Read The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) for Free Online

just like the rest of the house, it was cozy.  I sat beside Drew on a fashionable gingham loveseat while his parents took a seat on the matching couch.  Drew leaned back, draping his arm comfortably over my shoulder.  He was obviously not the least bit apprehensive about showing affection in front of his parents and I tried to relax as I leaned into him. 
    “How’s work been, son?” Kent asked.
    “Can’t complain.”
    “Any big projects planned?”
    “Not since we finished up the Tashawa project.  I’ll have to show you some pictures of the construction later, which should be completed in the next few months. I’ve got a few small things in the works though but it’s good to have some down time,” Drew continued and I couldn’t agree more.
    “And what about you, Natalie?” his mother chimed in. “Now that you’re not working at Drew’s office, what are you up to?”
    I tried to decipher the look she gave me.  It was curious, but I couldn’t determine if it was also suspicious, as if she was trying to figure out my motive.
    “I’m actually a junior non-linear editor at Channel 5,” I told her and I watched as a little smile formed on her lips, the suspicion lessening.
    “I’ve never heard of such a thing. What exactly does a junior non-linear editor do?” she asked.
    “I help with editing stories for the newscasts mostly. Sometimes I meet with producers and guests and I’m hoping to learn a little about video editing in the future.”
    “Sounds exciting.”
    “Sometimes it is and sometimes it’s rather boring,” I said with a laugh.
    “Just like every job,” Janice agreed and I could feel myself relaxing. “Perhaps we can go out for coffee while you’re here and get to know each other better,” she said to me and I felt Drew’s grip on my shoulder tighten.  He must’ve felt my nerves kick in as he held my shoulder, because he gently started rubbing it to put me at ease.
    “I hope we can work that out,” I told her, hoping she believed me when the truth was that was the last thing I wanted.  I didn’t think we were quite at that stage yet.
    “Me too.  It’s been forever since Drew brought anyone home to meet us,” she said, eyeing her son. “This is quite a treat for us.”
    “I think you’re being a bit dramatic, Mother,” Drew said, the sarcasm thick in his voice.
    “You know it’s true, Andrew.  You hardly share anything of your personal life with us.”
    “Because there’s not been much to share,” he said and Janice stared curiously at her son.
    “And there is now?”
    “Can we please change the subject,” he said and I was grateful he was trying to shift gears.  I wasn’t comfortable with his mom scrutinizing our relationship so openly.
    “As you wish,” Janice said, but I had a feeling she and Drew would be having a private conversation later. “Can I get you something to drink, Natalie?”
    “No.  Thank you though.”
    “What about you?” she asked, looking at Drew.
    “I’m good, Mom.  I think Natalie and I are going to go get checked in at the hotel…”
    “Hotel?” she interrupted quickly. “What are you talking about?  You’re not staying at a hotel.”
    “It’s not a problem, Mom.  We won’t be in your way then.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.  I want you to be in our way.  You hardly ever make it home.  I’d like to have you under my roof for a change.”
    “I don’t want to put you out.”
    “You’re not.  I’ve already got your old room made up and Natalie can stay in the guest room,” she began, but then looked between us hesitantly. “Unless, of course, you wanted to stay together.”
    “No,” I said quickly. “Separate rooms are fine.”  I didn’t know if his parents knew we were living together.  It would be less awkward to sleep in different rooms, to at least pretend we weren’t sleeping together for his parents’ sake.
    “We really don’t mind,” his father added. “You’re both