Karen couldn't help but recognize Jeffrey's knack for smooth talking.
Opening the trunk of his car, Jeffrey revealed a bounty of gifts for Karen's parents.
Peeking inside, Karen was struck speechless.
Skincare products and fine wine were one thing, but bringing a solid gold ornament as a first-time gift to meet the girlfriend's parents? "You're going to scare my parents with that," she chided.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJeffrey's style of gift-giving was extravagant to the point of suspicion. Anyone would wonder if Karen had struck it rich or was hiding some scandalous secret.
"What should | bring then? I'll go buy it now," Jeffrey said, clearly inexperienced in this personal matter.
At Lopez Corporation, he was used to throwing his weight around, not currying favor with gifts.
He had no precedent for what to give when meeting a girlfriend's parents. He'd never gotten this far before.
"No need," Karen replied quickly, "My parents aren't home. They're probably visiting Levi. Let's just pick a nice restaurant and have dinner tonight. Your treat.” Subconsciously, she didn't want Jeffrey coming to her house. Compared to his mansion, her family's simple home felt embarrassingly modest. She knew he didn't care, but she didn't want her parents to feel inferior.
Relieved to see her relent, Jeffrey readily agreed, "Sure, I'll follow your lead! I'll just let my parents know. Whenever you want our families to meet, they'll be there." Karen nodded, "Your parents are really nice. | can tell they really love each other.” Jeffrey opened the passenger door for her and waited for her to get in before he walked around to the driver's side.
"My dad can be tough, but he rarely loses his temper with my mom. He's only strict with me." His eyes crinkled with a smile as he reached over and pulled Karen towards him, sealing the gesture with a kiss.
Caught off guard, Karen struggled briefly before remembering that Jeffrey was her boyfriend now.
He deepened the kiss, refusing to let go, as if trying to savor every bit of sweetness from her lips.
When they finally parted, Karen's cheeks were a bloom of red.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"You can be quite the charmer," Jeffrey's voice dropped, husky with emotion.
"Aren't you supposed to be taking me shopping? If we don't leave now, I'm going back inside." "Don't be mad," he teased, his gaze returning to the road ahead, but the engine remained silent.
Karen turned to him, "What's wrong?" The smug look on Jeffrey's face had turned into a rueful grin.
"I regret kissing you just now." "Why?" He took Karen's hand and pressed it against his body.
The heat from his desire was palpable, even through the fabric of his pants.
"What do you think?" Karen snatched her hand away as if shocked, glaring at him, "It's your own fault." He sighed, "You're right. Just give me a moment to cool down. | can't drive like this." Karen had been ready to tease him, but seeing his discomfort, she realized he was genuinely struggling.
"Jeffrey, maybe we could just...” "Please don't talk to me right now! I'll be fine in a moment, really.”