“Figured as much. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. He likes to act as though he’s the one in charge, but that’s not the case. Trust me, if and when the time comes for you to put your foot down, he will bend to your will. It’s almost comical.” She laughs under her breath. “Dating his father was the same way. I got fed up one day and took a stand. He started to see things my way.”
“Interesting,” I tell her. “Although, we’re still pretty new, so I don’t think I hold that kind of power yet, but it’s good to file away for a later date.”
Before she can answer, Crew and Dan join us. I watch as Dan rests his hands on his wife’s hips. “Can I help with anything?” he asks, kissing her cheek.
I look away, not wanting to be a voyeur, and feel strong hands wrap around my waist. “You good, baby?” Crew asks. He doesn’t bother to lower his voice.
Sarah looks over at me and winks. “You have more than you realize.”
“That’s cryptic,” Crew says, humor in his voice.
“Grab some plates,” Sarah tells Dan. “Honey, drinks, please,” she tells Crew. It’s amazing how she commands them and they jump to it.
“Well done.” I hold my hand out to her for a high five.
Once everyone has plates and we’re all seated, we start to dig in. “Mmm, this is amazing,” I tell Sarah.
“Thanks, I’ll have to give you the recipe. It’s one of Crew’s favorites.”
“You ready for the opening?” Dan asks.
“Yeah, we’ve got everything under control.”
“Behind every man is a good woman.” Dan chuckles.
Crew grabs my hand, places it on the table and laces his fingers through mine. “I couldn’t agree more.”
“You all go sit where it’s more comfortable. We’ll get the dishes.” Dan stands and starts grabbing plates. Crew kisses my temple and joins him.
“More girl talk,” Sarah says as I follow her to the living room.
“Thank you so much for dinner.” I started to say, “for having me” but she really didn’t get much choice in that part.
“You’re welcome here anytime. So, how was your day?”
“Good. We, uh, we had lunch with my parents at their place, and now we’re here.”
“Crew, my son, went to your parents’ for lunch?”
I nod. “He did.”
“Oh, Berklee, sweetheart, you have no idea how excited that makes me.”
“What’s making my wife excited that I don’t know about?” Dan asks as he and Crew join us.
“Well, Berklee was just telling me how they had lunch with her parents today.”
I chance a look at Crew from where he now sits beside me to gauge his reaction. Is he going to be pissed that I told her?
He smiles at Sarah. “We did, and they’re great. I’m sure you’ll meet them soon enough.”
Dan’s the one to speak up this time. “Ah,” he says, like he finally gets it. He glances over at me and must see the question in my eyes. “My boy here once declared that meeting the parents was something he would never do. We’ve tried for years to get him to bring his dates over. He assured us that if and when that happened, we would know he was in it for the long haul.”
I can feel the heat coat my cheeks as embarrassment floods me. Crew leans in front of me, blocking me from his parents’ view. “Mine.” One word. That’s all it takes for the embarrassment to fade.
He and Dan talk about the club, Sarah and I chiming in here and there. I mostly just sit back and watch his interaction with his parents. It’s an all new side of Crew Ledger, one I’m glad I’m getting to see.
“We better get going.” He stands and offers me his hand. Always the gentleman. My bossy gentleman. I know now where he gets it.
“If we don’t see you before the opening, best of luck. And you”—Sarah walks toward me—“come back any time. We’d love to have you.”
“Thank you. Dinner was amazing.”
After a round of hugs, we’re on our way back to my place.
Crew pulls into the drive and turns to face me. “Come home with me,” he says, running his knuckles down my cheek.
“It’s been a long day. I need to get some laundry done and get ready for this week.”
“I’ll buy you more clothes.” He leans in to kiss me.
I laugh against his lips. “That’s crazy talk. Go home. I’ll see you at the club in the morning.”
“Please?” He juts out his bottom lip and pretends to pout. Let me tell you something—Crew in full-on pout mode is cute as hell and hard to say no to, but I hold strong.
“Come on, goof, walk me to the door.” I push on him until he relents and opens the door.
“Invite me in,” he says, placing kisses on my neck.
“No.”
His grip tightens on my waist. “Babe, how am I supposed to sleep alone after I finally know what it feels like to hold you all night and wake up with you in my arms?”
“I’ll see you in the morning. Kiss me and say good night.”
He turns me so that my back is pressed against the door. “I don’t like the word ‘no’ when it comes to you,” he says huskily.
“Kiss me,” I say again. This time he listens, fusing his mouth to mine. I’m lost in the feel of his lips, the taste of his tongue, when the porch light comes on.
“Fuck,” he grumbles.
“I’m sure that’s Maggie. She’s probably dying to know what’s going on with us.”
“You gonna tell her you’re mine?”
The conversation I had with Sarah filters through my mind. “No, I’m going to tell her you’re mine.”
“Yours.” He kisses me one more time and then backs away.
“Text me when you get home,” I say.
“You got it, baby. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.
As soon as I’m inside, Maggie pounces. “Girl! I’ve been waiting all damn day for you to get home. Spill!” she says, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“We’re . . . together.”
“Together, yes, I know this. But he stayed and you spent the day together.”
“No, Mags, I mean we’re together. As in no more hiding together.”
“No shit!” she exclaims.
“What’s all the racket about?” Barry asks, joining us in the living room, carrying a half-eaten slice of pizza.
“Oh, you know, nothing much. Just Berklee telling me that she and Crew are an official couple.” Maggie claps.
“Official, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s still new, obviously, but we’re going to go with it and see where it takes us.”
“I’m so happy for you. He’s got it bad.” Maggie grins.
“She’s right, you know. All I have to do is look at you and he’s ready to piss all around you and mark his territory.” Barry laughs.
“He’s . . . protective. That’s not a bad thing.”
“Of course it’s not. He’s good to you?” Maggie asks.
“Like you wouldn’t believe,” I tell her honestly. Crew would never hurt me. I feel it in my bones.
“That’s all that matters.”
“I agree. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m exhausted. I need to change and start some laundry.” I leave my roommates to talk about me, because that’s totally what they’re doing. I sort out a load of laundry, start the washer and head back to my room. I have a text waiting from Crew.
Crew: I’m home.
Me: Good night.
Crew: Night, beautiful.