Free Six Rules: Book Two in the SIX Series by Randileigh Kennedy Page B

beautiful home Mrs. Luca,” I said politely,
thankful to finally be released.
               “Please, call me Julie,” she said warmly.
               “So this is the girl?” a short middle-aged woman asked.
               “Oh my, she’s even prettier than I would have imagined,”
another woman next to her said.
               Greyson introduced me to everyone one by one, and I knew
there was no hope for remembering all of their names.
               We all moved outside to the back patio area and his mom
brought out trays of food. The backyard was impeccable; there were flowers
everywhere and bright colored patio chairs lined the moderately sized wooden
deck.
               “So,” Julie began as she uncovered all of the food and
placed serving spoons around the table. “Tell us a little bit about yourself,
Mallory. Greyson never mentioned you until yesterday, so we don’t have many
details.”
               That’s because I didn’t know him until yesterday.
               “Well, I own a bakery up in Mountain Ridge. It’s just a
few blocks from downtown,” I began. I could hear squeals and whispers as I
spoke.
               “Oh, she’s successful,” one of his aunts whispered to
another.
               “I grew up nearby, but my parents now live in Sacramento.
In college I studied abroad in Paris, Italy, and Australia,” I added.
               “Greyson, you never told us she was a world traveler,” his
grandma Jane interjected.
               That’s because he didn’t know.
               “Yeah, well I
knew you guys would drill her about all of this stuff anyway. No point in
spilling all her details before you even met her, right?” Greyson said, winking
at me.
               As we ate, I told them a little more about myself. I mentioned
I was a fitness instructor before opening the bakery and they all seemed amused
by that. A few people throughout the night tried prying for more information
about my relationship with Greyson.
               “So, things must be serious between you and Greyson,” Aunt
Felicia asked me as we cleared the table.
               “Well, you never know how things will work out,” I
answered awkwardly.
               “It’s been so long since Greyson brought a girl home we
all started to wonder if he was even interested in women,” another aunt remarked,
and then giggled. For a brief moment, Greyson’s dead fiancé crossed my mind. I
wondered if they had met any other girls since her.  
               “So, do you plan on marriage and kids? Or are you married
to your work, dear?” Grandma Jane asked.
               I need to get out of here.
               “Greyson,” I said excitedly as he walked into the kitchen.
“I do have a really early morning tomorrow at the bakery. Maybe we should head
back soon?”
           “Sure. I have a few meetings
tomorrow as well,” he responded, eyeing me suspiciously.
               I thanked Julie for her hospitality and said goodbye to
the rest of his family. We left the house and climbed into his truck.
               “Do you really have to work early tomorrow or did you just
want to get out of there?” Greyson asked inquisitively.
               “Honestly, a little of both,” I replied sincerely. “Once I
was asked about our marriage and kids, I kind of shut down,” I said smirking.
               “Let me guess, Grandma Jane? She can be a little direct,”
he said laughing. “Do you want me to take you home, or can I show you something
first?”
               I stared back at Greyson, taking in how genuine of a guy
he actually was. I suppose tonight wasn’t exactly easy or completely
comfortable for him either. My eyes continued to be mesmerized by his handsome
face. He looked so put together in his jeans