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The word slate is barely out of my mouth when he’s in my face, yanking me into a hug. I can’t remember the last time we did this. Twelve years ago? Fifteen? It’s been a firm handshake between us for as long as I can remember.
“Goddamn, son, you don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear that. Fucking proud of you.”
I may be a grown man, built solid and mentally tough, but the feel of his arms tightening and hearing his statement touches deep inside.
There’s another whimper, this time louder, and he releases me, glancing down the hall. “You have a dog back there?”
A half- laugh escapes while I shake my head. “Nah, more like a five-foot-five, auburn-haired firecracker.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Harley is here?”
“Apparently. Give me a second, be right back.”
I head down the hall, catching a flash of white before it disappears into my room. When I hit the door, Harley’s standing in front of my fireplace with tears streaming down her cheeks.
My gut screws uncomfortably at the sight. As long as I’ve known her, I’ve only witnessed her crying a handful of times.
When I left for boot camp.
When her grandfather died.
When she discovered why I avoided her for those years.
Now she’s crying for me.
“Baby, why the tears?”
“Do you really forgive him?” she asks hoarsely.
“I do.”
For the second time in a matter of minutes, I’m engulfed in a tight embrace. She hoists herself up, wrapping her legs around me. Her hands cup my jaw and she peppers my face with kisses.
“I’m proud of you too, Achilles. You’re amazing.”
“Not sure about that.”
“Seriously, letting it go must be a relief. Carrying that kind of weight all this time isn’t healthy.”
“I didn’t think about it much.”
She pulls back, her eyes scrunched in disbelief. “You didn’t?”
“Not really. It was what it was.”
“But today you forgave him?”
“Seeing as you heard everything, I meant what I said about him getting help. That takes courage. I’ve always felt that way, but today it was time to tell him.”
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I was in the kitchen when he rang the bell. Then I heard you approach him on the porch. When y’all came inside, I stayed close in case it got out of hand.”
“Appreciate you having my back, but it wasn’t getting out of hand.”
“Another reason you’re outstanding.” She plants a hard quick kiss on my lips, then loosens her hold. “I should get dressed to go say hello.”
I don’t let go, hitching her up and sliding my hands to her ass, feeling the bare skin under the oversized shirt. “Let’s talk about what you’re doing here.”
“I knew you were running, so I came over to surprise you. With our work schedules, we haven’t seen each other in days.”
“Baby, I see you every night at Tom’s before my shift.”
“You watch me run around during the rush and settle for bits and pieces of conversation between slinging drinks. That’s not seeing each other.”
My cock stirs, knowing exactly where she’s going with this. “You telling me my dad showing up cock-blocked me from a booty call?”
Her eyes pop, and she slaps her hand over my mouth. “Shhh! He’ll hear you!”
“He won’t hear me, babe, but he’ll clue in when I tell him reunion time is over. My woman wants to get laid,” I mutter to her palm.
“Stop!” The splotches flame pink. “It’s not a booty call. I set up to work here so we could have the day together.”
I glance over her shoulder and spot her laptop and a stack of folders on the bed. “How’d you expect me to fuck you when your office is on the bed?”
“Oh my God, can you stop?”
“You’re in my arms, wearing nothing but my shirt. I haven’t had you alone in four days. If it wasn’t for my dad, that laptop would have been a casualty.”
Her eyes flare, sparkling in a crystal glimmer. “Noted, next time I plan a surprise mission, I’ll place my things in a safer spot.”
“Why don’t you do that now and I’ll get rid of him?”
“No! He knows I’m here, and it’s rude not to go talk to him.”
“Pretty sure his interruption is what’s rude. I could be inside you right now.”
She chews on her bottom lip, scanning over my face. “Good point. But I still need to say hello. This is an important occasion.”
“Your idea of important and mine are vastly different.” I thrust up to prove my point.
“Achilles.” She tries to sound strong, but there’s a wispiness in her tone.
“As much as I want to back you into the wall, there’s no way I can fuck you like I want with him waiting in the living room. Get dressed, we’ll go speak to him, and then when he’s gone, you’ll get your chance to carry out your booty call.”
“Quit saying that or your day of surprises will take a drastic turn.”
