“Not a ringing endorsement.”
“They’re classic high society. Polished, aloof, and live for keeping up appearances. My father generally boinks his young personal assistants, but my mother is more eclectic in her tastes. She alternates from young toy boys to older, distinguished lovers. They’re discreet, of course. Neither of them are vulgar enough to flaunt their affairs in public, or worse, get a divorce.”
Bennett stared at her. Hell, no wonder Hadley didn’t trust anyone. She had bad examples at home, then some dickhead agent had taken a hammer to her already fragile trust.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she said. “My parents are more the norm than yours.”
He pulled the SUV to a stop. “I don’t believe that.”
She straightened. “All right, let’s get this over with.”
The front door of the house opened, and his parents appeared.
His dad might like to putter around the farm, but he still looked like the military man he’d been. Michael Knightley was fit, with a straight bearing, and gray hair clipped short. Bennett’s mother was shorter, softer, with a handsome face, and dark-brown hair she kept dyed. Patty Knightley had no interest in surrendering to her grays.
“Bennett! What a lovely surprise.” His mother hurried forward.
Hadley slid out of the car and his mother did a double take.
“You brought a woman,” she breathed, like he’d brought the Hope diamond.
“Mum, don’t embarrass me.”
His mother ignored him and went straight to Hadley. She took both of Hadley’s hands, cradling them in hers.
“I’m Patty, and this is Michael.”
Bennett’s father was eyeing Hadley with a critical look. His dad always worried about the glossy, frivolous gold diggers Bennett often attracted since Secura had become a success.
“Mum, Dad, this is Hadley Lockwood.”
She shot him a look about not using her alias. Then she found a smile. “It’s a pleasure.”
“How do you know Bennett?” his mother asked.
“Well…” Hadley glanced his way. “We kind of work together.”
His dad’s brows snapped together. “You work for Secura?”
“Temporarily,” she said.
Bennett stepped up beside her. “Want to get out the rubber hose, Dad?”
“I’m just asking questions,” his father said. “Politely.”
Bennett scoffed. “Hadley’s working undercover at Secura to find the fucker who’s stealing my fucking gear.”
“Undercover?” His dad’s eyes widened.
“Bennett, no cursing,” his mother admonished.
“Mum, you curse. And Dad curses all the time.”
She glared at him. “Don’t make us look bad in front of Hadley.”
“Undercover?” Bennett’s dad said, again.
“Come in,” his mum said. “I’ll pop the kettle on. And I made some scones this morning.”