Free Deception (Carrington Hill Investigations Book 1) by Kate Allenton Page B

call.”
    Lexi smiled . “Thank you, that’s very kind. I may just take you up on your offer.”
    Moments later they were joined by an older couple. Trip looked just like a younger version of his father. His mother had regal gray hair and was dressed in a long silver gown. Diamonds covered her ears, neck, wrist, and fingers. She raised one of her perfectly plucked brows and gave Lexi a look of almost disdain. His mother didn’t hide the obvious disliked she’d developed before Lexi had even opened her mouth. Lexi squeezed Trip’s arm, realizing she had completely forgotten to ask exactly who was in on this game.
    “Trip , I was hoping you’d bring Margaritte as your date.” Her southern accent didn’t shock Lexi, but her rudeness did.
    “Lexi this is my mother Lillian Hathaway.” Trip said.
    Lexi held out her hand. “Lexi Carrington. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hathaway.”
    Lillian glanced down at the extended hand and dismissed Lexi , returning her gaze to Trip. Lexi let her hand drop to her side.
    Trip leaned into her. “Don’t you mean Lexi Hathaway?” Lexi’s face heated. She’d already forgotten her name. How embarrassing was that?
    “Mother, you’re being rude to my wife and your new daughter-in-law.”
    Lillian raised a hand to he r chest and gasped, making Lexi want to laugh, but she refrained, no matter how much she was enjoying the woman’s shock. His mom was an actress all right. She fanned her flushed face as if Trip’s news were going to send her to an early grave.
    “You got married ?” She glanced down at Lexi’s stomach, and without even lowering her voice, she spoke words Lexi never thought she’d hear. “Is she pregnant?”
    Lexi’s mouth parted as fire raced through her veins. If the old bat wanted to play, then game on. Trip placed his arm around Lexi’s waist. “No mother. I met her jogging on the beach, and it was love at first sight.”
    Lillian crossed her arms over her chest and raised her brow. “I bet it was.”
    “Mother….” he said, his tone holding a hint of warning. “I knew she was the one when I saw her. It took me days to convince her that I was the one for her. But I eventually won her over, didn’t I, honey?”
    Lexi turned in his arms and placed a palm on his chest. “He wo uldn’t take no for an answer. I tried to tell him it was just great sex…but he insisted it was love and finally talked me into the dreaded M-word.”
    Trip was having a much harder time keeping a straight face. He gave her a lopsided grin. His eyes crinkled at the corners. One point for Lexi , she thought vindictively.
    Lexi held back her grin. “We plan on having lots and lots of babies . Isn’t that right, tiger?” She kissed his lips before leaning toward his mother and feigning a whisper. “He just can’t keep his hands off me.” She straightened. “It’s okay if the little darlins’ call you Grams, right?”
    Score two, three and four , Lexi thought smugly.
    Celia practically choked on her drink and raised a hand to cover her mouth.
    Trips father, laughed and was much more pleasant to deal with. He pulled her in for a hug. “Welcome to the family, Lexi.” He placed his hand on the small of Lillian’s back. “I hope you’re getting settled in.”
    She smiled , remembering that Trip had told her that Catherine was set to meet Trip and his father, Charles with the update when she’d went missing. His father was in on the charade. “I’m starting to learn my way around.”
    Lillian clasped her hands in front of her. “What is it you do , dear? Are you just planning on being a housewife?”
    “Lillian…” Charles said , using a stern voice.
    She gave Charles an appalled look. “What, dear? It’s a valid question. I just want to know if she plans to live on Trip’s money or if she has a profession… besides gold digger.”
    Okay, Grams ha d two points and was catching on quick. Maybe Lexi had underestimated the old woman.
    “Mother, that ’s