Fair Game (The Rules 1)

At least, that’s what Kelli told me when I tried it on for her at the store.

I’m thankful Shep didn’t act all perverted when he picked me up, which is his usual way when he first sees me. Not that I don’t mind usually, but that’s not the reaction I’m looking for. Tonight is all about demure. Not sultry and sexy.

“Probably not. My mother always runs late.” He sends me a look as we start to climb the stairs that leads to the front doors. The restaurant is close to the ocean and there’s a chill in the air that makes me wish I’d brought a sweater. “She made a reservation though, so we’re good.”

We enter the restaurant and Shep releases my hand to go speak to the hostess, letting her know we’ve arrived. I take my chance to admire him yet again. He dressed up tonight. Black pants and a white button-up shirt that sets off his tanned skin, the sleeves rolled up to show off his sexy forearms. Who knew forearms were so sexy?

His hair is actually tamed, like he might’ve brushed it and I’m tempted to run my fingers through it just to mess it up. I love it when his hair is messy. Which is a lot because every time I get my hands on him they’re buried in his hair, tugging and stroking and holding him close…

Yeah. I’ve got it so bad.

Here’s the thing though. I feel awful because I still haven’t told him I don’t have anywhere to live for the summer. I mean, does he really need to know? Not like it’s his problem. But Kelli’s furious at me. She doesn’t understand why I just can’t confess what’s going on and ask for his support and help. Because seriously, I need help. I’ve been looking for a roommate everywhere and have come up empty so far. Enid has committed to giving me forty hours a week at the store, so that’s good but I need somewhere to live.

And I have nowhere. Kelli’s offer to come home with her for the summer is starting to look like my only option. Though she might pull it if I don’t fess up to Shep and let him know what’s going on.

He’s been acting odd too. I can’t put my finger on it and finally chocked it up to him being nervous over this dinner with his parents. He’s never introduced a girl to his family before so this is a big deal in their eyes. It’s a big deal in my eyes too. So I forgive him for being a little sketchy and staring at me too long sometimes, like he wants to say something but he’s not quite sure how to approach it. Every time I ask him what’s up, he says never mind, or it’s nothing and I reluctantly let it slide.

Nerves, we all have them. It’s been a hell of a week. I’m ready for it to be over.

“My mother just texted me,” Shep says as he comes to stand by my side once more. The restaurant’s waiting area is packed with people and we’re pressed so close to each other I can feel his body heat radiating toward me. “They just pulled into the parking lot. And the hostess said our table would be ready in a few minutes.”

I blow out a harsh breath. “Okay. Good. Great.”

“Hey.” He takes my hand again, his fingers rubbing against mine in this soothing way that makes me want to purr like a cat. “They’re going to love you, I promise.”

“Yeah?” I lift my head and meet his gaze, startled when he leans in and drops a sweet, soft kiss to my lips. I really love it when he does that. “What if they don’t?”

He tilts his head, his expression incredulous. “How can they not? You’re beautiful. Sweet. And you like me. That’s all my mom has ever wanted. For some poor girl to actually see something in me,” he teases.

“There’s plenty to see in you,” I tell him sincerely. “You have a lot to offer, you know.”

His gaze dims and he shrugs. “Financially, yeah.”

I’m taken aback. We never talk about his financial situation. I could care less if he’s rich or not, though I did take advantage of that amazing kitchen at his house a few nights ago and made a huge batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies for the boys. I think I now have Gabe and Tristan firmly in my back pocket.

“I don’t care about your money,” I tell him almost fiercely. “You know this.” It’s never been about that between us. I tried my best to avoid him from the very start and he chased after me like a man possessed. He wore me down. And not with a bunch of expensive gifts either.

“I do. And I appreciate it.” He touches my nose with the tip of his finger. “But that’s all anyone has ever really seen when it comes to me. That’s all I can offer. That or a quick lay.”

I’m about to tell him that’s totally not true but then he’s turning away from me, an almost pained expression crossing his face. I turn in the direction he’s looking to see an elegant, perfectly dressed couple approach us, the both of them smiling though they don’t necessarily look happy.

“Shepard.” The woman embraces him first, clad in a powder blue skirt suit that I think might be Chanel and a cloud of expensive perfume. Her hair is this color I can only describe as rich butter blonde and it’s cut into a perfectly symmetrical bob. She’s absolutely flawless. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

“Mother.” He gives her an awkward hug and then turns to the man who looks shockingly just like Shep, only an older version. And he’s a little shorter. Shep shakes his father’s hand, who offers him a clipped hello in greeting, barely looking him in the eye. The familial love is just overflowing.

Oh, boy. What am I getting myself into?

“This is Jade.” Shep is suddenly by my side, his arm curled around mine as he presents me to his parents like I’m some sort of prize. “Jade, these are my parents.”