Page 3 of Protecting His Babygirl

It’s beena week since I moved and I’m finally all unpacked and settled in. I brush some mascara on my lashes and blink at my reflection in the mirror. I add another swipe, finally satisfied with my appearance. Normally I wouldn’t fuss so much with my appearance, but tonight is my first night at The Playground as an official member of the club. I want to look my best.

I slip into my pink baby doll dress and do a little twirl. The skirt twirls around my hips and I smile. I love this dress. It’s a mix between little girl and sexy siren. It fully encompasses everything that I am. I slip into my heels, and I’m ready to go.

“Hey!” Darlene jumps down from her stool and gives me a big hug. “You look great!”

I smile at the compliment. “Thanks. You’re looking pretty hot yourself.”

And she is. She’s wearing what one might call ‘hot librarian’ attire. It suits her well, and from the way Colt is eating her up with his eyes, I’d say he agrees.

“I don’t think you met Jasper and Ransom officially yet,” Colt says.

He points first to the handsome Viking-looking man introducing him as Jasper, then to the big man beside him, introducing him as Ransom.

“Hi,” I say, giving them both a flirty wave.

Both men nod in my direction then go back to their hushed conversation. Alrighty then, no flirting with the grumps. Definitely not the kind of man I’m looking for. Though Jasper is hotter than hot. I could totally get behind doing a scene or three with him… but not with him being so standoffish. I want a man who looks at me like Colt looks at Darlene or how much Cooper dotes on Mel. I refuse to settle for less.

Tessa walks up with Mel and Cooper, joining our group.

“Hiya, Charity,” Tessa says. “How’s the new place?”

“Great! I love it.”

“Good! I have always loved Cooper’s place. Have you enjoyed the firepit yet?”

“Not yet, but I’m looking forward to throwing a little housewarming party soon. You’ll have to come!”

Tessa lets out a happy squeal. “Yes! I can’t wait. I love a good party. I promise not to bring you a lame houseplant.”

“Deal.”

My phone rings in my purse, and I give it a wary expression because the only people that call me are sitting right here with me. I pull it out of my purse and wince when I see my dad’s number on the screen. I quickly hit the ignore button and shove the phone back into my bag.

Darlene gives me a questioning look. “It’s my dad.”

“Ugh,” she says. “What does he want?”

“Who knows. Something horrible, I’m sure.”

My phone rings again, and I grimace.

“You better answer it. You know he’ll just keep calling,” Darlene says.

I grab my phone and head outside to answer his call.

“Hello,” I say with zero excitement.

“Charity.”

“Dad. What do you want?”

“What makes you think I want something. Maybe I just want to talk to my daughter.”

I shake my head because he never calls just to talk. He only calls when he wants something, and none of it is ever good. “Just drop the loving father act and tell me what you want.”

“Fine. I want you to come to the banquet your mother is putting on for Harmony House.”

Oh heck no. “No thank you,” I say, declining his invite.

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