Matched For Love(28)
An older, attractive, dark-haired woman joined them. “It smells like the ribs are done, Lori.” She glanced his way. “Hi. I’m Linda, Lori and Rachel’s mother. Are you and your son staying for dinner?”
He was still reeling from the embarrassment that he’d just talked to a complete stranger about BDSM. “Well…”
Rachel said, “Of course he is. We have a million things to talk about, don’t we, Deek?” Rachel grinned mischievously as she grabbed his arm and tugged. “You should sit beside me.”
Panic set in. He needed an exit plan. Immediately.
“Nope.” Lori shook her head and clasped his other arm to hold him in place.
Was he going to be the middle of a twin tug-of-war sandwich?
“Quit teasing him, Rachel.” Lori stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear, “If you want to stay, I’ll protect you from my meddling family.”
“How many more are there?” He wasn’t sure what he had just gotten himself into.
Lori took his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen. “My brother, Nick, and my father will try to act all intimidating and ask a million questions, but they’re harmless. My sister-in-law, Shelby, knows all about you. But don’t get in between her and dessert. She’s pregnant. And you already survived meeting my sister and my mom.”
He glanced over his shoulder at the two women smiling as they followed behind. He felt like the turkey on Thanksgiving, about to be carved up and served.
But he still needed to talk to Lori, so he’d play along. Besides, the smoky aroma of the ribs baking in the oven made it impossible to say no. “Asher and I would love to stay for dinner.”
After dinner, Lori got the kids situated with chocolate cake at the table in the nook and then headed for the dining room to join the adults. She’d asked Deek’s permission first, just in case he didn’t want Asher to have any sugar. She was trying to respect Deek’s strict rules, but lucky for Asher, Deek made another exception and allowed one small piece.
She laid the cake on the table and sat next to Deek again. “Who’s ready for dessert?” Lori glanced at Deek, who’d held his own with her family so far, and couldn’t help her smile. “You were probably hoping for pie, but I hope cake will do.”
Puzzlement wrinkled his face as everyone at the table snickered. She pointed to his T-shirt. It said: Come to the nerd side. We have Pi.
“Ah. Good one.” Deek grinned back at her. “A small piece, please.”
She just loved how good-natured he always was. He had a great sense of humor, as long as it didn’t involve sarcasm. “You got it.” She cut his piece and then passed the cake plate to her mom.
Her brother, Nick, said to Deek, “I’m unclear about something. Are you dating my sister? Emily told me you’ve been here almost every day for the past couple of weeks.”
Shelby swatted his arm. “Don’t start.”
Her mother jumped in. “Nick, he has been helping Lori with her house renovations.” She turned to Deek. “Ignore him. Just enjoy your dessert.”
“No. It’s a fair question.” Deek laid down his fork. “Lori and I are just friends. Our kids go to the same school. Nothing more.”
Except for that mind-blowing kiss they’d shared. He must’ve already forgotten about it.
A tinge of sadness poked Lori’s heart at the straightforward tone Deek had used. Almost like it’d be silly that they’d ever be together. And he’d be right. He wanted someone else.
Rachel smirked as she cut herself a huge piece of cake. “Lori’s never had a guy friend before. Certainly not one she smiles at like that. You must be one special man, Deek.”
Her pregnant sister with a secret was going to pay for that one. She said to the table, “Didn’t we all just miss Rachel? And her…glowing personality?”
Rachel stuffed her mouth with cake as her eyes narrowed. She’d gotten the hint to knock it off.
Dad said, “Yes. We’re all glad you’re back, Rachel. Now, Deek, I understand you design software?”
All eyes at the table focused on poor Deek, who’d just taken a big bite of chocolate goodness. He nodded as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Video games, actually.”
“Video games?” Her father frowned as he chewed. “So that’s your only job?”
“Dad! Stop.” Lori wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. Her family was being so protectively obnoxious. “Deek designs the most popular game on the market, and he’s the top programmer in his field. He does very well for himself, not that it’s any of your business.” She glanced at Deek, whose eyebrows disappeared under the shock of hair that had fallen across his forehead. She whispered, “I googled you.”