Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1559

Janelle grabbed Richard and scolded him in a low voice, "What do you think you're doing? On such a happy day, why are you causing such a scene?!" Keaton immediately pleaded for help. "Mom, save me! Dad's trying to kill me again, and in front of Winona! Don't I get to have any dignity?" Janelle's heart ached for her son, and she chided Richard, "What is wrong with you?! Put that paddle back!" Keaton said to Winona, "See that? There's a difference between a wife and your own mother. The one who actually gave birth to you knows how to care." However, the next second… Richard leaned into Janelle's ear and whispered, "He's already thinking about breaking up with Winona at a time like this! He doesn't want our grandchild!" Janelle's expression changed in a flash. She shot a cold, piercing glare at Keaton, then said to Winona, "Winona, step aside! It’s about time Richard taught this boy a lesson in accountability!" Keaton's eyes widened. "Mom! I'm your son!" "Shut up, you scoundrel! Winona, move. Let Richard break his legs if that’s what it takes to talk some sense into him!" "...Janelle, Mr. Huber..." Winona had just started to speak when Keaton suddenly pressed up against her, wrapping his arms tightly around her from behind! The fresh scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of tobacco instantly washed over her. He stood behind her, the solid, unyielding lines of his chest pressed firm against her back. Even through the layers of their clothes, she could feel the heavy, erratic thrum of his heart against her back. His hands circled her waist, pulling her into his embrace, holding her so tightly it was as if he was afraid she'd run away! Winona's breath caught in her throat. She was frozen. Keaton's voice was right next to her ear. "Play along. It's an emergency!" The warm, moist air on her earlobe sent her mind into a panic. Even a free spirit like her couldn't handle being held like this, especially in front of his parents and the entire household staff! The way they were pressed together was ridiculously intimate. Winona's heart raced, and her ears burned. If this were any other situation, she would have absolutely decked him. Even friends couldn't be this clueless about personal space! But in front of Richard and Janelle, she couldn't get rough. She could only try to pry his hands off, hissing in a low voice, "Let go!" The more she struggled, the tighter Keaton held on. He clung to her like a drowning man to a lifeboat. ‘Mayday! Save me tonight, and I’m your humble servant for life. I’ll be at your beck and call!" Winona, her face beet red, snapped, "Who wants you to worship them? Let go!" Keaton was shameless. "Nope!" "Keaton!" "Are we friends or not? Huh? I'm asking you, are we friends?! You told me yourself at the bar last time you'd take a bullet for me!" Winona gritted her teeth. "Even if we are, you can't… Just let me go first!" "No way! If I let go, my parents will kill me! I'm just holding you for a second to de-escalate. C'mon, do me a solid. Please, please." Keaton knew his parents well. As long as he was clinging to Winona, they wouldn't dare make a move. The risk of accidentally hurting her was too high, and they would never allow that. Winona was fuming. "Keaton!" Fearing she'd escape, Keaton hugged her even tighter. "Stop wiggling. Keep squirming like that, and I might start to think you’re actually enjoying this. Don't flatter yourself, Winona. Everyone's watching!" He had the nerve to turn it back on her. Winona was speechless. She stopped moving, her brows knitted in a warning glare. "If you don't let go, I'm going to get really angry!" Keaton’s voice dropped to a low, velvety rasp that sent a shiver down her spine. "Don't move. Just let me hold you for a second."