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I turn to him and bite out my words. “Oh? Is he on the cover of the recruiting flyer? Is he on the welcome committee with Summer? Relax, he works in the IT department. He’s not your front and center guy.”
“Doesn’t matter. I don’t like him.”
“You don’t like anyone.”
He gives me another sideways glance. “You’re here on my say so, Ms. West. Please act accordingly.” And then he turns and leaves.
I let out a breath as I try to ease the tension from my body. I know I’m daddy’s little girl, but at thirty-one years old, it’s time to cut the strings. I hate that he still holds his power over me.
Summer walks over and whispers, “What did Daddy Dearest want?”
I snicker at his nickname. “Just throwing his power around again.”
She waves off the comment. “Don’t worry about him. The girls look good tonight!”
“They do! The team, too. I’m really excited about this upcoming season.”
“Same, girl. Okay, we’re getting kicked off the field, so I’ll be up in the stands if you need me.”
I watch her walk back towards Dash and Mark. He tosses me a glance and a quick smirk and they head back to the stands. It makes me feel guilty. I hate that I’m lying to everyone right now. I can’t tell Summer I’m with Mark. I can’t tell Dad I’m with Mark. And I can’t tell Mark who my father really is. I’m too old to be hiding from everyone.
* * *
Halftime comes around and the girl’s head to the fifty-yard line. The crowd goes wild for the Polarettes and I know they attract just as much attention as the football team does. So, my father can dangle my job all he’d like, but I know this team is very important to the school.
I hear the music begin and watch the first stunt go up perfectly.
“Oh. My. God, Becky, look at her stunt.”
I giggle at his stupid come on. My body tingles at the sound of his voice in my ear and the scent of cinnamon I can still taste on him. I know I’m in trouble when just the sound of his baritone voice and smell of his breath turns me on. I glance around, but everyone's attention is on the cheerleaders.
“Mark. You shouldn’t be down here.”
“Damn, woman, you keep telling me I shouldn’t be places. You’re going to give me a complex.”
I bump into him with my hip. “You know what I mean.”
“We’re just standing here watching the Polarettes. It’s not like I’m grinding behind you to the music.”
I snicker and continue to watch the girls. I’m mimicking their dance moves on the sideline when I hear Mark groan.
“Oh God, that guy hates me.”
“Who?”
“Dean Stoll.” At the mention of his name, my heart skips a beat.
“Where is he?” I choke out, nervously glancing around.
“Over there. Giving me the death stare.” Mark gives a slight wave, and my eyes widen as I watch my father’s narrow.
“Oh, no. You’ve got to go back to your seat, Mark.”
“Mackenzie, it’s fine. We’re just watching the game together. He knows nothing about us.”
“I know. But if you say he hates you, and he sees you with me, he’s going to hate me, too.” My logic doesn’t really make sense, but I’m going with it.
“No, I’m pretty sure you’re safe. He hates me because he thought I was hitting on his wife.”
