Momma's Boy: Tender Tarts, #5

By Mandy Harbin

A momma's boy and an Irish girl walk into a barbecue…

When Taylor Hannigan's boyfriend invites her to his family's annual reunion, she knows it's an important step in their relationship. It's not every day she meets her significant other's parents. Regardless of what her friends say, she's not too worried. As a confident woman with a highly accurate B.S. meter, she's got this covered. Until she meets his mother, and that internalized gauge of hers spikes off the charts.

Bryson Reed is a country boy who can't wait to bring his girlfriend home to meet his parents. A weekend of cookouts, fishing, and swimming wrapped into one fun-filled weekend is the perfect opportunity. Days with the family and nights with her beneath him? Oh yes, this is just the vacation they need. But shortly after the big intros, everything begins to unravel, spoiling his carefully crafted plans and pissing off his girlfriend.

Taylor wonders where the line is between gentleman and momma's boy in this weekend of fake southern hospitality. She just wants it over already. But when an explosive family secret is revealed, this trip might not be the only thing coming to an end…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mandy Harbin
• Release date: Aug 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781941467428

Book preview

Chapter One

Why is your skinny ass eating nothing but lettuce? Taylor asked Morgan as they sat at the bistro around the corner. Hell, your man finally proposed. Not like you need to reel him in with toothpick thighs. She was only partially joking. The glow on Morgan’s face couldn’t be ignored, and Taylor was just giving her some fun ribbing. But seriously, the woman could use a steak or twelve.

Oh hush. There’s also cranberries and feta in this salad.

It’s not a salad unless there’s dressing involved. Taylor picked up her gourmet sandwich filled with shaved turkey, seasoned tomatoes, and loads of melted mozzarella cheese and took a bite. It was like a margarita pizza, but on a buttery roll with meat.

I have dressing, Morgan said, slightly affronted.

Taylor snorted. It’s still in the cup beside your bowl. She shook her head. Seriously, girl, it’s not like you need to lose weight before your wedding. She looked up, one eyebrow raised. Which will be … when exactly?

Morgan shook her head slowly. Oh, no. We’re not announcing anything until after Hannah and Lucas tie the knot.

At least tell me it’ll be a theme wedding straight out of the Victorian period. Her friend apparently had an odd fixation with petticoats. I’m totally getting an authentic corset if you do.

Morgan snorted. You’ll have to wait and see.

Taylor pouted. You’re no fun. She took another savory bite of her yummy sandwich.

Like you’re one to talk. Morgan smirked.

Taylor dropped her sandwich. What’s that supposed to mean?

Oh, come on. Bryson’s taking you to Texas to meet his family. Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about what this means where wedding bells are concerned.

Not any more than the next girl. Taylor paused and thought about that for about two seconds. Present company excluded.

I know. I know. I wasn’t too keen on the idea before.

That’s putting it mildly, she muttered.

But there wasn’t a big flashing sign warning me it was imminent.

Okay. A, you’re the only woman I know who equates a proposal from the man she loves with ominous caution lights.

Ha. Ha.

And B, this isn’t some romantic getaway. I already told you it’s a just family reunion. Nothing special. They do it every year. It has zero to do with making plans for the future. Gah, she couldn’t even say the word marriage when it represented her. She loved Bryson dearly. He may even be the one, but it was still too soon for talk of that. Morgan was just all caught up in her own recent engagement.

Mmm-hmm, just tell yourself that. Don’t be surprised if he drops to one knee beside a horse or something. Morgan waved her fork at her before taking another bite of her bird food.

You don’t know Bryson. He wouldn’t do something like that. Taylor was sure of it. Marriage hadn’t been on his radar, either. She was a smart woman, and he’d never been able to get anything by her. Before last Christmas he’d dropped hints for weeks without meaning to. She still acted surprised when she opened her gifts. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and he’d been so excited. None of the gifts had been romantic, but all were things she’d still needed and loved. Bryson was a caring and generous boyfriend. But she knew beyond any shadow of doubt that the man hadn’t given one thought to their future together.

She was okay with that. More than okay, actually.

Don’t be surprised. That’s all I’m saying. After another bite, she said, When are you two leaving anyway?

He’s picking me up at two o’clock. We should get there by dinner—his words, not mine. She chuckled, relieved by the subject change.

You all packed and ready? Morgan pushed her half-eaten salad away and moaned as if she’d just eaten a cow. Taylor rolled her eyes.

Yeah. Took the day off to finish this morning. It’s just for the weekend, but it’s freaking hot, and they have a lot of outdoor activities scheduled. I had to make sure I stashed enough for necessary wardrobe changes.

Totally understand that. Morgan sighed and checked her phone. I have to get back to the office. Not all of us took the day off to pretend this weekend wasn’t significant to our relationship. She winked.

So not listening to you. Taylor shook her head and waved for the waiter to bring their tickets.

After they both paid and hugged their goodbyes, Taylor rushed back to her place to grab a few things she’d forgotten to pack that morning.

When her phone chimed a text message notification, she didn’t have to look at it to know it was Bryson letting her know he was on his way. He always announced his arrival before he showed up. She chuckled. Bryson had his little quirks, but he liked his routines. She wasn’t one to complain about that. She’d dated some real slackers in the past.

Bryson was different.

Besides knowing what he wanted and never shying away from it—which was freaking sexy just by itself—he was strong, dependable, funny, charming…

And gorgeous.

Damn, but the man had a body cultivated from his years growing up on the ranch. His brown hair and puppy-dog eyes just added to the total physical package.

Hell, no physical about it. He was the total package.

A knock sounded, but she didn’t answer it. He always knocked before using the key she’d given him about six months ago, after they’d been dating a year. She’d told him he didn’t have to knock, but he also had this shy, gentlemanly quality about him.

Not in the bedroom, though. He definitely knew how to rock her world. If he were a chick, he’d fit that lady on the streets, freak in the sheets description. Lucky for her, he’d been born with a penis.

Hey, baby, he said, walking into her bedroom as she zipped her suitcase. He took it from her when she started to lift it off the bed, and put it by the door. Wow, I can’t believe you didn’t use a bigger one. This is carry-on size.

Taylor rolled her eyes. He was joking with her because he absolutely knew better. Oh, please. The other two are in the bathroom.

His eyes danced. There’s my girl.

Your one and only. She winked.

Heat flared in his eyes, and he moved toward her, taking her mouth in a hot kiss, his hands grabbing her ass.

She chuckled against his lips. We don’t have time for this.

He groaned. I know. Just a couple of minutes.

This was cruel, she knew, getting him all hot and bothered and not being able to