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“Fuck, Hunter,” he says, raising his voice, “promise me you’ll leave her alone?”
“Why?” I ask, sarcasm ringing through my voice.
He gives me a cool look. “We both know why.”
I lean forward, resting my arms on my knees. “I thought you were starting to warm up to me after almost ten years?”
He hangs his head. “I’m not joking. Back the fuck off or else,” he warns me, clearing his throat.
“Why do I have to stay away when nothing is going to happen?”
He gives me a pained look. “I don’t want you getting hurt, son,” he says, laying his hand on my shoulder. “You’re like my own kid, and you can’t be distracted right now—not with your NA meetings, and certainly not with the last leg of the season.”
“I haven’t had a drink in two days, Jay. And I don’t even wanna get high anymore,” I confess, my voice small.
“Heard that one before,” he replies.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I shake his hand off my shoulder. “I’ll stay away, okay? But I can’t promise she’ll do the same.”
He takes a deep breath, balling his hands into fists and narrowing his eyes at me.
“We’re both adults here,” I begin, not really knowing how to respond, because Jay is right.
He holds up his hand and I shut my mouth. “And she’s my daughter.”
I stare at my ink-filled hands. “You just don’t want me around her?”
“Son, that’s not it. She’s …” he begins, but doesn’t finish his sentence.
“Whatever. I need to go to bed. I have physical therapy for my damn ribs in the morning and training after, so let’s call it a night,” I mutter.
“Hunt,” he says, opening the door.
“Yeah?” I ask, looking up.
“I’m only saying this because I love you. You know that, right?” he asks, sounding sincere.
“Fuck, man,” I groan, “you don’t trust me, is that it?”
“Not even a little bit,” he says, winking at me.
“Fuck you, Jay,” I say, smiling.
“Right back at ya, kid.” He closes the door behind him.
I settle against the couch cushions, putting my feet on the table. What the hell just happened?
“Fuck,” I whisper, staring at the ceiling, covering my eyes with my arms. Jay is right. I have to stay away, but I don’t know if I can, or if I even want to.
