Her head tilts, a knowing smile teasing her lips. “Honey, I know. I’m not stupid, I know he and Hayden are… popular with the ladies.”

I snort a laugh. Don’t I know it. A little too popular.

“But he’s never brought anyone home before. Well, not since he was a teenager.” She reaches into a nearby drawer and grabs a couple of measuring cups. “He’s protective of you. And proud of you.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks from her words. It’s nice to confide in his mother this way. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that certain warmth only a mother can add to a conversation. Which is probably why I feel comfortable telling the truth.

“We’ve promised each other this would only be temporary. We haven’t decided to see each other after the wedding.” Head lowered, I keep my eyes on the plate I’m scrubbing.

“Oh, honey…” She laughs. “He’s decided, I can tell. What do you want?”

I pick up another plate, running it under the hot water, a smile ghosting across my face. “Everything,” I whisper.

Midge reaches forward and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. I turn to face her with a knot forming in my throat.

My mom used to do that…

“He’ll come through.” She smiles. “Trust me. I know he can be… tough. He was always a closed off boy. And as a man, well, he’s like a steel vault.” Her shoulders shake with a silent laugh. “But the truth is always in his actions. He may act as though he doesn’t believe in love, but, he’s filled with more of it than anyone I’ve ever met. He’ll come through… Trust me.”

“Thank you, Midge,” I say, ignoring the sting of unshed tears.

He’ll come through.

“Of course, honey. I would love to have you around. Too much testosterone in my house.”

I laugh, loading another plate into the dishwasher.

“Excuse me. I have to use the ladies’ room.”

I nod, continuing with the rest of the dishes. When I’ve loaded the last dish into the dishwasher, I rinse the soapy bubbles from my hands, then dry them and use the towel to wipe off the counter around the sink.

I feel him before I hear his tsk of disapproval. Ignoring his hovering presence, I hang the hand towel over the oven handle.

“You missed a spot…” Hayden’s mocking tone makes me wince.

Turning around, I lean against the counter, hoping he doesn’t step any closer.

“You’re free to do it yourself,” I say, confidently.

He takes a few steps in my direction, a placating smile curling his lips. My body tenses as he nears. Thankfully, he stops within a couple of feet from me.

“She’s gorgeous and she has a smart-mouth. How exciting.” He lifts an eyebrow suggestively.

“Am I supposed to swoon over you now?”

“Is that your natural response to me? To swoon?” His smirk could charm the panties off a nun. He’s one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen, and his devilish demeanor is alluring… If you like the serial killer type.