Page 74 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

He was being so damn patient. I didn’t know how to tell him that parents terrified me. Since Elaine’s rejection I always expected to be cast aside by the important adults in my life.

I’d only dated a few guys. No one serious enough that I met their parents. Although, some of that had probably been my fault. I had avoided a scenario like this at all costs. The thought of meeting a boyfriend’s parents had me hyperventilating.

Pretty much like now.

The world around me had a hazy glow, I struggled to keep my breath even, and Dean’s voice was getting farther and farther away.

Yet, here Dean and I were, in a fake relationship, and I was doing one of my top five most terrifying things by meeting his parents. This might trump how terrified Elaine made me. If they hated me, I’d be crushed. Dean had such an incredible relationship with both of them I didn’t want to screw it up.

“I should’ve brought something. Oh, God. Dean, why did I let you convince me not to bring dessert, or wine, or flowers. Everyone loves flowers.” My voice had taken on a frantic edge I couldn’t control.

Was it getting hotter in here or was it just me?

Dean tenderly lifted my chin and forced me to stare into his eyes. “Relax. Breathe. What don’t I understand?”

I decided to leave out the deep rooted psychological fears and go for the one he’d understand. “I’ve never had a guy bring me home to meet his parents before.”

His eyes grew wide. “What?”

“Most of my relationships just never got serious enough.” I shrugged.

He rubbed his thumb across my cheek. “And here I was thinking I was the only one in this car with an aversion to long-term relationships.”

I gave him a weak chuckle.

“There’s my girl.” He dropped his hand from my face. Instantly, I wanted it back.

“I know. I’m being silly.”

“Not at all. Let’s create a code word. One only we know. If dinner’s too much, or you're uncomfortable, say the word and I’ll find a reason for us to leave.”

“Okay,” I whispered. I had an out, and that made me feel somewhat better. “What should it be?”

“Orgasm.”

This time my laughter wasn’t forced. It rang out in the car’s tiny space and I shook my head. I loved that he was trying to calm me down with humor. “Dean, be serious.”

“Fine.” He drew out the word in an exaggerated huff. “Strawberry. It’s your favorite fruit.”

Happiness swelled within me that he’d retained such a small detail. “You remembered?”

“I did.” A self-satisfied grin stretched across his lips.

“I like it.”

“Good.” He laid the sweetest kiss on my lips. “Ready?”

Words got stuck in my suddenly tight throat so I nodded my reply.

“Before we go in I want to give you this.” He pulled out a long flat jewelry box from the inside pocket of his coat.

“When did you—” I didn’t know what to say. He’d clearly bought me jewelry and that seemed way too big of a gift for our fake relationship.

Dean fumbled with the box and shrugged. “I saw it and thought of you.”

His uncharacteristic clumsiness made my heart squeeze. Dean was never unsure of himself. The hopeful look on his face made me want to grab the box and thank him regardless of what was inside.

He flipped open the lid and laying on the velvet insert was the most exquisite necklace I’d ever seen. There were medium sized hammered gold links that extended down to a row of seven large, faceted, black rectangular stones I swore sparkled like diamonds.