Page 138 of The Love Playbook

“Think of it this way,” he slides his hands up my arms to play with the sides of my hair, “I love you, so she automatically loves you.”

“I don’t think that’s how this works.”

He leans down and kisses the tip of my nose. “It’s definitely how this works, but even if it wasn’t, she’d still love you for you. Because you’re fucking—”

“Awesome.” I sigh, dropping my forehead to his chest. “I know. I just . . .”

“You made a mistake, and honestly, it was relatively small one. She understands. Trust me.”

I glance up, staring into the eyes of the man who I can honestly say would never lead me astray, and I nod. “Okay. It’s still gonna be super awkward, though.” Because seeing your boyfriend’s mother for the first time after you lied and tried to sabotage her relationship is bound to be a bit uncomfortable.

Chris laughs and hooks an arm around my waist, steering me back toward the door. “Come on, you big baby. She’s waiting for us, and she’s making French toast. Do you know how much I love French toast?”

“You love everything edible,” I grumble.

“Including you.” He winks, and my insides melt.

Great. Now I’m thinking about Chris and his mouth as we step inside his house. Cheeks flaming, I focus straight ahead as Chris calls out: “Mom, we’re home.”

We’rehome. God, I like the sound of that.

“I’m back here in the kitchen,” she answers as we cross the living room.

“Hey, Lettie!” Tucker jumps off the couch and races toward us, his blue eyes shining like the sea. “We just got the newMaddengame. You wanna play?”

I glance up at Chris with a dubious expression, and he grins. “It’s a football game on Xbox.”

From the other end of the couch Tyler scoffs. “He only wants you to play because he keeps losing, and he thinks he can beat you.”

A red-faced Tucker turns on him. “Nuh-uh. That’s not true.”

“Is too. You’re a sore loser and have been crying all morning about being unable to beat me and Joey at it. You think she’ll suck because she’s a girl. Just admit it.”

“It’s not true,” Tucker says again, turning to me with his arms crossed over his chest.

“It’s okay, Tuck. In all honesty, I probably do suck at video games, but not because I’m a girl, just because I never play.”

Tucker beams, lighting up like a Christmas display and erasing my nerves. “So, you’ll play with me?”

“Sure.” I can’t help but smile. “But it might have to wait until after breakfast because I have to talk to your mom first.”

“Yes!” Tucker pumps a fist in victory, then jumps up on the couch next to his brother.

“You’re such a butt kisser,” Tyler grumbles.

“Am not!” Tuck glares at him.

“Are too.”

“Er, maybe I should break this up,” Chris says, eyeing his brothers.

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

Chris turns to me, his expression telling me I should already know the answer. “Beat Tyler at a game ofMaddenin record time, so he shuts up.”

“Such a teaching moment,” I say, patting him on the shoulder.

“Besides, that’ll give you and my mom a chance to talk.” He flashes me a meaningful look and the nerves return, tightening a knot in my chest.