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When I get back outside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts in the air along with something sweet. I sit on the bar stool and my mouth waters at the croissants he microwaved.
He sits across from me, sipping his espresso, when his face turns serious. “Any visits from your stalker or professor?”
I’m tearing into a warm croissant, and I shake my head. “Nope. Then again, I wouldn’t know. Came to the hospital straight from school.”
He nods approvingly and puts down his cup. He reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “I’ve been looking at apartments near your college.”
I almost choke on my coffee. “What? Why?”
“So you can stay there with me. I’d sleep better knowing you’re safe. I’m still looking for something with the same tight security as this complex.”
“It’s fine. I won’t ever do that again, I told you. You don’t have to do this. It’s going to take you more than an hour to travel to and from work.”
He raises a brow as his thumb traces circles on my palm. “So? Just let me have a look, okay? If I can’t find anything secure, then we’ll find another way.”
By this point, I know better than to argue with him. I spend a few more hours at his place—him preparing for the next day’s surgery while I continue writing my report on him. I promised I’d show it to him once I’m done, but now, I just feel immense pressure. I want to impress him. I want him to read it and think it’s a brilliant piece.
“Let’s head out for dinner, then I’ll follow you to your dorm.”
He takes my hand and tucks it in his arm. God, he’s so tall and massive. I feel so small and feminine beside him. I mean, the way he lifts me and carries me in his arms like I don’t even weigh a thing never fails to turn me on.
I’m grinning like an idiot as we walk to my car. Halfway through, something stops him in his tracks. I look up and feel the blood rush to my feet, making me lightheaded.
My dad.
My dad is here.
At first, he looks confused. “Andrea? What are—”
Then, his eyes zero in on the way I’m holding on to Andrew, my short skirt, my heels, our post-sex glow. And something snaps in him. He drops whatever he’s carrying. Cans of beer roll and bounce, creating a chorus of clinks and clanks as they collide with the ground.
The silence is so loud.
He runs toward Andrew, fist drawn back, face red from anger.
Andrew steps forward to meet him. The thought of him hurting Andrew makes me drop to the ground, mouth open in a silent scream. I’m horrified and scared. But the blow doesn’t come. Andrew catches the punch, the force of it reverberating through his arm. He stands firm and unyielding. His hand is now firmly wrapped around Dad’s clenched fist, holding it captive in a vise-like grip.
In the corner of my eye, I see two security guards running toward us but Andrew waves them away.
Dad tries to get another punch in with his other hand, but Andrew catches it again. “Let’s talk like grown men.”
Dad staggers back and pounds a fist against the roof of my car as he stares daggers at us. “Grown men? You call yourself that? How long has this been going on? Have you been sleeping with my daughter before she went to your house? Dammit, Andrew! And you call yourself my fucking friend?”
Andrew helps me up but stays in front of me, shielding me from Dad. Just as well because I can’t face him like this. I can’t look into his eyes.
“No. That was the first time we saw each other in years. Neither of us wanted this to happen. Don’t you think I’m aware what position this puts you in? That’s the last thing I want, but I can’t stop myself from feeling something for her.”
“No. You were just lonely. My daughter was there. You were trapped so you took advantage of her.”
I look up to see Dad pacing like a wild animal, possibly ready to pounce again. He’s scrubbing his face furiously, and when he turns to glance at me, the pain in his eyes cut through me like a knife. “He didn’t take advantage of me,” I say softly.
“You don’t get to talk, Andrea. You’re young, impressionable. He’s literally old enough to be your father! He’s a successful surgeon. He should know better! How dare you go behind my back?”
“Dad, please… It’s not like that.”
“How long have we known each other, Paul?” Andrew butts in.
Dad laughs maniacally. I’ve never seen him like this, and it breaks my heart. I blink rapidly to stop the tears from falling.
