The Jacket Snatcher

Chapter 35-All Bark, No Bite

What does one wear to meet their fake boyfriend's parents? I have no idea as I stand in front of my suitcase, knowing that Luke is coming to get me any moment, and I'm still not dressed. Luke took my lead and told his parents that we are actually dating as well. We figured it would be less complicated if both sides had the same story.

Just as I've squeezed into a pair of black leggings and am searching for a top, there's a knock on my door.

"Give me a sec!" I call. I grab the first piece of clothing I can find and throw it over my head. It just so happens to be Luke's hoodie that I haven't given back since the barbecue.

When I open the door he smiles.

"You ready?" He takes in my attire, his eyes sweeping from my head to my feet, and smirks. "You really do look good in my clothes," he teases.

I throw a pillow at him on my way back to my suitcase. "Oh, shut up. I'm still trying to find a shirt to wear."

"Wear that. It doesn't matter. We're just hanging out at my house, and my mum's cooking. It'll be casual."

"I'm not meeting your family wearing your sweatshirt."

"Suit yourself, but like I said before, I think you look sexy." He takes a seat on the bed with a shrug.

"You didn't say sexy before," I correct him.

"Didn't I?" his playful grin widens as he stares at me, his teeth messing with his lip ring.

Dang that ring and the fact that I can't stop imagining how it feels against my mouth! I have to look away to keep myself from attacking his lips right there, so I turn back to my suitcase.

"Well, sexy is not what I'm going for when meeting your parents..." I trail off, sifting through a couple of blouses.

"Wear that one," he says, causing me to look up at him. He's pointing at a stack I already looked through.

"This?" I ask, holding up a denim blouse. He nods. "It's kind of plain."

He falls back onto the bed and groans. "Come on, Steph. It will look great!"

I stare down at the fabric in my hands. In the end, Luke wins and I wear the denim shirt, but I put a white flowy blouse underneath to make it seem a little dressier.

In the car, we let a comfortable silence settle over us for most of the drive. But once we're out of the city and heading towards the suburbs, Luke clears his throat. "So my mom will probably be the hardest to fool..." he starts. "We can't lay it on too thick, or she'll know for sure that we're faking it. But we also can't be distant."

"Okay," I say, nodding.

"So I was thinking, just follow my lead."

When we pull up to the house, Luke takes my hand as we walk to the door. I think his touch is meant to calm me about meeting his family, but unfortunately, it has the opposite effect-setting my skin on fire and my heart into overdrive. By the time he reaches to open the door, I am practically out of breath.

"Hey! We're here," he calls, stepping over the threshold and tugging me along.

Immediately, Liz comes from around the corner, wiping her hand on a towel. "Stephanie! So nice to see you again!"

She walks right up to me and gives me a big hug. I am thankful for the gesture, both because it makes me feel welcome and also detaches me from Luke, giving me a moment to catch my breath.

"Good to see you, too. Thank you for having me."

She waves me off. "Nonsense. Of course you're always welcome." She turns to head back to the kitchen, but calls over her shoulder. "Luke, your father needs help setting the table. Stephanie can help me finish the salad."