Page 35 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

“Easy. I was raised by a kick-ass mom.”

I opened my mouth to berate her for swearing, but given the events of the morning, I figured she was owed a few free passes. Instead, I just enjoyed the feeling of her in my arms, fully aware moments like these were fleeting.

“But seriously…” She pulled out of my embrace and met my eyes. “You might want to think about locking your door. And I’ll start knocking before I just barge in.”

“I don’t plan on making a habit out of this kind of thing.”

“Why not?” she shot back with a grin. “I would.”

“Imogene Grace Prescott!” I playfully chided. “You’re only fourteen! Under no circumstances should you be thinking about having sex.”

“I’m not.” She rolled her eyes with all the attitude of a typical teenager. Then she shrugged. “But if you like being with him, just…be with him. I can handle it. I mean, don’t start making out in front of me or anything. I see enough of that in the stairwells at school. But whatever you do behind closed doors is your business. Okay?”

“Okay.” I nodded, wrapping her in my arms and pressing a kiss to her head. “I love you, baby girl.”

“And I love you, Mama.” She sighed, nuzzling into me.

Then she lifted her eyes to mine, anxiously chewing on her bottom lip. “Can I maybe meet him now?”

I chuckled, thinking she had nothing to be nervous about. Then again, Lachlan was one of her all-time favorite players. Meeting him was akin to me meeting Donnie Wahlberg during my New Kids on the Block phase.

“Sure. Then what do you say to some chocolate chip pancakes like I used to make when you were a little girl?”

She beamed. “I’d like that.”