Erin
Mrs. Darling turns down my offer to help with the dinner prep. She says it’s being catered. If I remember correctly, that means David’s dad and his uncles are going to be barbecuing. And I note a large grill in the backyard, and Mr. Darling hauling two huge
bags of charcoal.
I return to our room and put on a magenta Versace that Josephine helped me pick out. It’s sleeveless, but conservatively cut with a flirty skirt that reaches right above my knees. She said I had to buy it because I looked at it for more than three seconds and sighed with longing. I just loved the cut and the color—the bright cheeriness of it all. I pair it with nude sandals and long chandelier earrings, then put on a coat of mascara and some pink lipstick.
Already dressed in a blue button-down shirt and dark gray slacks that mold to his lean body perfectly, David kisses the side of my neck. “Yum, you’re gorgeous.”
Ignoring the hot shivers sliding down my back, I poke him in the side with my elbow. I recognize that wicked expression. “Don’t even think about it. I don’t want to be late.”
“They won’t mind.”
“Uh-huh. And they’re all going to know why we’re late. So no.”
David rolls his eyes, but there’s laughter in them. “It isn’t my fault you’re so beautiful.”
“Control yourself, Mr. Beast.” I turn around, then place a quick peck on his cheek. “I just want to make a good impression.” It’s already terrible that I have no intention of marrying him even if he wants to make our engagement real. I haven’t said that outright yet, even though I know he thinks the sex afterward was a yes. And I hate it that I’m such a coward about this. But I’m too scared to tell him. He won’t give up. He’ll want to know why—and he’s entitled to an explanation. I just can’t bear the idea of him looking at me differently, just like the people in Saintsville did after my mom’s death.
David runs a soothing hand up and down my back. “My family likes you fine, and they’ll love you in time. Trust me.”
I merely smile. I think I’ll be fine. I’ve gone through job interviews with the most ridiculous and pathetic résumé ever. But this feels so much more important than a job. I don’t want to embarrass myself. Or, God forbid, David.
“Do you think your grandmother remembers me?” I ask.
“If you’ve met her before, yeah. Her brain’s like a bear trap.”
Oh, great.
He peers at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I met her once. And probably didn’t make a good impression. When I saw her, I was too awestruck to say anything. If I recall correctly, I might’ve managed to squeak my name.”
“It’s fine. A lot of people do that,” David says. “She can come across as a little aloof.”
“Understandably.” The woman founded and runs one of the most successful tech companies in the country, and she defies stereotypes. She isn’t young or in Silicon Valley. She did everything her way. There are some whispers that she got lucky, but it wasn’t luck. It was sheer will and smart moves. “I mean, she’s Alexandra Darling.”
“No, it’s because she smiles funny. She never shows her teeth when she smiles. So even though she’s smiling, it can look sort of stiff, if you know what I mean.”
“Really? How come?”
David shrugs. “Dunno. I never asked, but it’s true. Just watch if you don’t believe me.” He takes my hand. “Ready?”
I inhale slowly to center myself. “Yes.”
We make our way downstairs. Some orchestral music is playing on the speakers. David’s younger brothers Derek and Trent are already here. They look so much alike with their dark hair and deep-set chocolate brown eyes and high cheekbones that it’s a little shocking to learn that they aren’t twins.
“Good to see you, Erin,” Derek says, getting up from an armchair to give me a hug.
“Welcome back to Virginia,” Trent says with a big grin and a hug.
“Thank you.” I smile and take a seat with David on a sectional.
“You don’t have a brother, do you?” Trent asks.
“No,” I say. “Why?”
“If David doesn’t treat you right, just let us know.” Derek cracks his knuckles. “We’ll be your honorary brothers. Brothers-in-law are good for that.”