Chapter 9
Natalie
Tip #9: When meeting your fake boyfriend’s family, be polite. They might surprise you with their friendliness despite being related to your enemy—genetics are a wonder.
I sat in the passenger seat of Samuel’s Porsche, my fingers tracing the buttery soft leather interior. The new car smell mixed with his expensive cologne was a heady combination that had me distracted. I’d never ridden in a Porsche before, and the ultramodern dashboard glowed with more technology than a space shuttle.
“Thanks for going to visit my family.” I studied Samuel’s chiseled profile. “I appreciate you putting in the effort to sell our act.”
“Of course. What’s the family consensus?” Samuel asked.
Outside, the full moon illuminated the snowy landscape, turning the narrow, winding road and dense evergreen trees into a winter wonderland. The Porsche navigated the curves like a dream.
“Successful, I’d say. Well, except for my cousin Madison. She learned she probably shouldn’t discuss anything romance-related in front of Noah.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Does that mean they like me?”
I snorted. “No, definitely not. A few relatives are questioning my sanity for dating you. But they believe that our fake relationship is real, and they aren’t going to interfere with us, which is more than I had dared to hope for.”
Samuel’s brow furrowed and he seemed less pleased than I expected. Before I could analyze that, he spoke again.
“Meeting my family will be both better and worse, I’m afraid.” The Porsche flew around another curve, the engine growling.
I straightened my shoulders. “I’m prepared for the worst. As town clerk, I’m used to dealing with insults from the public with a smile on my face.”
Samuel shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. They definitely won’t be hostile. There’s a possibility they might be overly welcoming, actually.” He sounded as if that sentence physically pained him.
“Overly welcoming? Why?”
“The usual reasons,” he grumbled. “My mom, aunt, and uncle were beginning to despair that any of us kids would get married and have babies. They’re thrilled for me that I’m in a committed relationship. It will be a miracle if they don’t start asking me if I’ve thought about proposing after tonight.”
There was something off about his explanation. It was like he was holding something back, but I couldn’t imagine what.
He didn’t say anything more, so it appeared he was setting a boundary. That was fine as long as he wasn’t hiding a secret intention to take over the city or something.
“So they’re happy for you, that’s the better part. What’s the worse part then?” I asked.
Samuel shrugged, unbothered. “They’ll expect more physical affection between us. More than your family did, I mean.”
Just then, he turned the Porsche into a long driveway cutting through the forest. Towering pines heavy with snow stretched out on either side of the pavement.
I frowned so deeply my forehead furrowed. “Why would they expect more PDAs?”
“They won’t believe we’re really dating without them.”
I mashed my lips together. “Fine. You can kiss the top of my head or whatever if needed. You already went that far, anyway, even though we specifically did not agree to it.”
The corner of Samuel’s mouth twitched. “Thank you so much for your gracious and enthusiastic suggestion. However, we might need to step it up more than that. We can play it by ear based on their reactions, I suppose.”
I opened my mouth to ask why on earth they’d expect us to be all over each other, but then the trees parted and revealed his mother’s house.
A sprawling, classy lake house stood before us, huge windows glowing with warm interior lighting. It was clearly large and luxurious but in an elegant and understated way—not gaudy or ostentatious.
The frozen lake glimmered behind it, the icy surface reflecting the bright moonlight and star-studded sky. It was breathtaking.
“Wow, what a gorgeous home,” I said as Samuel parked alongside several other expensive vehicles.
Samuel killed the engine. “Isaac and I each have a place on this lake, just a few houses over. Actually, everyone but my cousin Jenna lives on the lake.”
I suddenly felt underdressed in my nicest black cocktail dress and blue cardigan under my wool coat. At least Samuel looked as handsome as ever in his work suit.
“Does your mom live here alone?” I softly asked. The cold night air bit at my exposed skin. “And I’m so sorry again about your dad. Cancer is… terrible.”
Samuel came around the car and took my gloved hand in his, then closed my door for me. “It’s been four years since he passed, but thank you. I remember how respectful you were at his funeral. It meant a lot.”
I awkwardly cleared my throat. “Of course,” I said.
My parents, grandparents, and I had gone to the funeral together. Samuel’s father had been instrumental in building Warner Print into the successful business it was today and had done a lot for the town as the largest employer. He’d deserved our respect no matter how our families got along.
But I was surprised Samuel remembered I had attended the funeral. I vaguely recalled briefly talking to him in the receiving line, but I didn’t think he’d remember me on such a terrible day.
Hand in hand, we walked across the driveway, which was salted and meticulously shoveled. The utter stillness of the windless night and the sparkling snow-covered grounds reflecting the moonbeams made for a magical atmosphere despite the frigid temperature.
“To answer you, yes, my mother lives here alone now.” Samuel’s breath was visible in the air. “Although we Warners are almost as bad as you Manns about constantly dropping in on each other, so she gets plenty of company even when she doesn’t come by the office. And she has made it her personal mission to keep tabs on my paternal grandfather, so she’s rarely without company. Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself as we reached the sidewalk that led to the front door. “Yep. I brushed up on my manners and etiquette with a library book so I can hopefully make a good impression. And I memorized the guest list you gave me: your brother Isaac, your cousins Logan and Jenna, your mom, and your Aunt Jamie and Uncle Charles.”
“Yes, good.” He paused with his hand on the ornate door handle. “My grandfather couldn’t make it tonight, but you’ll meet him eventually. You won’t be lucky enough to avoid him for long.”
The apprehension in his voice made my nerves jangle.
Samuel started to push the door open, then paused. “Crap. I forgot to tell you about Chuck.”
“Chuck? Who’s Chuck?”
But before he could answer, the door was pulled open, and a very excited female voice called out: “Natalie! I’m so happy to officially meet you in a personal circumstance instead of something involving Fox Creek. Welcome.”
I plastered on my best smile instead of turning around and sprinting back to the car like I wanted to. (I was literally walking into my enemy’s family home, and I was supposed to be dating that enemy. It would be a miracle if I didn’t get indigestion over dinner.)
I stepped into the foyer, momentarily stunned by the soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and an elegant crystal chandelier casting a warm glow on us. Samuel’s mother, a stunning woman with steel-blond hair combed back into a stylish chignon, clasped my hands as she continued her greeting.
“Thank you for agreeing to come, Natalie.” Her small smile turned her sophisticated but icy beauty into something much softer. “I hope the drive here was pleasant?”
“Yes. Thank you so much for having me, Mrs. Warner. You have a beautiful house,” I said, trying to mind my manners.
“Please, call me Estelle. I am so thrilled Samuel finally has you, and I hope you quickly become comfortable with our family.” She laughed melodically.
My cheeks heated as I glanced at Samuel. He avoided my gaze as he removed my wool coat for me and hung it in the closet.
Samuel finally has me? What did that mean? Or was she referring to the idea that he has a girlfriend in general?
“Natalie, you remember my brother, Isaac,” Samuel said, smoothly changing the subject as he gestured to his twin, standing a few feet behind their mother.
“Of course, nice to see you again, Isaac.” I smiled, noting with amazement that his typically cool expression was molded into something almost resembling a welcoming smile.
“Yes, hello,” Isaac said. “Thank you for coming.”
I blinked at him in shock. I didn’t consider Isaac my personal enemy as I did Samuel, but when we were in high school, Isaac and I had had a couple of colorful clashes. I guess it said a lot about him that he was able to be welcoming despite our history.
The relatives parade continued as Jenna glided into the foyer. “Natalie, hello!” she called out to me. She was out of her hospital scrubs and was quite the gorgeous vision in a beautiful blue dress that complimented her blond hair.
I’d have to finagle a picture with her so I could show Owen.
Jenna’s brother, Logan—the Warner heir who scared the jibblies out of me—trailed behind her, tall, dark, and as intimidating as ever. He had a kind of Grim Reaper vibe. I wasn’t sure if it was because he looked pale next to all his relatives and had dark circles under his eyes or if it was just the way he silently moved around like a shadow.
“Logan, Jenna, you both know my girlfriend, Natalie.” Samuel slipped a casual arm around my waist.
I fought the urge to jump. Right, gotta sell this.
“We’ve met.” Logan gave me an acknowledging nod, which I returned.
“Yep, and I know Jenna through my brother, Owen. They work together at the hospital.” I watched Jenna closely for her reaction.
“Owen is just the best! You’ll have to bring him next time.” Jenna beamed at me. “Now come on in. Mom and Dad are waiting to meet you!”
“I look forward to meeting them.” I reached down and laced my fingers through Samuel’s. He glanced down at me in surprise.
I guess I didn’t usually take the initiative. I’d have to work on that, especially in front of his family.
Samuel recovered quickly, squeezing my hand and smiling as if I’d hung the moon in the sky. The slight crinkle to his eyes and slant of his smile made my gut flop.
Geez, no wonder his family was so eager to welcome me. He could really act the part.
“If you two don’t stop looking at each other like that, dinner is going to be late,” Isaac dryly called, breaking our little moment.
“Isaac, stop that.” Estelle’s tone was only a little scolding. “Sam, Natalie, please follow Jenna and Logan to the dining room. I will check on dinner. Isaac, you’re coming with me.”
Isaac gave a mocking half bow that looked like he’d borrowed it from his twin and followed after his mother.
Still hand in hand, we walked into the dining room. It was breathtaking, with a brightly colored Turkish rug and fancy lights that cast a cozy glow over the long mahogany table. Delicate china place settings and sparkling silverware twinkled on the sage-green table runner.
A distinguished older couple rose from their seats as we entered. The man had a head of silver hair and was so quiet he reminded me of Logan. His wife’s blond bob and earnest smile reminded me of Jenna, which meant they were likely Samuel’s aunt and uncle.
“Uncle Charles, Aunt Jamie, I’d like you to meet Natalie, my girlfriend.” Samuel rubbed the top of my hand with his thumb in a caress that almost made me jump even though he’d done it before.
(I was starting to understand why his mother was willing to invite me into her house and accept me even though I was a Mann. The guy clearly had romantic abilities by the boatload, but he’d never put them to use. I certainly hadn’t heard of Samuel having any type of serious relationship since he returned to Fox Creek after college. I knew he was busy, having become the CEO of Warner Print after his father died, but maybe I’d underestimated his workaholism.)
“Welcome, Natalie.” Jamie held out her hand, and I was forced to let go of Samuel’s. Jamie clasped my palm with a grip that would have made Grandpa Mann proud. “We’re so pleased Samuel finally brought you around.”
Charles offered a much more sedate nod of his head matched with a slight but genuine smile. “Congratulations, both of you.”
“Thank you. It’s wonderful to be here.” I smiled at them and tried to judge their expressions, but as best I could tell, they really meant their welcomes, which oddly made me feel a little bad.
Not about the lying—heck no. Owen and Jenna all the way!
But. Even if the Warners were concerned for Samuel, they were acting abundantly more welcoming than my family had.
“You work at city hall—as the Fox Creek town clerk, right? How do you like it?” Jamie asked.
“I love my job,” I said. “I’m very passionate about Fox Creek, so I love being a part of the city support staff.”
Jamie cocked her head. “Don’t you have to deal with a lot of angry and peevish residents?”
“If a resident has a problem, I usually end up hearing about it because they bring it to me so I can direct them where to take their issue, but I don’t mind. I love it when I can help a Fox Creek resident resolve an issue that’s been troubling them,” I said, giving them the scrubbed description I gave to most people.
(It was the edition that didn’t include me ranting about how much I hated trees on property lines. The number of residents who stopped in to complain about their neighbors’ trees dropping leaves on their lawn was almost enough to make me dread autumn.)
Jamie made a clicking noise with her tongue. “You have more patience than I do. I would want to tell off the first silly nob who threw a fit. I can only imagine what those fussy Manns complain about.” She shivered theatrically, then froze, her eyes widening as she remembered who she was talking to.
Jenna’s small eep was audible, and Charles gaped at his wife, clearly horrified by the shade she’d thrown on my family.
I wasn’t bothered. Jamie’s obvious dismay meant she hadn’t purposely slipped up to act petty—as I’d noted earlier, the whole family seemed genuine in their welcome. Besides, I’d come prepared to be insulted. It wasn’t like the Manns had pulled any punches with Samuel until he’d satisfied their concerns.
But the Warners’ mortification at the accidental affront was unexpected. Unless… was their welcome just them being polite?
“I am so sorry!” Jamie’s face was ashen and her forehead wrinkled like a twisted towel. “That was unbelievably rude of me. I’m such a wretch. Please forgive me my thoughtlessness to you and your family. The Manns are…”
“Very dutiful people,” Charles helpfully chimed in.
“Yes! Yes. Very dutiful indeed! It is merely… It’s just that…” Jamie grimaced. “Please don’t think poorly of Samuel for this.”
Ahh, that’s what was going on! They were being nice to me—a Mann—for Samuel’s sake, because they thought we were madly in love and cared about him and his feelings. That was quite sweet.
“Don’t worry about it. I know our families have a heated history.” I smiled up at Samuel, feeling better now that I understood the Warners’ attitude and actions. “Thankfully, despite our disagreements, we can agree that our parents raised great kids.”
Samuel dutifully gave me a sappy smile and moved in to wrap his arms around me—he really was following up on his warning in his car about upping our PDAs. “Give your family some credit. After meeting them on a more personal level and not at a community verbal brawl, I think they’re a hoot.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “You can say that because you think they’re funny and you don’t have to live with them.”
Jamie patted her left hand over her heart. “Ahh, young love.”
Charles nodded, Logan remained quiet and still, as he’d been for the entire exchange, and Jenna looked like she might be… tearing up?
Wow, the Warners were more of a romantic crew than I would have given them credit for given their workaholic ways.
Estelle breezed into the room, breaking up our conversation. “Dinner is served! Everyone, please take your seats.” She clapped her hands.
Isaac, his expression reserved but resigned, followed his mother into the room, pushing an honest-to-goodness butler’s cart that was filled with platters of steaming food.
Samuel pulled a chair out for me. It was the same mahogany as the table, and to my horror it had white cushions that I was going to live in terror of for the entire night lest I spill something. Once I was seated, he pushed my chair in for me and then slapped his brother on the shoulder as Isaac wheeled the cart past us. “Thanks for helping Mother.”
Isaac shrugged. “Always happy to be your butler.”
Samuel snorted as he sat down next to me. “If you’re the butler, I’m the bellhop.”
Isaac wheeled the cart on. “What does that make Logan? The security guard?”
“Nah,” Jenna said with the decisiveness only older siblings could muster. “He’d be the silent but mysterious gardener, and I’d be the chambermaid.”
“So you can nose around through other people’s business to your heart’s content without getting into trouble?” Samuel guessed.
“Exactly!” Jenna said.
Isaac rolled his eyes as he parked the cart. “Logan, surely as our mysterious gardener you’d be able to find a creative way to dispose of the chambermaid. Be a chap, would you?”
“Ha, ha, very funny,” Jenna said. “I’ll remember this next time you want me to explain your blood labs to you.”
I tugged the sleeves of my blue cardigan up to my elbows and smiled at the exchange. After admiring the fine china with a green fir tree pattern and delicate crystal champagne flute at my place setting, I peered down the table, where Jenna and Logan had already sat down across from their parents. I froze when I spotted something hairy at the far end of the table. “Samuel,” I whispered.
“Hmm?” He leaned in so our arms brushed. The fabric of his suit was silky against my exposed forearm.
“What is that?” I kept my voice quiet so no one else would hear me and tipped my head toward the end of the table.
Samuel ruefully shook his head. “Ah. That is Chuck.”
Chuck was a small dog of decidedly mixed heritage. He had the slightly bulging eyes of a pug, the wiry white hair and folded brown ears of a wire-haired Jack Russell terrier, and an underbite that showed off his snaggletooth. He was simultaneously homely and adorable, particularly because he sat on top of a yellow plastic booster seat and had a pastel blue bow tie fixed to his collar.
“Mother adopted him after Dad passed,” Samuel said in a low tone. “He’s basically her third son and unofficially her favorite child.”
I bit my lip to hide a smile. Chuck tilted his head, tongue lolling out to the side around his snaggletooth in a way that resembled an adorable grin.
Samuel sighed good-naturedly. “Mother insists on taking him everywhere. Don’t worry; he’s well behaved. Mother is the problem: She spoils him rotten.”
Estelle must have overheard us, because she called down the table as she sat down next to Chuck and his booster seat at the end of the table. “Doesn’t Chuck look handsome, Natalie? I wanted him to look as dashing as possible so as to make a good impression on you.”
“He’s very dapper,” I said.
Estelle beamed at me, which melted her elegantly icy looks to make her seem a little more human. The little dog let out a soft snort of agreement and wildly wagged his stubby tail as Estelle affectionately patted his head.
He wasn’t the kind of dog I would have pictured with any of the Warners, especially Estelle, but it was obvious she loved the little canine.
(Wow. Forget how my fake relationship would force my family to mend the fence—fake dating Samuel was making me face a lot of false personal assumptions I’d made about the Warners over the years.)
As Isaac started placing trays on the table, Estelle cleared her throat and announced the menu. “Tonight we will be dining on brown sugar-glazed salmon, wild mushroom risotto, parmesan roasted asparagus, crisped brussels sprouts, and New York-style cheesecake for dessert, served with decaf coffee and tea, of course.”
My mouth watered. “That all sounds incredible. You didn’t have to go through so much effort, though. I’m just honored to meet you all.”
“Don’t mind it.” Isaac placed the platter of risotto—which smelled amazing—in front of me. “Mother ordered it all from catering earlier in the day.”
“Everything needed to be perfect,” Estelle tartly said as Isaac added more steaming platters to the table. “To welcome Natalie to our fold, yes, but also because I can never get this bunch to sit down for a proper meal. They work altogether too much.”
“Guilty as charged, Mother.” Samuel reached over to clasp my hand on top of the tablecloth. “But I have a feeling things will be different now that I have Natalie to pull me away from the office.”
He brought our joined hands up and brushed a lingering kiss on my knuckles, his five-o’clock shadow scraping gently against my skin. I sucked in a breath.
Samuel’s eyes flicked up to meet mine, his lips still touching my hand. The look he gave me was downright smoldering. I felt that kiss reverberate through every nerve ending in my fingers.
What? I mean… what? This was supposed to be an act! Just because his gaze made my insides melt like butter on a hot roll didn’t mean I could mentally fall apart!
Luckily, Jamie saved me from completely short-circuiting by pushing back her chair and standing. She made a jaunty figure as she slipped one hand into the pocket of her tailored slacks and raised her delicate champagne flute with the other. “A toast! To Natalie, who braved meeting us all for Sam. We’re so happy you’re here, dear.”
“Hear! Hear!” Charles echoed quietly, a smile crinkling his eyes.
I clinked my glass against everyone else’s, hoping my flushed cheeks could be blamed on the champagne. “Thank you. I’m truly grateful to be so warmly welcomed tonight.”