She nodded. “My parents were supportive and excited that I was doing something so adventurous, and when I told my grandpa, he was happy for me, too. He also surprised me with a small trust fund he’d set aside for all of his grandkids. He said that he hadn’t told any of the grandkids about the money, because he wanted to be able to give it to us when we needed it the most and not because we thought we deserved it. And he was adamant that the money would be an investment in my future. So, off I went to San Diego, and Jessica and Scarlett and I were lucky enough to find an older woman who was looking to sell her salon because she wanted to retire, and the three of us went in on the business together.”
“And this is where you live happily ever after, right?” he teased lightheartedly.
“Not quite,” she murmured. “Don’t forget about cheater number two, who pretty much crushed my faith in the opposite sex,” she said, injecting a joking note in her tone. She wasn’t trying to put down the man sitting beside her in any way, but it was easy to be open and honest with Eric since they weren’t technically dating. “For now, I think I just need to be single for a while and figure out why my judgment in men sucks so badly.”
He squeezed her hand, which to her was much more comforting than platitudes or pity. She didn’t need to be on the receiving end of you’re better off without him or you deserve better. Between Graham and her latest ex, she’d heard enough of those sympathetic comments to last her a lifetime.
“This reunion is the first time I’ll see both of them since moving to San Diego. They just got engaged, so I’m prepared to have that flaunted in my face, too.” She sighed, feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted after reliving the past, and she glanced over at him as he kept his eyes on the road. “And now, knowing all the drama that you’re probably going to get sucked into, are you sure you don’t want to request a monetary fee for your time?” she asked, more than a little serious.
He flashed her a sinful, toe-curling grin. “Sweetheart, you underestimate just how much I enjoy kissing you. There’s not a chance in hell I’m giving up that privilege for a paycheck.”
To her surprise, he lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips across her knuckles, so gently, so sweetly she melted inside.
“There’s one thing I can promise you this weekend,” he went on, determination in his voice. “Your entire family is going to think you have a fucking amazing boyfriend who absolutely adores you. And your cousin and Graham? They’re both going to see that, despite what happened, you’ve moved on to much better things. Me being that much better thing,” he added, winking at her.
She laughed, and all the dread, anxiety, and insecurities that had been creeping up on her in regard to seeing Graham and Raquel together again seemed to drift away because Eric was right. She did have more exciting and fun things to focus on this weekend, like enjoying the whole boyfriend experience and everything Eric decided it would entail. Being the center of his attention. Indulging in his flirtatious banter. Basking in all the spontaneous kissing.
And just being herself around him, no pretenses or measuring up to someone else’s standards, because there were no expectations between them. The thought of being comfortable in her own skin for a change and not trying so hard to be an ideal woman for a guy who didn’t care in the end, anyway, was immensely appealing.
Except she couldn’t help but feel a stab of disappointment at the thought of her and Eric going their separate ways after what was destined to be an exceedingly enjoyable weekend.
CHAPTER NINE
With the GPS announcing that they were ten minutes away from their destination, which was the restaurant where he and Evie were meeting her parents for dinner, he glanced over at the woman who was sleeping so soundly in the passenger seat. Soon after she’d shared all the ugly details about her relationship with her cousin, she rested her head against the window, and within minutes she’d drifted off to sleep.
He let her doze because she clearly needed the rest and mental and emotional reboot before seeing her parents. He’d heard the pain in her voice when she’d shared everything that had happened with Raquel and then with Graham. The few times he’d glanced at her, he’d witnessed her vulnerability. Opening up to him couldn’t have been easy, but the fact that Evie had trusted him with something so hurtful and, yes, humiliating made something odd shift in his chest, which he chalked up to a feeling of protectiveness over her.
He might not have ever put his heart on the line for a woman like Evie had for Graham, and then the other Eric, but he could relate to her pain because his sister’s death had devastated him, shattered his family, and left him feeling isolated and alone. Which was why he’d avoided getting emotionally attached to a woman—he feared the potential loss or breakup would take him back to that place he never wanted to relive again. There was also that nagging thought in the back of his mind that revisited him now and then . . . Since his twin had died of cancer at such a young age, couldn’t that happen to him considering they shared the same genetic makeup?
Some might call it ridiculous; others might validate his concerns. Clearly, he had commitment issues, and it had always been easier and safer—for himself and the women he dated—to keep relationships casual.
He intended to do just that with Evie this weekend, but he vowed that he wasn’t going to let anyone hurt, belittle, or humiliate her on his watch. As far as everyone who looked at the two of them was concerned, Evie lit up his world. His heart gave an odd skip in his chest because there was truth in that statement, and he tried not to think about what would happen after this weekend, when he no longer had an excuse to see her.
Arriving at the diner, he turned into the parking lot and found a vacant spot for his car. He turned off the engine, surprised that Evie remained sleeping. Smiling to himself, he reached across the space between them and gently caressed the back of his hand down her soft cheek, awakening her.
She gradually stirred, making the softest, sexiest sounds that went straight to his dick, and he immediately warded off any dirty thoughts before they blossomed in his mind. Meeting Evie’s parents for the first time with a hard-on was not cool.
“Hey, we’re here,” he said, watching as her eyes fluttered open and she tried to reorient herself as to where she was.
She turned her head to look at him, her blue eyes slumberous and her complexion turning pink in embarrassment. “I can’t believe I fell asleep on you. I’m so sorry. That was so rude.”
He smiled, still stroking her cheek with his thumb. “No worries. You were tired, and it gave me time to bond with your country music station,” he teased. “I’m now a bona-fide fan of Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood.”
She laughed, the warm, husky sound wrapping intimately around him. He wanted to lean over and settle his mouth over hers, but knowing what kissing her did to him, he refrained.
“We should go inside,” he said, reluctantly pulling his hand back to his side of the car. “Just in case your parents are already here and waiting for us.”
“Okay.” She unbuckled her seat belt while he did the same.
They got out of the car, and he came around to her side, closed the door, then slipped his hand securely into hers. He heard her startled intake of breath at the affectionate gesture, and while he could have told her he was playing the part of her boyfriend, the truth was, that would have been a lie. He was holding her hand because he wanted to. Because he enjoyed touching her and having that connection between them.
As soon as they entered the diner, he saw an older couple standing in the lobby, and when the woman saw Evie, her face broke into a huge, happy smile.
“Evie!” she squealed in excitement.
Her mother—Eric assumed—launched herself at Evie, hugging her tight, and he stepped back to let them have their moment.
“Oh my God, I’ve been so excited to see you!” the other woman said, rocking her daughter back and forth. “Seven months is way too long!”
Eric did the quick
math in his head. December. She must have gone home for Christmas . . . before dating the other Eric.
As soon as her mom released her, Evie’s dad immediately engulfed her in his embrace. “Hey, baby girl,” he said affectionately before letting her go.
“Hi, Mom, Dad. It’s so good to see you both,” Evie said happily, then turned toward Eric to introduce him to her parents. “This is Eric. Eric, this is my mother and father, Lauren and Gene.”
As soon as he stepped forward, her mother didn’t hesitate to give him the same treatment she’d given her daughter. He found himself wrapped in a hug that was genuinely given, which startled the hell out of him. He wasn’t used to random hugs from people he’d just met.
She ended the embrace quickly but looked up at him with a sassy grin. “I’m a hugger, so get used to it.”
Yeah, Lauren was definitely a firecracker, he thought in amusement.
When Eric switched his attention to her dad, Gene thrust out his hand, his eyes dancing with humor. “A handshake will do just fine, son,” he said, probably having seen how awkward he’d been with Lauren’s overzealous hug.
He appreciated the more masculine greeting and shook the other man’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Likewise,” Gene replied.
“Bennett, party of four,” the hostess called out.
“Right here,” her mother singsonged, waggling her fingers in the air.
As Evie’s parents followed the hostess ahead of them, Evie gave Eric an impish look. “See what I mean?” she mouthed to him.
He shook his head. “They’re great,” he mouthed back to her.
She rolled her eyes, clearly expecting his opinion to change at some point.
They sat down at a table, with Gene and Lauren sitting across from him and Evie. The hostess handed out their menus, and they were all quiet for a few minutes while everyone perused the dinner options. They all ended up ordering regular cheeseburgers with fries, except for Lauren, who opted for a vegan burger.
Once the waiter delivered their drinks, Evie glanced across the table at her mother and father. “I’ve missed you guys so much,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
“We’ve missed you, too,” her mother said, just as sentimentally.
Then, just as Eric expected, Gene addressed him and the grilling began. “So, Evie tells us that you’re a social worker.”
“Yes, sir,” he said politely, and immediately saw the glint of respect in Gene’s eyes at the formal way he’d addressed the other man.
“Mental health and substance abuse, right?” her father continued, clearly wanting to know more about Eric’s “career.”
During one of their text conversations throughout the week, Evie had told him what kind of social worker her ex was, which had given Eric time to read up on the occupation so he was prepared and he’d know what the hell he was talking about. He couldn’t say he was comfortable lying, but that’s what this performance was all about. “I work for a public agency and help people with a wide variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I also participate in outreach and preventative programs.”
“That’s a very commendable career,” Lauren chimed in, sounding impressed.
Yes, considering what a douchebag Evie’s ex turned out to be, it was surprising that he’d had such a respectable job that required compassion and empathy—the two things the cheating asshole had lacked when it came to his relationship with Evie.
“And what about your family?” Lauren asked, her eyes filled with curiosity as she took a drink of her iced tea.
Beneath the table, Eric instinctively sought and found Evie’s hand. Not questioning why he needed that connection, he entwined their fingers and rested their joined hands on his thigh. Evie had mentioned that her parents knew nothing about ex-Eric’s family background and had told him that whatever story he wanted to fabricate, she’d go along with.
“Unfortunately, my parents are divorced,” he said, keeping things simple.
“That’s always a hard situation,” Lauren said sympathetically.
She had no idea just how difficult, but he nodded in agreement and didn’t elaborate.
“Any brothers or sisters?” she asked, changing the subject to one she thought would be less painful than his parents splitting up.
His heart raced at the question, his throat felt tight, and he found himself squeezing Evie’s hand. He could have glossed over the truth and just gone with a generic, easy, I’m an only child response. But in that moment, he knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t lie and tarnish his sister’s memory. She’d been such a part of him that he’d never deliberately act as though she never existed, even during this pretend situation, when she’d been his other half. He just couldn’t do it. And though he realized Evie would be hearing it for the first time now, he felt it was right to reveal.
“I had a twin sister,” he said, hearing the sudden rough timbre to his voice and the emotion that was there despite how hard he tried to keep it at bay. “She died of leukemia when we were sixteen.”
Lauren’s eyes widened in dismay, and beside him, he heard Evie’s sharp gasp of shock. Even Gene looked completely taken aback by the unexpected revelation.
“I’m so sorry,” Lauren said, her voice soft as she pressed a hand over her heart, her expression as gutted as he felt inside.
“Yes, we are,” Gene echoed the sentiment. “That must have been a terrible thing to go through, for you and your parents.”
Even though Gene was a sexologist, Eric guessed that the other man probably had a degree, or at least a lot of training in psychology, and knew how traumatizing the event had been. “It was,” Eric admitted, completely aware of how Evie now squeezed his hand. Letting him know she was there and that she cared. Her quiet support meant everything to him right now.
Thank God the waitress arrived with their burgers, relieving the uncomfortable atmosphere at the table. They all busied themselves with their meals, and after a few bites into their dinners, Lauren spoke, her tone much more upbeat than it had been a couple of minutes ago.
“Being together this weekend is going to be so much fun I can hardly wait!” she said, excitement infusing her voice. “I already have everything planned out, and what’s happening when. Of course, everyone will have some free time throughout the day, but there are plenty of activities to keep us all busy and interacting.”
Evie glanced at Eric and rolled her eyes. “Every time we do this family reunion, my mother comes prepared with an itinerary.”
Lauren smiled at him. “I like to be organized, otherwise it’s complete chaos, and this is about making memories with all of the family, which means spending time together,” she pointed out. “On Sunday morning, I’m doing a beginners’ tantric yoga session for couples, and I fully expect the two of you to be there. Trust me when I say it’ll be very beneficial to your sex life.”
Evie put her burger down on her plate and groaned in dread. “Mom,” she chastised beneath her breath, clearly embarrassed.
Her dad laughed. “If it makes you feel any better, your mother has instructed me to be there, as well, though I’m well versed in all things tantric.”
Lauren shimmied her arm against Gene’s while giving him a mischievous look. “Oh, yes, you most definitely are well versed.” Her voice spilled over with innuendo.
“That does not make me feel better,” Evie replied, shaking her head. “I don’t want to watch my parents do anything even remotely sexual.”
Evie’s mother blinked at her. “There’s no actual sex involved in the session, honey. It’s all about increasing the connection and intimacy between you and your partner. It’s about becoming aware of your body and what gives you the most pleasure.”
Evie smacked her forehead with her palm. “Mom . . . just stop.”
Eric was grinning, amused by the whole exchange and grateful for the humorous topic. “Sunday. Got it. We’ll be there,” he told Lauren.
She beamed
at him. “Excellent.” Then she shifted her gaze to Evie. “See, that wasn’t so difficult. At least Eric is excited about the session.”
Excited was a gross exaggeration. He was just quickly coming to realize that it was easier if they agreed with Evie’s mother instead of fighting the inevitable.
The rest of the dinner conversation was light and superficial. By the end of the meal, Eric decided that he really liked her parents. Were they a little out there? Yes, they were, but ultimately they were a lot of fun and didn’t take life too seriously. And it was clear that Gene and Lauren loved each other and their daughter very much. A long-lasting marriage was nice to see for a change.
Gene insisted on paying for the meal, then they all walked out to the parking lot together.
Lauren dug into her purse and withdrew a key with a wooden fob with a number on it, handing it to Evie. “Here’s your key since I’ve already checked you in. And I left a little something for the two of you in your cabin. You know, just to spice things up.”
Evie took the key, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink. “Uhhh, thank you?” she said, her tone a little sarcastic.
“Oh, I’m sure you will.” Lauren gave them both an exaggerated wink.
As soon as they were in the car, Evie buried her hands in her face and groaned like a wounded animal. “Now do you see how ridiculous my parents are?”
He laughed. “No. I find them . . . fascinating. And I can’t wait to see what your mother left for us.”
She dropped her hands and stared at him incredulously. “Think extra ribbed condoms, flavored lubricant, handcuffs, a vibrator . . . None of those things are beyond the realm of possibility with my mom.”
“Now I really can’t wait.” Grinning, he hooked his hand around the back of her neck and drew her face to his so that he was looking into her light, blue eyes. They were flashing with agitation, and he wanted it gone. “And you, Evie Bennett, are absolutely adorable when you’re all riled up.”
He kissed her, and the way she melted into him was pure heaven, making him forget, for now, the pain and turmoil he’d been in just a short while ago.
The Boyfriend Experience Page 9