In Too Deep

“Sitting here in silence is worse than talking about it.” At least she hoped. It couldn’t possibly be worse than the other night.

He pushed back from his food. “It was brought to my attention that you might’ve been upset that I didn’t mention Nessa’s party to you.”

She raised her eyebrows. He needed that pointed out to him?

“I should’ve explained.”

“What’s there to explain? You said you wanted a relationship, but then you didn’t invite me to a family party. It’s just a birthday party. It’s not like it was a wedding or anything.”

He huffed a sigh. “It’s a party that will be in my mother’s backyard. Right across the street from your parents. There would be no keeping this from them if you’re at our house.”

“Oh.” Now she felt shitty all over. “I’m sorry. I totally read that wrong.”

“I could’ve explained. I figured you knew. I didn’t want you to feel pressured into telling them before you’re ready.” He inched closer to her. He slid his hand along her jaw. “But know this. I would never be embarrassed or ashamed to be with you. I don’t care if the world knows.”

And just like that, all the tension weighing on her melted away. She pressed forward and kissed him. When she pulled back, she said, “I still don’t like you telling me what I can and can’t do.”

“I don’t want my crap to ruin anything for you. I’ve fucked up enough in my life. I don’t want that to touch you. Plus, your parents already don’t like me. I don’t need to give them more reason.”

“They’ll have to get over it because I like you very much.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“Loving someone should be easy. Don’t you think?”

“Don’t know. This is new territory for me.”

“Me, too. But I haven’t felt this good about being with someone in a long time.”

“And Johnny?”

“What about Johnny?”

He just stared at her, waiting for an explanation.

“I was mad at you and wanted to make you mad, too. Nothing was ever going to happen with Johnny. I was in no shape to drive and then you were there and it made me mad all over.”

He lowered his face again to stare directly into her eyes. “No more games.”

She smiled. “No more being bossy.”

“No guarantees.”

“I guess sometimes a little bossy is okay.”

“Yeah?”

She stood. “Yeah. Like in the bedroom. A little bossy there is good.”

“That I can do.” He rose. “Lead the way.”