AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I quickly showered and got dressed. I grabbed a banana as I ran out the door and ignored the garbage cans that were overturned in my driveway.
Again.
Damn raccoons, I thought to myself as I jumped into the car and called Angelina while I drove to work.
“Okay, I can’t believe I’m asking this, but,” she takes a deep breath, “did you bag my dad last night?” I get the giggles instantly. “Oh, Jesus Christ, youdid!I can’t believe it only took a month for you to break him!”
We’re both giggling across the line. “So, without giving too many details and completely grossing out my future step mom,” Angelina squeals across the phone, “I’m kidding! I’m kidding!”
“Girl. This is crazy. You know, I almost thought something had already happened before last night because he’s been different. A little more easygoing, less in his head about work all the time, you know?”
“He’s been battling being alone with me. But the night he drove me home, it was like a safety measure was unlocked!”
“What! You didn’t tell me he drove you home! When?”
“It was last week when my car was in the shop. He was mad I was walking home and-”
“Wait. You were walking home alone? I’m fricking mad, too! Why didn’t you call me?”
“Because you have your own job and I think you worked that night, anyway. But it’s fine, I’m fine.”
“Girl. It’s not fine.”
“Okay, now I see where you get your mothering nature from. He’s very overprotective.”
“Yeah, no shit.”
“But it felt different. It didn’t feel like he was chastising me. Yes, he raised his voice, but it made me feel good.”
“He yelled at you?”
“No, he didn’t yell at me, Mom!” Angelina cracks up again, but I continue. “I’m not explaining it right, but it was like he was my shield. I felt confident in his concern. Not suffocated.”
“That’s my dad. He’ll take care of you, Daisy. He takes care of everyone. And I don’t mean that in a coddled way.”
“I know. I can see that. But I’m afraid of what I’m going to walk into today. Last night was fun, especially with a little bit of wine, but today, the coffee is going to make this a reality. And I’m not sure he’s ready.”
“So, you get him ready.”
We’re both quiet on the line and the events fall into place. This is my best friend’s dad.What am I doing?
“Get out of your head, Daisy. I’m happy about this. I think he needs someone with a heart like yours.”
Tears prick my eyes. “You’re the best friend ever, Ang. Seriously.”
“You both deserve so much happiness. And if the two people I love the most find it together, then I’m all for it.”
* * *
Walking into the station today, I had a feeling I’d find Vincent locked in his office. After last night, I knew he would be feeling a certain way today. It’s just who he is. He’s caring and compassionate, but he beats himself up over every decision he makes. Even the ones that make him feel good.
He also needs to be in control and finally giving in to me will make him feel like he gave that up, too. He’s going to work on gaining that dominance back.
And I’m here for it.
But when I walked in and saw him in his office with Cash, I knew he was spiraling. And when the shades were drawn, I knew something was up. The longer they stayed locked in, I knew I had to get in there before either Cash or Vincent talked himself out of whatever we’ve got going on.
Because I like him. And not just in a hot boss way. He didn’t treat me like a kid. He treated me like a woman he couldn’t get enough of. Vincent treated me like an equal. Age was non existent between us last night. The only thing between us was passion. Unbridled, undeniable passion. There’s nothing like it, and getting to really know him lately, his heart showed through every move. I loved the way he let loose on me and didn’t hold back. The way he gave me everything I’ve been looking for, making sure I was taken care of, in all possible ways. He felt safe without being oppressive.
