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I shoot him the ‘don’t pretend you don’t know’ glare, and he narrows his eyes in understanding.
“I’m not apologizing for watching out for my daughter.”
“Then you can wait your turn for cake.”
Ford may have stopped me from blasting my dad on his humiliating approach to my moving in. But I’ve waited weeks for the chance to exact my revenge. There are only a few ways to get to Hotch Ellis. Denying him his favorite dessert is one of them.
Watching the dread and panic on his face almost makes me feel bad.
Almost.
“Oh my God, this is divine,” Jewls gushes, shoving her fork at Major. He takes the bite and glances at my mom.
“Fucking fantastic.”
“Thanks,” she practically purrs under his praise.
“Now I’ve got to try it.” Talon takes the next plate.
“Seriously, Cassie. These guys fuel their bodies with a strict diet. But this cake won’t make it through the night.”
At this, my dad rumbles and I swear his eyes are misty.
“Baby, give it up,” Ford urges.
“Not until he acknowledges I’m a grown woman who can decide what’s best for me.”
Dad crawl-walks his fingers across the counter, inching to the plate in my hand. I wait until he’s almost here and poke him with the knife. “Nope.”
“Rowan Ellis, I’ve never known you to be a cruel girl. Hooking up with this jarhead has changed you.”
There’s a hushed silence before I burst into giggles. He snatches it out of my hand and hustles around the island. Mom takes over as I make my way to the stool next to Ford.
Before I can sit, he hooks me around the waist and pulls me into his lap. “You know how to bring a man to his knees. Thought he was going to cry.”
“That’s the point.”
Ford closes in, kissing me softly.
The front door flies open and Harley rushes in frantically. “We didn’t miss anything, did we?”
“Jesus, baby. Where’s the fire?” Ace comes in behind her.
“Love the dress, girly!” Cruz gurgles with a mouth full.
“Thanks, we got here as soon as possible.”
“Broke about five traffic violations on the way,” Ace grumbles, wrapping an arm around her waist.
“None of that matters. We couldn’t miss this.”
A slow burn travels through me, bringing emotions with it. Ford senses the change, curling our fingers together.
Harley and Ace had a promotional event tonight for a new band MJ signed. She invited us, but with all that’s been happening, I declined. She was adamant about ducking out until I insisted they attend. And promised to save all my news until she arrived.
The thought she’d willingly give up a night with up-and-comers alongside some of the best musical talent in the business was crazy.
“Cake?” Mom offers.
