As I pull up to the curb, she asks, “You realize you’re walking into the Creed house smelling like he marked you?”
I wince. “Fuck. I didn’t think about that. I should go home and shower quick first,” I say.
But Jase’s dad opens the front door and waves, a big smile on his bearded face.
And now I’m wishing I didn’t even come today.
I’ve always liked Jase’s dad. A big super alpha with a full beard and a very nice smile. I guess Jase has his dad’s smile. And his eyes. Robert also has a great sense of humor. He and Val are always bickering, but it’s kind of sweet because while they do, he teases her in a playful way, and while she gives him sass he always looks at her like he wants to tear her clothes off.
“I guess it’s too late to back out now,” I mumble as I take off my seatbelt.
When I get out of the car, Robert is immediately hugging me, lifting me up. “What a sight for sore eyes. I’m real happy to welcome you to the Creed clan, Bailey.” He eyeballs my neck briefly before his eyes return to my face and frown lines appear.
I only manage to mutter, “Uh…”
My face is red. This was a colossal mistake.
Robert waves a dismissive hand. “Don’t you worry. We know… you’ll work it out after you make him work for it.” He plants a kiss on my forehead while setting me down. “How you doin’ Stacy Blackwood?”
“I’m fine, thanks, Mr. Creed.”
“Rob,” he corrects and walks us up to the house, his big arms around the both of us.
Val opens the door with a smile, looking at me.
“Bailey,” she greets. “And hello, Stacy. Welcome.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Creed,” Stacy says at the same time as I say,
“Hi.”
“Valerie. Val. Come on in.”
“I… probably shouldn’t have come,” I say, remorse swimming through me.
Me avoiding my feelings evidently means I’ve also avoided logic.
“Why not?” Val asks.
“Jase and I aren’t exactly…”
How do I finish this sentence?
She waves her hand. “You’re making him work for it. We understand. He’s been a bit of a turd lately. Cold feet about mating was his biggest problem, sweetie pie. He deserves this.”
Robert is smiling encouragingly as my eyes bounce between Jase’s parents.
“It’s more than that,” I say, “Um…when I explain why I’m here you might want to promptly throw me out. And if you do, that’s perfectly all right.”
Val frowns. “Come on in and let’s talk about it.”
As soon as we’re deeper inside, she waves us down the two steps to the sunken family room where Sherry lays on a couch, eyes on her phone, earbuds in. She looks up and pulls her earbuds out, eyes bouncing between me and Stacy.”
Sherry is never less than put together. But here she is in sweats with a falling-down messy bun.
“Hi Sherry,” Stacy greets, holding out a gift bag with the little bouquet of flowers. “I brought you some treats.”
“What for?” Sherry asks, looking annoyed, not accepting the gift, leaving Stacy hanging.