told Deborah to fuck all the way off.
Not exactly the best way to make a first impression with my girlfriend’s mom.
Fuck.
Jenn catches up with me outside. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
I wince. “I’m sorry,” I say immediately. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“Sorry?” Jenn echoes, eyes wide. Then she laughs. “You’re kidding, right? You don’t need to apologize for anything. That was amazing!”
“It was?” I check, relieved.
“Incredible.” She grins and leans closer. “You are so getting laid for this. Even without the cake.”
I’m not about to argue with that.
We grab a cab, and head back to her place, making out like teenagers in the hall as she fumbles with her keys.
“The look on her face…” Jenn breathes, still laughing over lunch. “I mean, there’ll be hell to pay. We’re talking wounded victim routine formonths, but it was worth it.”
“Anytime you need backup, just call,” I promise, finally getting her inside and pressing her up against them kitchen counter. “I will insult your mother any day of the week if it turns you on.”
“Have we just found a new kink?” Jenn asks, laughing, then winces. “On second thought, I don’t want to hear the word ‘kink’ in the same sentence as my mother ever again!”
“Agreed,” I say breathlessly, burying my face in her neck. Fuck, the feel of her body against me is incredible, and I can’t wait to get her out of these clothes and show her just how much I adore every curve.
But suddenly, we’re interrupted by a knock.
“Freakin’ Millie,” Jenn groans in frustration, pulling away. “I need to put a sock on the door. Do not disturb!”
She pulls the door open wide, but it’s not her friend Millie. A stylish blonde woman stands on the threshold, looking curiously around.
And Jenn freezes, looking like she’s seen a ghost.