They didnt hate me but I dont think they liked me either.

Why? he asked.

I shrugged. Im not sure. I was just never good enough, I guess.

Well, my parents arent like that. I promise.

I was still nervous.

And I dont care what they think, alright?

Yes, you do, I blurted.

For the most part, yes. But if they are out of line, no. We shouldnt even be having this conversation. My parents will love you, Hazel.

Why? Im nothing special. I knew I shouldnt let my own insecurities be a factor in this but I did anyway.

You are to me, he said simply. Im not trying to be insensitive, but you shouldnt let your past relationship ruin your entire existence and confidence. Youre basing all your worth on his treatment of you. You shouldnt let it affect you that much. And not to sound cocky, but I could have whatever girl I wanted but I chose you. I havent been in very many monogamous relationships, but thats what I wanted from you from the beginning. So really, you are pretty damn special.

I felt better. Flynn was always good with words to stroke my ego. Thanks. And you are cocky.

You want me to show you cocky, right here right now? he threatened.

Actually, I did. I loved having sex with him. It was the best. I dont want to have sex hair when I meet your parents. And I certainly dont want to be late.

Then you better watch your mouth. The playfulness was in his eyes.

Ill watch ituntil we get home.

His eyes darkened in heat. I look forward to it.

We left my apartment and headed to the street. We hardly took a cab anywhere and just walked.

Anymore cockroaches? he asked.

No. I shivered just thinking about all the legs they had.

You knowI dont have any of them at my place.

Dont rub it in, I snapped. They are nesting in my bathroom.

He held my hand and rubbed his fingers over my knuckles. And I have a lot of space Yes, youre rich. I know. I rolled my eyes.

He glared at me. Hazel, why dont you just move in with me?

I stopped walking on the sidewalk. What? Me?

No, the cockroaches, he said sarcastically.

Did he really just ask me that? But weve only been dating for three months I know. He shrugged. I dont measure time or put any meaning on it. When you know, you know. He continued to hold my hand. Judging by his silence, he was waiting for me to say something.

II dont want you to ask me just because you feel bad for me, Flynn.

Im not, he said quickly. Im using it as an excuse more than anything else.

My relationship with Flynn was perfect. I didnt want to ruin it by going too fast. I dont think thats a good idea.

The lines on his face told me he was disappointed. May I ask why?

Youre the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I dont want to ruin what we have by making a hasty decision.

He still looked disappointed. I dont think it would ruin anything, but if thats what you want, I accept it.

Now I felt like a bitch. Flynn, I love you so much. I just"

You dont need to explain yourself, he said simply. Dont worry about it.

I justdont want you to think that Im not serious about us.

I know how you feel about me, Hazel. I feel it every time you kiss me. He released my hand and put his arm around my waist. Its okay. Really.

Nothing else was said as we made our way to Central Park.

Should I know anything about your family before I meet them? I asked.

No, he said simply. They are pretty laid back.

Okay. Now I wasnt nervous because I felt bad for rejecting Flynn. I knew Id love to live with him. I didnt get enough of him as it was. Doing little things like sleeping with him every night would be wonderful. Just listening to him breathe would be a lullaby to lull me to sleep.

When we reached the park, Flynn walked down the path then waved to someone. There they are.

Oh god.

Showtime, baby.

Im going to faint.

He tugged me along. Youll be fine.

Id rather fight a cockroach than do this.

He just rolled his eyes.

When we reached them, both of his parents stared at me. They were tall. Even his mother was almost six foot. I felt like a midget standing next to them. Now I knew where Flynn got his height from.

His mother had dark brown hair just like her son, and the artic eyes immediately reminded me of Flynns. His father was thin and had green eyes, but his face structure was similar to his sons. Flynn was a perfect combination of each of his parents.

Flynn kept his arm around my waist. This is the girl I was telling you about. Mom and Dad, this is Hazel.

I extended my hand and tried to appear confident. Its very nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Robbins. I couldnt believe I was shaking his hand. Id seen his name on theatre productions around the city, and now I was holding his hand. Wow.

Mr. Robbins? he said with a laugh. Call me Tate. And my wife is Loretta. But I appreciate the manners.

Flynn wasnt kidding. They were very easy going. Okay.

His mother didnt shake my hand. Instead, she hugged me. Youre a very beautiful girl.

Oh. That was a nice and unexpected compliment. Thanks She pulled away. I hear youre a dancer.

I am.

What kind? she asked.

I can do anything, I said. Well, I cant break dance.

Both of his parents laughed.

His dad smiled at me. Dang, I would have loved to see that.

Me too, Loretta said. I did jazz and tap when I was your age.

Very cool, I said.

Have you been in any productions I would know of? Tate asked.

Actually, LadyKiller is my debut, I said.

Im sure this is the beginning of a long and fruitful career, his mother said. Flynn has told us youre a remarkable dancer, many times.

I eyed Flynn. Thanks.

I speak the truth, he said with a shrug. Wheres Cade?

Hell be here soon, Tate said. You know him, always late. He rolled his eyes.

Thinks hes hot shit, Loretta said.

I smiled when his mother cursed. She seemed too graceful to do it, so it made her cooler. And I liked that his parents teased their son.

Hes a bit of a douchebag, Flynn said to me. I just wanted to warn you.

Thats sweet, I said sarcastically.

Its true, Flynn said immediately. I just dont want your expectations to be high. He looked at his dad. Right?

He smirked. Im not calling your brother a douchebag.

But you know he is, Flynn pressed.

I dont know what youre talking about. His father shook his head.

Flynn turned to his mom. Mom?

She smiled at her husband then looked at Flynn. He can be a littlefull of himself.

Not quite what I was going for, but Ill take it, Flynn said.

Youre one to talk, I teased. Youre the cockiest person I know.

Tate laughed. Thats what Im talking about. Im glad you have a woman to put you in your place.

Flynn glared at me. You turning on me, baby?

Im just being honest. I gave him a playful look.

Two can play that game He narrowed his eyes at me.

Dont you dare, I hissed.

Hazel is afraid of cockroaches, he told my parents. She had me come over to kill the tiny bug in her bathroom. And she pushed all her furniture against the door so the little thing couldnt get out.

I glared at him. I cant believe you told them that.

Did you know cockroaches are the biggest carriers of parasites and disease? Tate said. Theyll be the next host of the plague.

His mom shivered. I hate bugs, especially spiders.

I gave him a triumphant look.

Maybe you should quit your day job and be an exterminator, his father teased. Youre probably better at that than a writer. He nudged him in the shoulder, teasing him.

Shut up, Dad, Flynn said.

In just a few minutes, I felt included in their group. His parents were accepting and didnt question me about anything. I was his girlfriend so I was automatically included. It was nice not having to prove myself. My parents constantly grilled me for my successes and failures. If I wasnt good enough, I was cut out. It was nice to be accepted for no reason at all, unconditionally.

Look who it is, Tate said. Mr. Bigshot.

A man approached us, the same height and build as Flynn. He looked a little older, maybe by a few years. He held himself like he was taking a picture. His blue eyes stood out even from a great distance. He wore dark jeans and a black shirt. And there was an expensive watch on his wrist.

Hey, he said when he reached us. Whats up?

Whats up? Tate asked. Thats how you greet your father? He opened his arms and hugged him. Cade gave him a simple hug in return. Hey, Mom. He hugged her next then quickly pulled away. He put his sunglasses on then pulled a baseball cap over his head.

No one is going to notice you, Flynn said.

They will. Cade didnt greet his brother with a hug.

Flynn placed his hand on my shoulder. This is my girlfriend, Hazel.