AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His intrigue turns to joy. “My girl’s growing up too fast… that’s what’s happening right before my eyes.” He ditches his meal, standing and moving toward me, pulling me into a hug. “I miss my little princess, but I’m sure proud of the woman you’ve become.”
His words hit their target, constricting my heart with emotion, making it almost impossible to speak around the lump building in my throat. “Love you, too, dad.”
He kisses the side of my head, squeezing me one last time, before returning to his seat to eat. “Sounds like you better bring this boy by sooner rather than later.” His voice changes to his dad-means-business tone, causing a small smile to tip my lips. It does nothing to intimidate me like it used to when I was little, but the nostalgia for hearing it brings me back.
“I’ll be sure to tell him.”
For the rest of the visit, we talk about mundane things. Dad babbling on about his weekend fishing trip with his pal, Tom. Each time they go out, their stories become more elaborate by the tale. I share the progress of the yard and show him the koi fish I’m buying once the pond is complete. They’ll be the finishing touch to the project, and a gift to me for the hard work.
“All right, dad, I have a dinner date tonight with Jaxton. I’m going to head out.”
“Sounds good, darling. Thanks again for dinner.”
“Welcome. The burger is your one bad meal this week. Be sure to eat better and go for a walk each day.” I reminded him about our healthy eating pact.
“Yes, darling.” The exasperation is sarcastic, but I know if I didn’t hound him, he’d brush off the progress we’ve made.
“Thanks, dad.” He kisses me on the cheek and waves me off as I get into my car and back down the drive.
While driving home, I dial Roman to see how the day went. The phone rings several times before he picks up, cursing, something banging in the background. “You always have impeccable timing.” He grumbles.
“You’re the one that rushes to answer the phone instead of calling me back like a normal person. No one to blame but yourself. Anyway, how’d the day go?” I continue without pause, knowing he’ll keep bitching if I don’t change the subject.
“Good. Good. Nothing different. Now don’t fuck around. Tell me about your man. Every. Detail.” His breathing increases with excitement.
“Calm down, for crying out loud.” I can’t help but laugh—he’s a dog with a bone with dirty deets.
“Hell, no! How long has it been since you dated or got laid? You’ve been radio silent since the other night, so I’m going to say it went well, and you got your fuck on.” He ends his assumption with awhoop, whoop.
My eyes are rolling, but my stomach is flipping with anticipation. “Fine! All right! He’s amazing all around. And when I say all around, I mean,all around. I reached orgasm heaven this weekend and have a reservation for tonight. In fact, he’s coming over in a few, but I had to call and check in before I got home.”
“Damn right you did! With news like this, I can’t believe you kept me in the dark, you naughty girl.” His voice drops an octave, darkening, and dripping with pure temptation.
“Stop doing that! You know how sexy your voice is!”
He cackles evilly, “Oh, I know, bitch. Just helping you pregame.”
Jesus. “Jaxton has that covered. No need to use your alpha persuasion.”
“All right, fine. Keep in touch. Don’t be getting a man and ditching out like a bitch.”
“Got it.”
“Oh! I almost forgot! Did you hear about the movie they’re filming in town? I’m going to make Marco drive me over to check it out. See if I see any hot celebs.” I can picture his eyebrows raising up and down in mock attraction.
“Nope. Hadn’t heard anything about it. What type of movie? Maybe dad will want to go by and check it out.”
“It’s a romantic comedy, so probably not. But I got to go, or the brownies are going to burn. Love you, Chica!”
“Love you, too!”
His enthusiasm stays with me for the drive and increases when I return home to find a single white rose on my doorstep. The thorns were cut away, and a note attached to the stem.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I can’t believe I met someone like you.
My stomach dips with anticipation as I quickly add the white addition to its cousins.
There’s time to add another layer of lotion to my sensitive but healing burns, and grab a bottle of water, when a knock sounds from the living room. Since it’s just past eight, I didn’t expect Jaxton to arrive so early.
