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“Okay, sure,” I found myself saying. “Why the hell not?”Chapter Five
Anna“You did what?” I demand with wide eyes. Dad stares at me, confused by my response.
“What's the problem?” he asks with a shake of his head. “I thought you liked Nick.”
I blush. “I do,” I whisper.
I can’t tell him why I didn't want to go over to his house and help him. I don’t even tell him I was over there twice last week. Because that would lead to questions as to why this was such a big deal.
“But I think I’d just be in the way over there.”
“Bullshit,” Dad says, with a frown. “I’ve already spoken to him, and he said he’d love to have you around.”
“Really?” I mutter. Why did hearing that make my heart beat a little faster?
“And in return for your help, he might be able to help you out with some of those classes you’re having trouble with,” Dad adds.
“I’m not having trouble with any of my classes,” I growl. Does he not listen when I tell him I’m topping every single class I’m in? The way I’m going, I’ll have my pick of firms to intern with. They’ll be lining up to take me. Too bad there’s only one place I want.
“Maybe not, but you spend half your life at that damn library, studying. It wouldn't hurt you to get out every once in a while,” he scowls. “My friends make fun of me, kid, because you’re always buried in a damn book.”
“Dad,” I say with a giggle, “most parents would be thrilled that their child spends all their free time studying. But you want me to study less.”
“I’m not most parents,” he retorts. Ha. I figured that out years ago.
“Anyway, I said you’d go over tonight, so he’s expecting you. Just talk to the kids, maybe help put them to bed.” He shrugs like he’s never looked after a child in his life. I feel bad for being so hard on him because he did okay with me. “Whatever. Give it a chance, and if it doesn't work out, then fine. At least you can say you helped the poor guy.” Dad shakes his head. “It's gotta be hard, being a single dad after losing your wife. Then add to that, trying get back out there and dating. I think he’s a bit overwhelmed.”
“Okay,” I sigh, a stab of guilt hitting me. How could I not help him after that spiel? “I’ll agree to go over there tonight and see how things go. But I’m not promising anything, okay?”
“That’s my girl,” Dad says, ruffling my hair like I’m twelve. For the second time in as many days, I’m about to do something I just know is going to be a bad idea.
Let’s just hope I can manage to stay on my feet.After dinner, I disappear into my bedroom, trying to figure out what to wear. I’m concerned that I’m spending so much time trying to pick an outfit for something that doesn’t remotely resemble anything romantic.
And while I’m at it, why the hell am I so nervous? It's not just because I've been watching him undress or because I’m pretty sure he knows that I’ve been watching him undress. Nope. You’re nervous because you’ve got a crush on him.
“Shut up,” I growl out loud to the little voice in my head. What would you know?
I go back to deciding on what I’m going to wear and finally decide on casual. Anything else will be obvious and ridiculous. What would my dad think if I dressed up in my best dress to go help put his best friend’s kids to bed? God, what would Nick think?
Pulling on a tight pair of jeans and a cream sweater, I run my brush through my hair and throw on some lip gloss. I frown at myself in the mirror. I feel sick. I can't go through with this. How can I face him after what happened? You already have. This morning at your car. But I managed to avoid any major eye contact or interaction. Tonight, though? At his house? There’s no avoiding anything. This is so embarrassing. I really don’t want to go over there, but if I don’t, there will be questions from my father, which might end up being more embarrassing than just facing Nick.Standing on his doorstep, I prepare myself to ring that bell. I don’t think I could possibly feel any more nervous than I do right now. God, I’m shaking. To the point where every few seconds, I feel like my knees are going to give way. How the hell did I let my dad talk me into this? Nick doesn’t need help. He’s the most together person I’ve ever met.
The door opens, and I shoot upright, plastering a smile on my face that I’m pretty sure makes me look like I’m high on something. And probably unsafe to be around his kids. With any luck, he’ll send me home.
