“So cynical, Tare. After. Right after, actually.”
“Good,” she said, ignoring the comment about her cynicism. “Let’s go eat. I’m starved.”
As they slid out of the car, Cora said, “So, tell me about this epic news!”
Even though she’d seen her yesterday, it felt like it had been forever since they really talked. After dinner, they stopped for a cup of coffee and discussed a myriad of topics. Cora had asked her lots of questions about sex, which hadn’t been all that surprising, considering it was all new to her.
At first Taryn had been vaguely uncomfortable going into detail, but gradually she had opened up and shared a little bit about how things were between her and Evan. Cora hadn’t been surprised in the least. Her only remark had been, “Yeah. Evan seems like the kind that would want to be in charge. He’s pretty hot for an old guy.”
Taryn nodded agreeably and said, “Really fucking hot, and not that old!”
As the evening wore on, they ended up at the mall. Cora dragged her into the lingerie department for what she called “supplies”. Deciding it was a wise move, she looked for a few items of her own. He had been really into the Halloween costume with the thigh highs.
She picked up a black sheer corset and examined it. She imagined his rough hands as he pulled it from her body. Oh yeah, she thought. This one was a definite yes.
She grabbed the matching panties and merry widow, then headed to the counter. As the clerk rang her up, she thought about the very enjoyable evening she’d have in store when she broke this out.
Cora approached the counter with a baby pink negligee and matching panties. Taryn whistled and said, “You’re going to destroy him, Cora.”
Grinning in response, she said, “That’s the plan.”
Around ten, Cora dropped her off. She dropped her shopping bags off and then made a beeline for Evan’s door. She had barely knocked before he opened the door. He tugged her into his arms and pressed his lips against hers. In between kisses, he said, “Missed you tonight, baby.”
She sank into a slow, deep kiss and realized that she had missed him, too. She’d been away from him for roughly twelve hours and the sense of relief and pleasure at seeing him again was almost overwhelming. She had no idea what she would do when things ended between them.
When he tucked her against his chest, she pressed her lips against his neck and said, “I missed you, too, Evan.”
Taryn closed her eyes and relaxed against his chest. They would take things one day at a time. Right now, this moment. That was more than good enough. There was no need to rush things.
Chapter 14
“You’re looking a little pale over there, sweetheart. You doing okay?” Evan asked, reaching over the console to rub her knee.
“Oh, uh. I’m a little nervous, I guess,” she said, wringing her hands.
“Baby, you’re fidgeting. Calm down.”
“I can’t help it. I’m meeting your entire family for the first time. What the hell did you expect?” she asked, irritation lacing her voice.
Evan sighed and said, for what felt like the millionth time, “They’re going to like you because I do. It’s just turkey and football, baby.”
“Imagine this from my shoes,” she said. “It may be turkey and football for you but I’m meeting basically everyone that matters to you at the same time. They’re bound to have an opinion.”
“Probably,” he conceded. “My mom already likes you and she’s kind of a tough sell.”
She sighed but didn’t respond.
“If you have a terrible time today, you’re off the hook for Christmas,” he said, wheedling.
“Oh gee,” she answered with a smirk. “Good of you.”
More than pleased to hear the sarcasm in her voice again, he said, “I do what I can.”
Forty-five fidgety minutes later, they pulled into the drive behind his brother Michael’s car. He heard Taryn take a deep breath and then saw a slightly forced smile on her face as she said, “Okay. Let’s do this.”
He leaned in, cupping her chin, and said, “Thank you for coming with me. It means a lot to have you here with me and my family today.”
She gave her first genuine smile of the day when she said, “Your mother is formidable. I was too afraid to tell her no.”