Page 41 of The Daddy’s Girl

My shoulders sag as I slump back in my chair. “Then I can’t go on it at all.”

Weston is lost in thought as I stare down at my messages with Jacob. I haven’t responded yet, and I’m not sure I will.

Finally, he blurts out, “Actually, I change my mind. Take Matis.”

“What?” Freya and I ask at the same time.

“I saw Matis that night. I heard you tell Geo that he wouldn’t let you swipe right on anyone. And he kept glancing at you during his date.”

“West, what is your point?” I hope he’s not implying what I think he is, because I’m not sure my heart could take it.

“I think he might feel the same way.”

“He doesn’t,” I snap.

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. And even if Matis did have some sort of feelings for me, he would never act on them. He’s too loyal to my family. It would be too weird.”

Weston tsks at me. “Bullshit.”

I let my mouth hang open. But before I can respond, he continues.

“Amelia, there is a thirty-five-year age difference between your parents. Liam’s parents were stepsiblings, and my parents were best friends who became a throuple. This is hardly the family who would judge you for falling for your godfather. If anything…it just makes you fit in more.”

Freya rolls her eyes. “Even so, I don’t like the idea of you putting your heart at risk anymore. Just tell Jacob you don’t have anyone for his sister. If he wants to make you a priority, he will.”

My knee bounces under the table, and I chew on my lower lip. I know I should listen to Freya. She’s right in this scenario, but Weston made the mistake of giving me hope. And now I can’t seem to let it go.

Even if we could never act on it…just to know he sees me as more than his friend’s daughter… It would be enough.

“You really think he feels the same?” I ask.

“Take him on that date and see how he reacts to that cute American boy touching you. If he has a fit, then you’ll have your answer.”

Freya looks defeated as I pick up my phone. With purpose, I quickly type out my response to Jacob.

Amelia: How does she feel about older men?

Jacob: I don’t care. She can go on a date with a box of macarons for all I care.

I laugh to myself as I quickly reply.

Amelia: That won’t be necessary. I’ll bring a friend. He’s great with the ladies, and your sister will have a great time.

I’m not going to lie. Typing that sentence didn’t feel good at all. But it’s what I have to do.

If Weston is right, I’ll have my answer. I’m not sure what I’ll do with that information, but at least I’ll know.

Hopefully, though, he’s wrong. Because either way, there’s no version of this story that ends with me and Matis together. Regardless of what Weston says, I’m not the one who would face the shame and guilt that Matis would.

And I care about him too much to put him through that.

Jacob: Excellent! See you tomorrow!

With forced enthusiasm and renewed purpose, I type out my response.

Amelia: See you tomorrow.