Shattered: A Salvation Society Novel by Bella Emy (pdf to ebook reader .TXT) 📕

I turn my head right before we cross the street and say, “You’re too sweet… Thank you.”

“Are you hungry? Why don’t we grab a snack to hold us over until dinner time later?” he asks as the sign for the diner comes into view.

“Yes, but I’ll pay,” I say, fidgeting through my wristlet. I have no issue paying for the both of us.

He pulls me softly with a smile. “No, babe. I got it.”

I turn to face him. “Are you sure? I don’t mind paying when we go out.”

“Lexi, I’m sure, and I want to. What kind of man would I be if I could never afford to take my lady out, not even for a snack on a Saturday?”

I consider his statement for a while and then nod. “You’d still be a great man to me. But, okay, fine. Just this time. But next time, I got it.” I pause for a second and then say, “And speaking of it being my turn, my parents want to meet you. They’re inviting you over tomorrow for brunch, so you’ve gotta come.”

Okay, so it’s not a total lie. My mom wants to meet him, but I’m sure Daddy would want to as well. I just hope he’s back home by then.

A smile pulls on his lips from ear to ear. “Really? You told them about us? I thought you wanted to wait a little bit.”

I shrug as we reach the diner. Before he pulls open the door for me, I say, “I did, but the opportunity came, and I took it. My mom came into my room last night as I was getting ready for bed, and I told her. I didn’t speak to my dad, but I know she told him. Anyway, she’s happy for me and is glad I’m meeting your dad. She thought it was a good idea about dinner, so she wanted you to come eat with us as well.”

We walk in and seat ourselves in my favorite booth: the last one on the right.

“So, is that cool with you?” I ask as we skim through our menus.

“Yeah, yeah. Definitely.”

I peek my eyes over the menu and smile behind it. “Good. Because I can’t wait for them to fall in love with you just like I have.”

“Well, Kalen told me you were pretty, but I guess my son was being subtle. Come on in, Lexi,” Mr. Starling says after opening the door for us.

“Aww, Dad. Come on now.” Kalen walks in behind me as we enter their home. It’s definitely a lot smaller than my own, but it’s cute and cozy and perfect for just the two of them.

His father lifts a hand over his head and waves Kalen away. “Aww, Dad, nothing. It’s the truth.”

I blush at his words. “Well, thank you very much, Mr. Starling.”

He waves a dismissive hand in front of himself. “No, no. No need for formalities. You just call me David or Dave.”

I nod. “Very well. Thank you for having me here tonight.”

Kalen places a hand on the small of my back just as his father answers, “It’s a pleasure to have such a beautiful girl in our home.” He pauses for a moment and then says, “Well, you kids make yourselves comfortable in front of the TV. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes or so. I need to go check on something. Excuse me.”

Mr. Starling walks out of the living room and heads down the hall.

I giggle and cover my mouth.

“What’s so funny, babe?” Kalen asks as he walks over to me and places his arms around me.

“Oh, nothing,” I say. “I just think your dad might like me a tad more than you do.”

Kalen smirks. “Not a chance.”

I crinkle my nose, and as I do, Kalen leans in and kisses me.

God, I want more. But I know this isn’t the time or the place.

Once we’re sitting at the table, enjoying a fantastic meal of grilled chicken over penne alla Vodka, jokes and stories from when Kalen was a kid are being told.

“So, you know when Kalen was just about four years old, we could never get him to keep his pants on…” Mr. Starling points to his son and adds, “That little boy would run around with his little ding-a-ling just hanging out. It was the tiniest thing you ever did see.”

I cover my mouth with a napkin, cracking up. That was totally unexpected.

Kalen turns six shades of pink. “Dad, please. I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear about that.”

He chuckles, tilting his head. “Well, looks like she thought it was funny. I certainly do to this day.”

Kalen smirks, shaking his head, and takes a sip of water from his glass.

“So, Kalen tells me you work down at the boat shop in town?” I ask, trying to save my boyfriend from any further embarrassment.

Kalen’s father nods. “That’s right. Boats, ships, and basically life at sea are my passion. I love it all.”

I take the last bite of chicken from my fork then nod my head. “Oh, yeah? I see Kalen must’ve gotten his passion for the sea from you.”

Mr. Starling nods. “Yeah, his mother was never one for the sea life. But someday, I plan on taking a nice boat around the world, or as far as it’ll get me.”

I turn to face Kalen. “Wow, that’s kinda like what you want to do some day, isn’t it?” I wink.

Kalen nods, and then looks past me at his father. He’s watching us and finally smiles. “Well, dessert is just about to be served. How do you feel about homemade apple pie, Lexi.”

I snap my head and divert my attention over to Mr. Starling. “Homemade apple pie?”

He places a hand on his chin. “Oh, yes. It’s an old recipe that’s been in the family for over a hundred years.”

My eyes widen. “Wow, that sounds amazing. I’d love some homemade apple pie.”

He smiles at me. “With ice cream on top?”

I nod with a smile, repeating, “With ice cream