Ruthless knight

Chapter 22

That motherfucker.

He has a lot of balls for not only coming to my home una

Understandably, the parental units are flabbergasted. 

“Boyfriend?” my father barks. “You never said anything about having a boyfriend.”

That’s because I don’t. 

Then again, if I say he is, my dad might get his shotgun. 

That would definitely be one way to get rid of Cole. 

“Relax, Dan.” My mother chuckles like it’s the most ludicrous thing she’s ever heard. “I’m sure he isn’t dating Sawyer.” 

The fact she doesn’t believe someone as good-looking as Cole could be my boyfriend stings, but it doesn’t surprise me. 

I have no idea what to make of the look Cole gives her. “Actually, ma’am. I am.” 

My mother opens and closes her mouth a few times before she speaks. “Oh.” Catching herself, she forces a smile. “I had no idea. But please, come in.” 

Crap. I have to get rid of him before they start asking questions.

“He can’t,” I sputter. “He was just coming here to drop off—”

“Flowers.” Cole motions to the peonies as he moseys on in like he owns the place. “Here.”

I want to wipe the shit-eating grin off his face when I hold out my hand to accept the stupid peonies and he gives them to my mother. 

“Sawyer told me how much you like flowers. I hope these are okay.”

What. The. Actual. Fuck. 

Truth be told, my mom happens to love flowers, but he doesn’t know that. 

I pinch myself because I must have been sucked into an alternate universe.  

A universe where Cole Covington shows up at my house uninvited with flowers for my mother and declares I’m his girlfriend. 

It’s only then I realize this whole thing is my own doing. 

When I told Cole he had to meet my parents in order to date me, I was screwing with his head because I wanted to see him freak out. 

I never expected him to take me seriously. 

Mama fluffs her hair. “Oh, my. These are beautiful. How thoughtful of you.” 

“Yup. So thoughtful.” I place my hand on his chest—ignoring how firm it is—and start pushing. “Now take your thoughtful self back to your car and go.” 

“Sawyer Grace,” Mama cries out. “You better stop behaving like we didn’t raise you to have ma

Fuck my life. That’s the second time she’s middle-named me in front of him. 

“We were just about to sit down for supper,” she tells Cole. “You’re welcome to join us if you want.” 

Like hell he is. “No—”

“I’d love to,” Cole interjects. 

Of course he would. 

Because the stubborn jerk is determined to get his way. 

I can tell my father is sizing him up as he trudges to the kitchen table.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out he’s not a fan—especially when Cole makes the mistake of taking his seat at the head of the table. 

Dumbass. 

My father clears his throat. Loudly. “You pla

Fortunately, Cole gets the hint and quickly moves to the seat directly across from me. 

The three of us sit in awkward silence while my mom brings the food to the table. 

Normally I’d help, but I don’t want her to start poking and prying. 

Plus, I need to keep a close eye on Cole, who’s looking mighty pleased with himself.

Smug bastard. 

I’m relieved when Mama joins us. It will be hard to talk when everyone’s stuffing their faces. 

Nerves rattle my belly as I watch Cole pile food on his plate. I’m not ashamed of where I come from, but it’s u

My mother’s a great cook, but he’s not going to be impressed with her pot roast and mashed potatoes when he can have filet mignon served to him on a gold platter every night. 

Same can be said for me. Everyone’s going to wonder why he picked me when he can have any girl he wants. 

Clearly Colton didn’t think his plan through very well. 

All the more reason for me to decline the offer to be his fake girlfriend. 

I grab a roll from the basket. They just came from the oven so they’re warm and extra delicious. 

Mama clears her throat. “Are you sure you want to eat that?” 

My cheeks heat with embarrassment. It’s bad enough that she criticizes me when we’re alone, but to do it in front of Cole of all people. 

I silently pray for a sinkhole to open up and swallow me, but alas, it doesn’t. 

The big man upstairs must have more important stuff to deal with. 

I drop the roll back into the basket. “Yeah, you’re right.” 

“Not to be rude, but why shouldn’t she eat that?” Cole questions. 

Oh, no. 

Surprise illuminates Mama’s features, but she quickly laughs it off. “Because carbs are the devil.” Crinkling her nose, she adds, “It’s a girl thing, you wouldn’t understand.” 

“Actually,” Cole counters. “As a football player, I know a lot about nutrition, and carbs are necessary for energy. I’m sure you’re well aware of how hectic Sawyer’s schedule is. If she stops eating carbs, she’ll be tired and less productive. As her mom, I know you wouldn’t want that to happen because you want the best for her.” Glowering, he takes a huge bite of his own roll. “Right?” 

I practically choke on my pot roast. 

The only person who’s ever told her to lay off me is my father, and the last time he did it practically caused a civil war. 

Mama kept screaming that I was going to have health problems and eat myself into an early grave, and Daddy kept yelling that I was just big-boned, and my baby fat would go away soon. 

It was utterly humiliating. 

I was so depressed I scarfed down three chocolate bars I’d hidden in my bedroom. 

Mama looks down at the tablecloth. I can’t tell if she’s ashamed or fighting the urge to kick him out. “Of course I want what’s best for my daughter.”  

The harsh look my father has been giving Cole since he walked through the door eases up a bit. “I played some football back in the day.” 

I breathe easier. Football is a safe subject. 

Cole’s eyes light up like the Fourth of July. “Oh yeah? That’s awesome. What position did you play?”

He beams a little. “Left guard.” 

Cole reaches across the table to give him a fist bump. “Respect. You guys take a lot of punishment on the field.” 

Daddy nods. “Damn straight.” Judgment swirls in his big brown eyes. “If I had to take a gander, I’d say you’re the quarterback.” 

An arrogant smile unfurls. “That obvious, huh?” 

“Yes.” 

The ice in my dad’s tone makes it clear he didn’t mean it as a compliment. 

“So, how did y’all meet?” Mama asks, breaking up the tension. 

“We go to school together,” I remind her. 

She rolls her eyes. “I know that, Sawyer Grace. What I meant was, how did you two start dating? And how come you never mentioned having a boyfriend before?” 

Here we go. 

It’s time to clear things up. “We’re not—”

“Official yet,” Cole cuts in. “Sawyer insisted I had to meet her parents before she agreed to be my girlfriend.”  

My mom looks at me like I’m crazy. “Really?” 

Daddy’s eyes crinkle at the corners. “Good to know one of my daughters still cares what her old man thinks.” 

He’s obviously still hurt about Catherine’s fiancé going to my mother for permission and leaving him out altogether.