Stalking His Bride - Lucy Darling Page 0,38

that.” His face hardens as he drops his hand away from my face. “Clothes,” he says before he quickly gets dressed himself and heads back out of the room.

I lean over the side of the bed to see my dress laying on the floor. So not putting that back on. I need to find something to wear and fast. I don’t want to leave James alone with my mom. I stumble naked out of the bed into his massive closet. There are a few pieces of my luggage in it along with some of my clothes. Bear wasn't the only thing he had picked up.

I snag a pair of yoga pants and one of James' shirts before darting to the bathroom to put myself somewhat together. When I make it back out of the bedroom and into the living room, I find my mom's face flushed with anger that I’m sure stems from her not getting her way. My dad sits on the sofa playing with his phone.

What really shocks me is seeing James' parents here too. I met them briefly last night. It was one of the things that had upset me. Which was silly. I’d put up all these walls when I’d realized my parents were there last night.

Then I got pissy when James didn't introduce me to his parents as anything other than Carly, Tinsley’s best friend. It had hurt and I was scared James wasn't as into me as I’d thought. Now, I realize that he did it for me. Trying to make me feel better about my parents being there and not pushing me.

“You haven't been answering your phone. You know I can have it shut off,” my mom says. James runs his hand down his face, trying to control his anger. My mom is grasping at anything to find control here. It’s something I’m used to when it comes to dealing with her.

“Don’t be silly.” James’ mom, Tracy, tells my mom, who purses her lips. “She’s an adult.”

“Me not be silly?” My mom glares at James. “This man is with my daughter and he couldn't even introduce himself as such. I think your son is the one who should start acting like an adult.”

Yay. This is starting out just great. I see holidays are going to be wonderful. James walks over toward me. He gives his mom a look. I can tell she wants to snap back at my mom, but she’s holding back for her son. My eyes sting with tears. That’s what a mom should do. Think about their child first and not themselves.

“Your daughter might tell you more things if she thought you might listen.” James wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. I lean into him, feeling better instantly. My dad finally puts his phone away.

“I don’t see the problem, Renee. James here checks all those silly boxes you have in mind for our daughter.” My dad sounds bored. James' father looks to just be enjoying the show knowing full well his wife can handle it. My mom seems to be getting angrier by the second. She doesn’t like when things are out of her control. I don’t know why she has the need, but I no longer care. I’m not going to let her control my life. Not when I know what’s out here now.

“She doesn’t even know this man. And I think I know what’s best for my daughter.” My mom looks between my dad and James. “Get your things, Carly. We’re leaving.” Her eyes run up and down my body. Her disapproval is evident. I don’t move, though. I relax more into James. I’m not going anywhere. I’m where I want to be. Not that James would let me go. He would fight for me. For us.

“His name is James,” I snap finally. The fact that she’s being so disrespectful in his home pushes me over the edge. She may act that way toward me, but there is no way that I’ll stand for her doing it to him. “I love him and I’m not going anywhere. This is where I belong.” James’ hold on me tightens more.

“You can’t love him. You don’t know him.”

“You think I’m going to love some random man you picked out for me?” How can she not see how crazy that is? “We can fight about this if you want, but the end result will be the same. I love him. You’re going to have to come to terms with that