Page 18 of The Originals

“A party?”

Her mother raised her brows. “The one at the church last week?”

Oh, God help me.

“No, a friend’s party.”

“Oh, well that’s nice. From high school?”

“He’s older.”

Her mother’s eyes widened. She was enjoying living vicariously through Meg. It was fair. It had been a long time since her mom had been on a formal date. Or even with someone other than her father. They’d been high school sweethearts, married shortly after they graduated. Meg had been born a year and a half later.

“A college boy?”

Meg didn’t know if Mick had ever attended college, but she could say with certainty it had been a while since he’d been a boy.

“I don’t think so.” She nibbled on the edge of her fingernail. Meg needed to shut down this conversation before her mother asked more questions.

She had to hand it to Mick. He had perfect timing. He pulled up a minute later, and she felt a rush of butterflies swarm her belly. Meg tried to keep her enthusiasm at a minimum in front of her mother, but she wasn’t masking it well. When she started to the door, her mother watched her with a playful smile and started to get up from the chair. The only saving grace was her father working late.

Meg quickened her steps and opened the door just as Mick was reaching for the bell.

“Hi,” she blurted, hearing her pitch tighten.

His slow smile was beyond sexy, and she was reconsidering her “no sex on a second date” rule. Fortunately, her mother’s voice was enough to knock her back into a realistic state of mind.

“Hello there.” Her mother’s sudden pause had the heat rising in Meg’s face. She slowly turned to see her mother staring at Mick with a puzzled look. It wasn’t off putting or rude, but clearly she’d caught her mother off guard.

“Mom,” Meg whispered, and her mother broke into a huge smile.

“I apologize. I’m Donna, Meg’s mom.”

Mick offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m John McMillian.”

John?I thought his name was Mick.

Her mother stepped up beside her and leaned to the right. She pointed to the street and looked over at Mick.

“Is that your motorcycle?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her mother’s smile faltered, and Meg flattened her lips. This would probably lead to a discussion when she got home. Her mom looked over at her and forced a smile.

“How fun.” Her mother was trying, but her comment was laced with concern.

Her poor mother. She’d probably stay up for the rest of the night worried about Meg getting into an accident. She was about to try and put her mother at ease. But surprisingly, Mick beat her to it.

“It is. Also a big responsibility when I’ve got a passenger. I take that seriously.” Mick paused. “I’m very careful with precious cargo.”

Meg looked over at her mother after giving Mick a warm smile.

Good answer, Mick.

While she was sure her mother would still worry, she seemed happy with his response. She placed her hand on Meg’s back, ushering her out the door.

“You two have a good night.”