“Yes, Paige and Chloe are best friends. Angus is like a second father to her.”
“Okay, what’s your point?” He grumbles, already fed up with this conversation.
“My point is that Paige and I got to know each other this weekend.” I already know this is where this conversation is going to go to shit. “We developed feelings for each other. We’re together, Edward; I’m dating Paige.”
“THE FUCK?!” He explodes, pushing off his stool and throwing his hands up in the air. “What the fuck do you mean you're together? Are you fucking my girlfriend?” He demands.
“Watch your tone with me,” I grit, “and she is not your girlfriend. She never was. Whatever the two of you had going on was not a relationship.”
“I can’t believe you! You’re stealing my girl,” he shouts. “How can you want to fuck her knowing I did it first? I’ll give you a list of girls if my sloppy seconds is your kink,” he sneers at me.
I lose it. I fucking lose it. I shove off my stool and storm towards him, clenching my fists at my side, far too tempted to punch his face.
“Don’t you ever talk about her like that. You don’t talk about Paige, about any woman, with disrespect. And let’s be clear about one thing,” I add. “You never slept with Paige. Nothing happened between the two of you. Is that what this is about? You’re pissed your old man is more of a man than you are?” Am I being a dick? Yes. But right now, all reason has left me. I cannot be held accountable for what is said at this moment.
“End it with her.”
“No.” Never happening, life without Paige is not a possibility.
“Father’s are meant to do anything for their children. I’m telling you to end it.” His eyes glint; he honestly thinks he’s got me.
“And I would do anything for you, Edward. Anything to keep you safe, anything to make your life better, and anything to help you in this world. But, I will not give in to your selfish behaviour. I will not give up the love of my life because you think I stole your toy, a toy that never belonged to you in the first place.”
“You’re choosing her over me?” He forces out between clenched teeth.
“No. I’m choosing me,” my clenched fist hits my chest in emphasis. “I will not survive without her. Paige and I do not affect you; we have no bearing on what you do with your life. Edward, you and Paige were never really together, I'm not taking her from you. If you'd have loved her, cared for her in any way; this wouldn't be happening. I love you, Edward, but Paige is my future, she’s the woman I plan on spending the rest of my life with.”
“Fuck you, Dad,” he spits with venom before storming upstairs and slamming his door shut.
That went well.
I’m walking to meet Paige for lunch as she’s not got long before she has to be back at work. I’ve booked a table at a restaurant around the corner to make sure we have as much time together as possible. We’ve got a lot we need to discuss. I drop her a message to let her know I’m outside her building and lean against a column to wait.
I see her before she sees me. Corporate Paige is fucking hot. She’s got some fitted skinny trousers on with heels, a silk shirt, slim blazer and a wool coat thrown over the top. A group of guys follow her out, every single one of them has their eyes trained on her, on my girl. Time to move; she catches my approach, a smile taking over her face before it falters. A trace of worry crosses her features, that’s right, baby, you are in big trouble after last night. I walk right up to her, take her in my arms and stamp a kiss on her lips for everyone to see. I see the steps of the guys falter before they walk past us. That’s right, move along, this one’s taken.
“Hey, baby,” I murmur.
“Hi,” she breathes, a little nervously. “You okay?”
“I am now,” I say, taking her hand and leading her towards the restaurant. “Your ass won’t be tonight, but it’s safe for now,” I add, grinning to myself.
“Shit,” I hear her mutter to herself.
I lead her into the restaurant and to our table. We both already know what we want, so we order as soon as we sit down. Paige orders a Caesar salad and I order myself a steak.
“I’m sorry about last night,” Paige starts. I hold up my hand, stopping her.
“Let’s not have that conversation right now, that talk and your punishment will come tonight when I have more time.” I see her visibly swallow. Yeah, she’ll be swallowing tonight too.
“There is, however, something I need to talk to you about.” I’m about to start explaining our connection from before we met, when her gaze wanders over my shoulder and her eyes widen.
“I am so sorry for whatever is about to happen,” she whispers.What?I turn in my seat to see what she’s talking about and freeze. I feel the blood drain from my face. Coming towards us, looking far too smug for his own good, is my son.
“Isn’t this cosy?” His sly voice hits every nerve in my body.
“Edward what are you doing here?” Paige asks.
“You mean I’m not invited to the family lunch?”
