Undercover Engagement Read Online Free PDF Page B

Jason from his seat, I pushed him to the front door. “What did I...?”
    “Just go.” I shoved.
    “Give Millie her medicine, it’s in the trunk,” Mom called.
    “Okay.”
    Once outside, I stomped to the garage. The keys waited in the four-wheeler. Out here, we didn’t need bullet proof glass or metal plates in our car doors. If you couldn’t find the key in the ignition, then someone left it in their jeans and it would come out in the wash.
    I started it up and backed it out, almost running over Jason’s toes.
    “Sorry.”
    He did look sorry.
    I slumped, my angst deflated.
    “I was only joking with them. I guess I got a little too comfortable too fast.”
    “Ya think?”
    He put his hand on top of mine on the gear shift. “I couldn’t tell him what my real intentions are. Plan B, remember.”
    “I know.” I wrapped my arms around my body. The afternoon was cooler than I thought. The idea of whipping around in the chill didn’t sound too fun. “I’m going to grab a jacket, do you want one?”
    “Sure.”
    My parents kept the mud room stocked with jackets, gloves, stocking caps, and boots in all sizes. I went through the garage door thinking I might as well change into some muck boots if I was going to the barn. The door opened without its usually creak. Hmm, Dad must have finally oiled it. I found two jackets and a pair of leather work gloves in Jason’s size. I slipped off my shoes and, just as I was about to don the black rubber boots, I heard my parents enter the kitchen. The door between the two rooms was open a crack, so their conversation carried straight to my waiting ears.
    “He was only joking,” Mom said.
    “It’s not something to joke about,” Dad grumbled. Dishes clattered into the sink. I crept closer to the door. “He’s too cocky. It’s all his money, he thinks it makes him invincible. I’m not impressed.”
    “Of course you aren’t, dear.”
    I bit my lip. Dad didn’t like him, shocker. He never liked any guy I brought home. However, I wanted him to like Jason and I thought at this point he’d loosen up just to get a grandbaby – after a wedding, of course.
    My thoughts on marrying the guy were still jumbled, but I felt a need to defend him to my father. A few days ago I was sure they were going to love him. He’s a man’s man – just like my dad. I'd pictured them taking fishing trips together after Dad retired. Jason was polite and kind, just like my mom. I’d hoped things would run smoother but, they might have caught on to the distance I was keeping between Jason and me. Sure, we'd laughed on the drive and come to some sort of truce, but we hadn't crossed back over to that comfortable and thrilling place where we let down our guard. Jason was trying, bless his heart; but I wasn't giving much.
    Dejected by Dad's low opinion of my taste in men, I turned to pick up the boots and bumped right into Jason.
    I swatted at his arm. “Don’t do that!” I whispered. “How’d you sneak in like that?”
    He pointed down. “Spy feet,” he whispered back. He leaned in close to my ear sending chills up my arms. “Why are we whispering?”
    Dad’s voice carried through the open door. “What do you think?”
    Mom cleared her throat. Jason and I held as still as statues waiting for her answer. “I get the feeling he’s hiding something. It’s almost like a section of him is veiled off,” she said.
    My mother was so perceptive. Jason put his finger over my lips. We were standing close enough to share body warmth. I closed my eyes, breathing in his designer cologne. He leaned in, barely touching my lips with his. I was swept right out of my level-headed determination as his lips brushed mine. I shouldn't let him kiss me, mostly because it chipped away at my defenses. As my heart rate sped up, I allowed that kissing could be part of Plan B. Really, it was just for the show – even though no one was watching.
    Dad slammed his hand on the counter, startling us apart. “Well,