Undercover Engagement Read Online Free PDF

finger. Refraining from rolling my eyes, I turned to introduce Jason as he walked through the door.
    Mom gave him a welcome hug before showing him where to put the bags. I’d grown up here with my three brothers who periodically invaded the ranch with their families for birthdays, holidays, and getaways. Even though there was a lot of upkeep to keep them busy, my parents would never move.
    I gave Dad a nervous smile. “Be nice.”
    “I’m always nice.” Dad put his palms up in defense.
    “First date?”
    “That was not my fault.”
    “Prom?”
    “I didn’t know he couldn’t swim.”
    Sigh . “Senior Dinner Dance?”
    “What a lovely evening.”
    Grrr . “Paul?”
    “He was just chicken.”
    “Dad!”
    “Fine, I’ll be on my best behavior.” He stared out the front window. “He does drive a nice car. What does he do?”
    You wouldn't have thought it was so nice if you saw it shot full of bullet holes. I couldn't imagine how late the repair guys had to work to get it put back together in time for us to pick it up and head out. It looked as if nothing had happened and if I hadn't spent the night in Jason's secret lair, I could have convinced myself it was all a bad dream.
    “He’s an investor.” I ran a rough nail over my pants trying to smooth it out. So much for my manicure.
    “You mean he’s unemployed.”
    “No, I mean he’s wealthy.”
    “How’d you meet?”
    “Wait just a minute.” Mom bustled back into the room with Jason smiling behind. “I want to hear all about it too, so you might as well wait until I get lunch on. Then we can both hear your story.” Mom went to the kitchen knowing Dad would lay off the questions until she returned.
    Jason looked at the two of us. He pointed to the kitchen, backing away slowly. “I’m going to go help your mom.”
    I wiggled my fingers goodbye and picked a Country Living Magazine off the table.
    “I’m going to finish the lawn. Call me for lunch.” Dad looked back as he opened the door.
    I wiggled my fingers at him, too.
    He smiled and blew me a kiss. “Next time, come alone,” he said in a stage whisper before shutting the door.
    My dad and I have a great relationship, but sometimes it’s hard to tell when he’s kidding.

Chapter 6
     
    L unch was an exercise in self-censorship. “Remember, Happy Couple Plan B,” Jason whispered in my ear when he pulled my seat out. “Follow my lead.”
    Crap .
    Dad offered the prayer over the hoagie sandwiches. I’m not sure how much the potato chips were going to “nourish and strengthen” my body, but hey, I was all for it.
    “Alright, Hank, you can start your interrogation.” Mom gave Jason a wink.
    Dad started off easy enough. How’d we meet? What did Jason do? Then, he unexpectedly blindsided him. “What exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”
    I had been waiting for the question. Dad dropped the same bomb on Paul from behind his 20-aught 6. I figured Jason got off lucky; all Dad had this time was a fork full of noodle salad.  I made doe eyes at Jason as he coughed into his napkin. It was kind of fun to watch him squirm.
    I could have helped the poor guy, but I was just following his lead .
    “Well, Sir, I enjoy Alyssa’s company.” He glanced at me, taking in my supposed innocence. His shoulders squared. He was totally on to me. “What I really want to do is whisk her away for a romantic weekend in Cancun.”
    My dad stopped chewing. I heard the whole thing through his fatherly ears.
    Romantic weekend = I’m after your daughter’s virtue.
    I tried to kick Jason under the table, but he was enjoying watching me squirm.
    “I have ownership in a gorgeous hotel down there.” He went on to describe the color of the water, the warm sand, and the hotel amenities, until my mom interrupted with a nervous giggle.
    I jumped up from my seat. “Thanks for lunch, Mom. I’m going to take Jason out to do chores.”
    My purple father stared hard at his almost empty plate – silent. Pulling