Upside Down (Breaking the Rules #3) - A.M. Madden Page 0,78
meeting. Actually, with the way the tops of her breasts spilled out over the edge of her terrycloth apparel, not much differently than Kenny’s belly over his, too much skin was revealed for any occasion.
“What are you doing here, sweetheart?”
“I came to surprise you. I guess mission accomplished.” Ricky seemed to have forgotten that I was standing beside him, his glare bouncing from his mother to the man we had yet to formally meet. “Is this a bad time?”
“Well, actually, it is,” she had the nerve to say before waving us in to rush out an awkward introduction of her companion. As though a stick of dynamite had been shoved up both their asses, they quickly excused themselves, bolting up the stairs.
Hushed, panicked voices filtered down to where we stood, and then a distinct giggle, and finally a door slamming shut.
“What the serious fuck?” Ricky hissed. Pointing a finger toward the stairs they’d flown up, he stared at me as if this were all my fault. “That woman is not my mother.”
“Why… because she looks happy?”
“No… because she looks like she belongs at a singles resort in Jamaica.”
It took way too many minutes for who we now knew to be John to appear fully clothed in jeans, a button-down plaid shirt, work boots, and a just-fucked look. They’d most definitely finished what we’d interrupted.
“Well, I’m going to give you all some time to visit,” he said, not making eye contact. And without a backward glance, he hightailed it out of Cindy’s house with promises to see us soon.
A few seconds later, Cindy emerged, wearing a summery floral dress, but I couldn’t unsee her towel ensemble.
“Ricky Alexander, you embarrassed me,” she scolded the moment her delicate hand slammed the front door shut. “And you interrupted a very nice time… sort of.”
“Spare me, Mother!”
She fisted her hips and got right into his space. “Last I checked this was my house!” And then she turned to me and sassed, “And who the hell are you?”
“This is Cooper.” Ricky waved a hand between us. “Cooper, this is my mother, Mrs. Hospitable.”
They glared at each other, and if I could slip out the front door without having to cross their path, I would’ve. When angry, Ricky looked a lot like his mother. Same sandy-blond hair, although hers was cut into a stylish bob. Same ice-blue eyes. Same quick wit.
“Why did I have to learn my mother had a boyfriend through Damon?”
“That kid always had a big mouth,” she grumbled while storming past where we stood in the foyer. “Cooper, darling, would you like some freshly made iced tea?” The tone of her voice completely altered as she addressed me.
I cut my eyes to Ricky before saying, “That would be great. Thank you.” He narrowed his gaze when I shrugged and followed her into the kitchen.
The house was as cozy and welcoming inside as it was out. Although what I had seen of the foyer and living room revealed her tastes were traditional… the kitchen was spectacular. A professional chef’s dream come true with state-of-the-art stainless appliances mixed with honey-toned woods and cream granite. It all looked brand new and never used.
Windows covering the entire back wall led to a screened-in porch. From there, you could see a stunning view of the tree-lined property and slate patio. Different from Ricky’s modern fortress but no less tasteful.
The way she busied herself, grabbing drinks and plating cheese, grapes, nuts, and crackers, you’d never know she had just sparred with her son. As she placed it all on the large butcher block island, she pointed to a high-backed wooden stool. “Sit, Cooper. Let’s get to know each other.”
Ricky had since walked into the kitchen and sulkily leaned against the counter. Meanwhile, Cindy seemed completely unfazed over her son’s brooding and rested her elbows on the island across from me with a pretty smile.
“How do you know my Ricky?”
“Cooper is Rebecca’s brother,” he said a bit deceivingly.
“Really?” Slicing her eyes toward me, she asked, “How is my sweetheart, Rebecca?”
“She’s great. Just had her second child… a girl.”
“That’s lovely.” Cutting back to the chase, she then asked, “So you’re just friends then?”
He nodded, but when he saw my annoyed expression added, “We’re together. Almost two months.”
“Two months?” Her eyes widened, and if possible her smile grew even more. That tidbit propelled her to catapult around the wooden barrier between us and throw her arms around me for a second introduction. “Well, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you, Cooper!”