Raising the Stakes: Risking It Book 1 by Reed Autumn & Clarke Julia

Author:Reed, Autumn & Clarke, Julia
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-05T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

“It’s nice to have you home, Em.” My dad hugged me to his side as we exited the grocery store, our last errand of the afternoon.

“Thanks, Dad. I missed you too.”

“Your mother’s not driving you crazy, is she?”

“So far so good, but I have a feeling she’s up to something.”

“That woman is almost always up to something,” he said, and we both laughed.

I tried to read Dad’s face for clues, but he merely shrugged in response. My dad, much as I loved him, always bent to her wishes. Sometimes I wondered what it would be like if he stuck up for me more.

Dad carried the groceries into the house while I attempted to slip upstairs unnoticed. My hand had just grazed the banister when my mother called my name. Maybe if I didn’t respond, she would give up and leave me alone for a little while?

“Emma,” she called again. So much for that idea, I thought.

“Did you need something?” I called.

“Come say hello to your guest,” she said cheerfully.

My guest? Please don’t be Matt. Please don’t be Matt. Please don’t be Matt, I chanted in my head, my agitation mounting with each step.

Rounding the corner to the kitchen, I came face-to-face with a scene I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams. Shane and my mother sat at the table drinking coffee, both appearing at ease. Am I hallucinating? Maybe that peppermint mocha I had earlier was laced with something?

Shane rose from the table and gave me a chaste peck on the cheek. “Hello, sweetheart.”

Dumbfounded, I remained silent while he returned to the table and pulled out a chair. Finally realizing I had a part to play, at least for the moment, I smiled and took a seat.

“I’ve been getting to know your boyfriend while you were out with your father. You really had no idea he was coming?”

I shook my head. Boyfriend?

My mother continued talking; she was one of those women capable of having an entire conversation without anyone else actually contributing. “It’s quite romantic, surprising Emma like this on Christmas Eve.” That’s one word for it.

“Anything for Emma,” Shane responded. Meeting his eyes, I noticed they were full of remorse. Good.

“I can’t believe Emma didn’t tell me she was seeing someone,” she admonished. “How long have the two of you been dating?”

“Since August,” I answered quickly, wishing this conversation would end before it completely spiraled out of control. “And I did mention it to you recently.” Though, in all fairness, I’d known she was distracted when I told her on the phone that I was dating someone. And, even that had been a lie.

“August!” She sounded horrified, like I’d been keeping the world’s biggest secret from her. Maybe I should have chosen a more recent month.

“And I’ve loved every minute,” Shane added with a sly smile. Crap. I had fallen into his trap and was now playing along with his deception.

“Emma completely deprives me of information, Shane. How did you two lovebirds meet?” She was really laying it on thick.

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