Page 64 of The Dare

What I know Michael has planned for me.

For us both.

If I can just have a few days to get used to my new reality. I’ll tell her when I’m ready.

The thought is a pleasant one, but I know it doesn’t work like that.

I half expect mom to ask if I want to speak with my dad when I hear what sounds like him in the background, but she doesn’t.

Making a quick excuse to go, she hangs up. I guess now it’s my turn to worry about her.

“Everything alright?” Michael asks. Not turning until I tell him it’s fine.

He turns slowly, and taking a seat opposite, he makes a knowing face.

The face that tells me a thousand things without him having to say a word.

The face of a man who wants to tell both my parents all about us.

No secrets.

No hiding.

Just open, honest, and wholesome courting.

Probably like they had in the good old days.

Crap.

Chapter Twenty

Michael

I was going to keep my promise and go check on the beach where those punks were making a fuss. But overhearing Natasha’s phone call changes that.

I take a seat opposite her, studying her for a moment after making sure everything’s okay with her and her mom.

Then I have to ask her the obvious question. The one she keeps hinting at when it comes to herself.

“Are you ashamed of me, Natasha?” I ask, noticing her expression shift instantly.

“Of course not,” she says without hesitating.

Turning down the sides of my mouth, I nod.

I didn’t think she was.

“And you know I’m not ashamed of you, right?” I ask, just so we’re clear.

I watch her swallow hard because she knows where I’m going with all this.

“Michael…” she says, but I hold up my hand.

“I’m not ashamed of you at all Natasha. Yes, I’ll admit I’ll crush anyone who looks at you funny or disrespects you in any way. And I’m in no way ashamed to be seen with you.” I inform her calmly.

“So… why do you want to keep me a secret from your mom, from your family?” I ask.

“It’s just so sudden,” she says, sighing and getting up. Starting to pace as she gives voice to her thoughts.