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“Nah. He sounded…surprised. That’s all.” And yeah, angry. There’s no way I won’t get an earful. “I’ll talk to him, and everything will be fine.” I run my hands up and down her bare back, only wanting to offer comfort. I hate that he saw her like this. And I hate that she’s embarrassed about it.
Even though my father doesn’t normally make appearances in the studio, I should have locked the door. It was careless.
When she remains silent, I say in an overly cheery voice, “If you want to look on the bright side, at least everything’s out in the open now.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ford
Since that interruption was definitely boner deflating, Carina scampers off my lap to redress before we head upstairs to face the firing squad otherwise known as our parents.
Even though I assured her that everything would be fine, and that I’d smooth over the situation with my father, I’m secretly wondering if that’ll be so easily accomplished. He’s always been adamant that I keep my relationship with Carina strictly platonic.
Sisterly in nature.
Except…I’ve never felt that way about her.
From the first moment I caught sight of the girl, I was a goner. And not a damn thing in all these years has changed that.
My fingers wrap loosely around hers as we trudge up the staircase to the first floor. I’m not happy about how this went down, but it’s a huge relief that we no longer have to hide our relationship.
I throw a quick glance over my shoulder to meet her gaze. “Are you all right?”
She jerks her shoulders as embarrassment stains her cheeks.
All too soon, we end up in the family room where Pamela and Crawford are waiting. Unlike earlier, they’re no longer making googly eyes at each other. I suppose that’s another positive regarding the situation. I didn’t think there was anything capable of wiping away his sappy expression.
Guess I was wrong.
Their heads are bent together as they talk in low tones. My father’s gaze slices to us as soon as we step into the space. His attention dips to our clasped hands and his jaw tightens.
“So…dinner’s ready?” I ask with forced lightness, hoping we don’t actually have to discuss what he walked in on.
It’s not like we’re children, for fuck’s sake. If Carina and I want to engage in a sexual relationship, that’s our business and no one else’s.
Dad slowly rises to his feet. His icy gaze stays locked on mine. “Dinner can wait. I’d like to speak with you alone in the office.”
My arm slips around Carina’s waist as I tug her closer. It would be impossible not to notice just how stiff she’s become.
I straighten to my full height, my tone turning clipped. “Is that really necessary?”
Dad grimaces. “Unfortunately, it is.”
I huff out an aggravated sigh and glance at Carina from the corner of my eye. The color staining her cheeks has leeched away, leaving her normally vibrant complexion ashen.
“Fine,” I say through tightly gritted teeth. “Lead the way.”
After my father stalks from the room, I glance at Carina. “I’ll be right back.”
The only response I get is the tight jerking of her head. Misery fills her eyes as she lowers them to the floor as if she can’t bear the sight of me.
“Oh, don’t you worry about Carina.” Pamela taps the couch next to her. “We’ll have ourselves a nice, little mother daughter chat.”
I glance at my former stepmother, trying to figure out what her thoughts are on the matter. She doesn’t look nearly as upset as Dad. Instead of responding, my gaze fastens onto Carina. In this moment, she’s the only one I care about. I don’t want her hurt in the fallout. And I sure as shit don’t want it to affect our relationship.
She’ll see—this is nothing more than a hiccup. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter.
Even though Pamela continues to look on, I slip my fingers beneath Carina’s chin and angle her face toward mine until she has no other choice but to meet my steady gaze.
