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“That’s what I said.”
And there she went again, with that smile that cut straight through my heart.
Her phone pinged, and she quickly flicked open the message. I watched her face intently as she read the text message, her expression shifting from nervous anticipation to something more vulnerable. It was when she started chewing her lip that I stepped forward.
“It’s from Laura. So, um, she and Ethan... and the kids... they all want to meet up in the cafeteria.”
“Now?”
She nodded, dragging in a deep breath. I could tell she was trying to keep her emotions in check. Without a second thought, I stepped closer and placed my hands on her arms, rubbing up and down. “Take a breath.”
She did.
“And another.”
She did, then said, “Don’t you dare say, ‘good girl’ to me right now.”
I stepped back with a chuckle. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Liar.”
“Okay. So, we’re doing this?”
“You’re…you want to come with me?”
Oh. Shit. Maybe I shouldn’t have assumed. Trying to keep it casual, I said, “Sure. If you want me to. I know this is huge, meeting your birth family all at once. But you don’t have to do it alone, alright? I’m right here with you, every step of the way.”
“Look at you. Being my emotional support playboy billionaire. Who would have thought?”
I chuckled. “Fuck off. Yes, or no?”
Scarlett searched my face for a moment, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Then she gave a small nod, some of the tension leaving her body. “Yes. Thank you.”
“It always weirds me out when you use your manners.”
From chewing her lip to rolling her eyes at me. “Jack ass.”
Clearing my throat, I forced a crooked smile. “That’s my girl. Now come on, let’s go introduce you to the fam. Maybe don’t mention my sordid past as a lovable rogue just yet though, yeah?”
The corners of her mouth twitched upwards at my lame attempt at humor. “I’ll try to restrain myself,” she deadpanned.
As we entered the cafeteria, I could sense Scarlett’s nerves returning. Her steps slowed, and she kept shooting me sidelong glances, like she was silently begging me not to abandon her. As if I’d ever dream of doing that.
“Hey,” I said, gently nudging her with my elbow. “Let’s grab a table over there.” I steered her towards a secluded corner, figuring a little privacy might make her feel less stressed.
Once we were seated, I immediately got up again. “Tea? Or coffee?”
“Tea, thanks. Can’t have coffee, no matter how much I need it.” She didn’t quite meet my eyes as she placed her hand over her stomach.
“Right. Sorry.” I resisted the urge to lean down to press a quick kiss to the top of her head. “I’ll be quick.”
As I waited in line at the cafe, I couldn’t resist scanning the room, looking for any sign of Laura and the rest of the family. So far, no luck. That was probably a good thing, giving Scarlett a few more minutes to mentally prepare herself and calm the fuck down.
When I returned with her tea and a fruit salad, she looked pretty pale and her hands were fidgeting restlessly on the tabletop. Shit, this was really getting to her.
“Here you go. Why don’t you try taking a few sips? See if it’ll help you get over yourself.”
Scarlett shot me a look, a gleam of amusement in her eyes, then obediently lifted the cup to her lips, taking a sip. “Nope, still feel like shit.”