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“All right, honey, I guess call your old man when your schedule frees up.” I could hear the disappointment in his voice.
I swallowed. “I will. I promise.”
“Okay. I love you.” I heard my mother call out “love you” in the background.
“Princess, here’s your nourishment, so you better eat up because I’m going to fuck you all night long,” Aaron’s voice boomed from the doorway.
“What—”
“Gotta go, Dad. Love you,” I rushed out in a panic and cut off the call.
My heart pounded in my chest, and I peered helplessly at Aaron, who stood with a large tray in his hands of our takeout already ladled out on plates. He blinked slowly, his face not showing any sign of worry, before walking over to the bed and setting down the tray.
“That was my dad.” I ran my hand over my eyes, tossing my phone half-heartedly aside.
“Yes, I gathered that information,” he said dryly, dropping down beside me.
“He’s back in town.”
“Already? I thought he was staying in Italy through January first.”
“I did, too.” I shifted my feet and picked at my thumbnail. “He said he had an emergency at work and had to come back.”
“That sounds like something he would do,” he mused.
“What do we do?”
He curled his arm around my shoulder, pulling me against him. “We’ll deal with it when the time comes. But for now, we’re going to eat our dinner and enjoy our evening.”
Later, Aaron was propped up in a sitting position on the bed, with me sitting between his legs as he held me. He’d been extra attentive tonight, trying to ease my worry.
He leaned his chin in the crook of my neck. “You’re still tense.”
“I’m fine.”
He moved his hands up my back, kneading my muscles. After a few moments, I sagged in contentment. “That feels wonderful.”
“Good. Now, tell me what’s bothering you.” His hands moved up to my shoulders, and he worked out the knots.
“Besides the obvious? I know Dad heard what you said. I mean, he doesn’t know it’s you, but he knows I was with someone and about to have marathon sex.” I frowned.
“I know,” Aaron said softly. “But you’re an adult now.”
“True. But I really wish he hadn’t heardthat.” I dipped my head as Aaron continued to massage my neck. “I’m sure he’s disappointed in me.”
“He’ll get over it. He loves you, and he’s proud of you.”
“I know he loves me.” I paused. “But sometimes it’s difficult.”
“What’s difficult?”
I rolled my neck from side to side. “Meeting his expectations. Do you remember at the restaurant when he went on his spiel about how I needed to strive to be the best?”
“I remember.”
“Well, it didn’t matter what I did. Whether it was competing in sports, my academics, or even how I presented myself. He always stressed the importance of striving for perfection. Sometimes, I feel like no matter what I do, it will never be enough in his eyes.”
“Amber, look at me.” He cupped my cheek, forcing my attention his way. “You are enough. Do you hear me? You are wonderful just the way you are.” He kissed me and twisted me around until I was wrapped around his body, my chest to his. Pulling back, he breathed against my lips. “Don’t ever let anyone make you believe you are less than what you are.”
