mothers do. Every now and then, she’ll bring the topic back to sex or something that makes me uncomfortable, and I have to bend over backward just to change the subject.
She finally finds a safe topic of discussion. “How are things with Rome?” It’s comical how she gets all giddy whenever she says his name. “I’m so happy you took my advice with him, sweetie. I knew he would be perfect of you. You have to tell me, though. Was I right about a certain appendage?” She waggles her brows.
Yes, yes, you were, Mother.
I make a show of gagging. “I’m not discussing the size of my boyfriend’s penis with you, Mom.”
She sighs, as if I’ve just told her she has to sleep out in the rain during a storm. “Fine. How are things going with you guys? How is the little brother adjusting?”
“Things are great. Ryder seems to be adjusting well. Roman is so good with him. I never had any doubt, but seeing them together, these past few months? He’s amazing.”
My mom pauses in her quest for a glass of water, quirking a brow at me. “You sound smitten.”
I glance away, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I busy myself at the counter, pulling out food supplies for tomorrow morning. We both glance toward the front door, at the sound of laughter and trailing voices. The guys pass through, not even a few seconds later, and my gaze immediately seeks out Rome’s. As if he’s doing the same, our eyes clash, and warmth surges through my body. He’s wearing a huge grin, the one that showcases the dimple in his cheek. He’s laughing at something my dad and brother are saying. Ryder is standing next to my brother, deep in conversation with him. The sight alone, taking in both my family and Roman’s, warms my heart.
“Are you doing okay since the incident with your boss?”
I tense at the mention of Travis. Even though I didn’t want to, I finally broke down and told my parents everything that happened with my former boss. I worried that he’d do something to retaliate against Rome for the ass beating, but surprisingly, it didn’t happen. Not only was he fired from the clinic, by his own father no less, but Lucy and Kassandra also talked me into pressing charges.
I’ll admit I can sleep easier, knowing Travis isn’t somewhere lurking in the shadows, waiting to attack me.
“I am. I feel like things are finally falling back into place. It helps that he’s not allowed to come within fifty feet of me, so that’s a relief.”
My mom pulls me into a brief hug that’s filled with motherly warmth. “I’m glad you’re okay, sweet girl.”
We spend the rest of the evening in my living room, catching up like any normal family would. When my parents head into the guest room for bed, Roman pats Ryder on the shoulder, jerking his head back toward the house.
With my parents being here for the next few days, sleepovers with Roman will have to be put on hold, until they’re back home, and by the look he shoots me when he kisses me good night, I can tell we’ll both be keeping our windows wide open tonight.
Everyone has been up since what feels like the ass crack of dawn, prepping the turkey and the ham. My mom and I handle most of the sides, leaving the guys to do their own thing until dinner is ready.
Roman spends time with my dad, talking shop and watching the game. At some point, all the guys head over to Roman’s, where he shows off his cars and shares a beer. I know my dad and Brandon are probably in heaven over it.
Brandon and Ryder seem to be getting along well, too. They’ve been out in the front tossing a football, laughing at whatever kids laugh about. I’m a little surprised that my brother is being civil. He’s usually an asshole, and I was sort of expecting that I’d have to smack him upside the head, but, surprisingly, he seems to be getting along with Ryder.
Though I haven’t had much alone time with Roman today, with how crazy busy we’ve been in the kitchen, we’ve snuck our moments between, with soft touches and deep, lingering kisses, when no one’s looking.
I’m helping my mom with the candied sweet potatoes, when I hear her clear her throat. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t pay much attention, but the way she does it, the way it demands attention