Page 91 of Sunkissed Colorado

“Not too late for you to bail. You could just drop me here and flee. I would.” I was tapping nervously at my leg, so Callum reached over to grip my hand.

“I’ve got this. Parents always love me.”

“You’re not accounting for the fact that my parents’ favorite hobby is being disappointed in me.”

“Which makes no sense at all, because you’re you. But aside from that, I’m here as your buffer. I can compliment your mom’s cooking. Every cook appreciates that.”

I scoffed. “You think Eliza Alvarez is going to cook our meal tonight? No. That’ll be the housekeeper, Gladys. Mom plans the menu.”

Of course, Mom had taken it as a personal offense when I stopped eating the menus she planned after I figured out my allergies. Thank goodness for Gladys. She usually set aside portions for me without flour or cheese or cream added.

Which drove Mom crazy whenever she noticed.

I’d texted ahead that I was bringing a coworker tonight. Mom had just texted back,Very well, which was mildly foreboding.

“Then I’ll compliment the menu planning,” he said. “And I’ll make you something afterward if you’re still hungry.”

He parked next to my dad’s massive SUV. At least I’d have eye candy tonight. Callum was wearing a pair of khakis I’d never seen and one of his polos that managed to look put together while hugging his pecs perfectly.

“Come here,” he said, tugging my hand. “Let me relax you.”

“But my parents will see.”

“Nah, I’ve got tinted windows.” He patted his thigh. “Comehere, baby. You’re beautiful and brilliant, and just thinking about how awesome you are makes me need to kiss you.”

I crawled over into his lap. This man could truly talk me into anything, couldn’t he? And I’d go willingly. Like melted chocolate pouring into a bowl to make brownie batter.

Callum kissed me slowly, somehow making me zero in on the present moment like nothing else existed. I’d always meant to get into meditation, but this had to count, right?

“I want you to remember this for the rest of the night. You’re perfect.” He gave me a few more slow pecks, each one more chaste.

“You’re pretty perfect too.”

“I know,” he said lightly. “Now, we better stop or I won’t be presentable. Either that, or I’ll have to get you undressed right here, and we’ll be late. I know you hate being late.”

“But my parents will complain no matter what I do.” I went in for another kiss, and he smiled against my lips.

“Naked time later. Let’s get this over with, and we’ll have something to look forward to. I just need to grab something.” He stretched to reach into the back seat, producing a small white box with a silver ribbon around it.

I scooted off his lap. “What’s that?”

“A gift for your mom.”

My eyebrow raised. “Good luck with that. My mother is impossible to please.”

“You need to sit back and let the master work.” His grin was far too confident for someone about to meet my parents.

As we approached the entrance, I was straightening my blouse and pencil skirt, trying to smooth away invisible wrinkles. “We’re just friends tonight,” I reminded him, then felt my face heat. “I mean, obviously wearejust friends. That’s not—I meant?—”

“Relax, Z. I knew what you meant.” His hand briefly touched my hip. I exhaled.

Get it together, woman.

Before we even reached the door, Gladys was opening it,looking curious. I made the introductions, trying to act casual and normal. “Gladys keeps this place running and my parents fed.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Callum said warmly.

She smiled. “Please come in. They’re all on the patio.”