Page 42 of One Bossy Date
Her eyes grew large. “What do you mean?”
“It might not be so bad if you were to move in with me.”
Zoe frowned. “No, Anders. I couldn’t.”
The more I thought about it, the more sense it made.
First, I needed her around to watch the dogs, anyway.
Second, if we suddenly broke up after tonight, it would become obvious that this was just a setup and a lie. It wouldn’t be a smart move.
Third, what better way to keep my mom off my back and stop her constant nagging than this?
Last but not least, this girl had her wits about her, and there was something about her—something I couldn’t put my finger on just yet—and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of her.
“You could,” I told her. “Zoe, I haven’t seen my mom this happy since before my dad died. She’s been looking for something to bring her spirits up, and I think she’s found it.”
“I understand that,” Zoe said sadly and sighed. “My gran was over the moon.”
“I know. If we kept up the ploy, then both she and my mom could believe this for a little longer, maybe make their Christmases a bit brighter.”
Zoe’s eyes darted around the car as she thought it over.
“It’s a win-win,” I added.
“Hmm. When you put it that way, maybe weshouldkeep this going,” she murmured, almost to herself, then shook her head. “It wouldn’t hurt anybody, right? But I don’t want to inconvenience you or turn your life upside down.”
“You wouldn’t be. There’s a guest room that’s never used, and besides, I’m sure the dogs will enjoy the extra company.”
She laughed. “Oh, they will, won’t they?”
“Enjoy a few extra baths in the jacuzzi.”
“With the dogs?” She brushed a loose strand of hair from her forehead. “Honestly, that’s one of those things I can’t stop them doing. They jump into the jacuzzi every chance they get.”
“If that’s your biggest problem…” I shrugged and sat back.
“Ha-ha. I still have some work to do with Ares and Hades.” She gave me a half-smile. “I suppose it could work…but the pregnancy thing…”Her hand covered her belly. “That’s taking it too far.”
“Yeah, I was just about to say. We should clear it up ASAP.”
“Damn that Brody. I couldn’t help but tease him about that, and it blew up in my face. It wouldn’t be easy to lie about that one. Sooner or later, Iwouldn’tshow.”
“You said we weren’t sure, so no problem.”
“Yes, we’ll tell them it was a false alarm.”
“Good call.”
“Okay, great, we can keep the story up a while longer. For the sake of our families, of course.”
“So you’re moving in with me?”
She shook her head. “No, Anders… I’m still not sure if I should.”
“Of course. Just think about it, okay?”
“Sure.” She smiled.