by Alex Wolf
He sets the beer down and walks to the door, then turns around at the last second. “Then stop being a pussy and live up to your name. You know what they say about the Collins brothers… Nobody fucks you harder, in the courtroom or the bedroom.”
Quinn
I sweep my hair up for the millionth time and sigh. I can’t decide if I should wear it in an updo or leave it down. I should’ve gotten ready at Heather’s place. This is a disaster. I don’t even know where I’m supposed to meet Deacon—or when.
What the hell? Why hasn’t he called or texted?
I check my phone again for any messages. Nada. Nothing.
If he stands me up, I will kill him. I twist around, eyeing myself in the floor-length mirror on the back of my door. I glance at my phone for the millionth time but check the clock instead of my messages. Fortunately, I still have a few hours, and I need to make sure Dad gets fed before I leave. My mind races about this date.
What will happen after?
Will we go back to his place?
Calm down.
Should I take spare clothes?
No way. I don’t want to look like I expect to spend the night.
Do I want to spend the night? If that’s an option?
Pulling the dress off, I change into yoga pants and a t-shirt to make dinner. I don’t want Dad burning the place down. Sometimes he forgets simple things, and I live in a constant state of anxiety. I’m worried he might be showing signs of early onset dementia. In my spare time I spend way too many hours staring at WebMD. I’m no doctor but the signs are present. I tell myself you can drive yourself crazy matching up symptoms on that site, but I’m worried this might be legit.
A few days ago, he was talking about Joe like they were going out for beer and wings like the old days. He played it off like he was reminiscing, but I saw the confusion etched on his face.
I walk into the living room just as he screams at some team on TV. It looks like hockey. Blackhawks maybe? It’s difficult to keep up with all the different sports he watches.
My phone buzzes and my heart kicks into fifth gear, but it’s a text from Heather wishing me luck tonight. I mentally curse her for a crime she doesn’t know she committed.
Send me a damn text, Deacon! You’re driving me insane.
Plating the old man’s chicken and veggies, I realize he’ll be eating alone tonight while I’m out having fun. Guilt creeps into my chest. I shouldn’t feel this way, and he’d scold me if he knew about it. Outside our neighbors, nobody knows I take care of him except Heather and Tate, and I haven’t told Tate much.
We don’t ask for handouts and I don’t need anyone thinking we’re some charity case. Sure, we struggle to get by here and there, but our life is good. We have each other.
Sometimes Dad tells his doctors about our situation and I see the pity in their eyes. We don’t need people feeling sorry for us. I don’t take care of him out of obligation. It’s because I love him and that’s what you do.
He turns to me after I set his dinner on a TV tray. “I’m dining alone I see.” His lips turn up into a smile. “Big plans?”
“I have a date.”
I toss him a wink and walk to my room to avoid an interrogation. Okay, it’s also to see if Deacon replied to my messages yet.
Zero notifications.
I frown but soldier on as planned. I decide to leave my hair down since I always wear it up at work. Once satisfied from the neck up, I wiggle into the form-fitting dress and slip on my shoes. They’re wedge peep toes. Heather insisted they went perfect with the dress to show off my legs and add a few inches to my height.
When I walk back to the living room Dad whistles but says, “Where’s the rest of your dress?”
I give him a stern look.
“Should probably get a coat on. I have my old trench—”
I cut him off. “Oh stop. It’s not that revealing.”
His cheeks redden and he lets out a snort of derision. “Who’s the guy?”
“Someone from work.”
He points at me with his good arm. “Better not lay a hand on you. I mean it.” His words come out as a growl, and I haven’t seen him look this way in a while.
My heart warms and at the same time I glance down at his wheelchair. “Gonna run over his toes?”
He taps the armrest and grins. “I have a shotgun in the side of this thing that’ll pop right out. Ronnie helped me install it.”
I shake my head. “You’re ridiculous.” Secretly, I’m a bit worried he might not be lying.
“Whether I can walk or not, you’ll always be my princess.”
“I know, Dad.” I bend down and plant a kiss on his forehead.
“Seriously though, you look beautiful. You make me proud, kiddo. I hope you know that. This guy better realize how lucky he is. Make sure he treats you right.”
“Stop, Dad. You’re gonna ruin my makeup.”
“Okay, okay. But I mean every word.”
“I still have the pepper spray you gave me.” I wink.
On the inside, my stomach churns. Deacon still hasn’t called or texted and it’s only a few minutes before seven and I don’t know where the hell I’m going. Surely, he didn’t get cold feet. He seemed so determined when he asked me out.
The doorbell rings.
What. The. Hell.
I freeze and glare at Dad. “Plan on having Ronnie over without telling me?”
Dad shakes his head. “No. He’s working tonight.” He grunts and moves to unlock his chair.
“Stay put. I got it.” It’s probably one of the neighborhood women he has wrapped around his finger. Who knows what they’re going to do when I leave.
I open the door and my face pales.
Shit!
It’s Deacon.
How the hell does he know where I live?
Deacon
The door swings open and Quinn smiles for a brief second—then glares.
What’d she expect?
I told her I was doing this thing the right way. That means I pick her up at her house. She will not drive and meet me at our first date. I bribed Rick to find out where she lives and now I owe his ass another favor, but it’s worth it. She needs to know I’m serious about dating her. Courting her? Is that what the fuck it’s called? Regardless, it will be done correctly, and I will do it better than any other man on the planet.
“Hey.”
She lowers her voice and whisper-screams. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s not a real date unless I pick you up. That’s how the world works.” I lean in to kiss her cheek, but she dodges me and moves to block the doorway. She shuts the door behind her when I hear some guy yell in the background. I try to glance over her shoulder, but she gets it shut before I can see inside.
“You live with someone?”
She winces. “My dad.”
I rub my chin and glance back to the door. “Are you ashamed of me?”
Her eyes widen. “What? No. It’s just, you know?” She hems and haws for a brief second. “Meeting the parents isn’t a first date thing, right?”
I brush my lips against hers but quickly stop myself and pull back. I don’t want to come on too strong. “God, you look beautiful.”
Her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink. “Thanks, you clean up pretty nice yourself.” She shakes her head back and forth. “I was really worried there for a while. You could’ve called.”
“I wanted to surprise you, and I knew you wouldn’t let me pick you up.”
“Yeah, you’re right. That’s exactly what would’ve happened.”
I gesture toward her apartment. “I want to meet him.” I twist the knob and push the door open.
Quinn stiffens. “No, Deacon…”
I’m already past her.
She follows behind, tugging at my bicep. “Just wait…”
“I’ll take him out at the knees!” A gruff voice rings through the apartment as I turn the corner.
I stop immediately befo
re I’m in his line of sight and turn to face her.
Quinn’s lips curl up into an amused grin. She shrugs. “You wanted to meet him.”
I take a deep breath. Fuck it. I want to impress him, and I want him to know his daughter is in safe hands.
I walk around the corner just as he’s in the middle of barking another threat.
The moment his gaze meets mine he squints and then his eyes light up. “Deacon fucking Collins?”
I turn and smile just in time to catch Quinn rolling her eyes harder than I’ve ever seen.
This will be fun.
Quinn
I watch as Dad morphs from threatening to break Deacon’s knees to shaking his hand and grinning like a boy on the playground. He’s absolutely starstruck, and I have no idea why.
What the hell? Do they know each other?
“Quarterback for Illinois!”
“Yes, sir.” Deacon nods.
Great.
Dad is the biggest football fan in the world. If they start chatting, I’ll never get Deacon out of here. I leave them alone for a moment to grab Dad something to drink from the kitchen. When I return, he’s gushing over a big play Deacon made in some bowl game.
It’s simultaneously cute and annoying. I thought dads were supposed to revile the guys who dated their daughters.
“I still can’t believe that injury. Man, the Bears were going to take you in the first round.”
Deacon smiles like he’s had this conversation a thousand times, but doesn’t show any signs of irritation. “It was a setback, but things turned out okay.”
“Coulda used you out there on Sundays.”
“I appreciate the kind words.” Deacon looks up at me. “We should get going, but can I have just one minute with him?”
“Sure.” I lean up against the wall.
They both stare at me like I’m some kind of disease, like I should know exactly what’s going on.
“I meant in private.” Deacon’s eyes narrow on me.
I glance back and forth between them. “You’re banishing me in my own apartment?”
Deacon gives me a look like he’s already pleading for my forgiveness. “Please?”
I huff out a sigh and toss my hands up. “Fine.” I walk through the hall toward the bedroom but stop where I can still hear their conversation.
“I just wanted to reassure you, sir. I will personally see to your daughter’s safety this evening.”
Before I can catch myself, my palm is on my chest and my face has to be bright pink. It might be the sweetest damn thing I’ve ever heard and has totally redeemed him for exiling me to the bedroom.
“Well, look. I like you, kid. And you were a damn good football player. She might look like a woman to you, but she’s my little girl and she’s my life. I am trusting you. So, I only have one piece of advice.”
“Sir?”
“Don’t fuck up.”
“Yes, sir. She’ll be treated with nothing but the respect she deserves.”
“All right, then. You take care of her, or I’ll take care of your other knee.”
“Understood. I suppose I should go get her before she takes care of both of us.”
“You catch on quick, son. I think you’ll do just fine.”
Shit!
I have to speed down the hall as fast as my shoes allow before Deacon catches me. My heart speeds up as he approaches the room. Finally, he opens the door.
I glance up at him and pretend to be irritated when I really want to jump up, wrap my legs around his waist, and kiss him until the sun comes up. “You guys done?”
He takes a step into the room and holds his hand out. “Sorry about that. No more distractions, promise. You ready?”
I take his hand and nod, unable to hold back my smile. “Okay.” The second our hands touch, my heart races a million miles-an-hour and adrenaline floods my veins. I can’t help but think this is the beginning of something new, something fresh and exciting. It all just feels—right, and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this way before.
I kiss Dad on the cheek on our way out. “Bye.”
“You two have a good time.” He gives Deacon a thumbs up.
Classic Dad move.
“Don’t worry, sir. I’ll have her home at a decent hour.” Deacon flashes a mischievous grin my direction as he says it.
On our way to the car, I eye him up and down. He’s wearing a suit that probably costs more than my car payment. You wouldn’t know it by the way he carries himself, though. He’s confident and cocky, but I’ve never seen him speak to anyone like he’s better than them, even at the office with his subordinates.
Part of me worried he would see where I come from and give me the brush off. It’s silly, I know, but I’ve dealt with so many rich clients and attorneys who treat me like I’m nothing more than the help. I don’t come from his world of big money. I work hard for everything I have, but I know that trait isn’t exclusive to poor people. I’ve noticed over the past few months there’s more to Deacon than I realized.
I really like this side of him. In fact, I like it a lot.
“Where you taking me?”
Deacon walks around and opens my door. It’s insanely cute at how attentive he’s being to every single detail, to make sure he gets our first date right.
“It’s a surprise.”
“What if I don’t like surprises?”
“Guess I better drop you back at your house and see if your dad wants to go to dinner.” He winks.
“Such a comedian.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re jealous your old man likes me so much.” Deacon pulls out of the apartment complex and hops on a highway.
“You caught me, sir. I’m green with envy.” I laugh. “Really, though? That didn’t go exactly the way I envisioned.”
“So, you envisioned me meeting your dad?”
I smirk and glance at the trees and billboards flying by on the side of the road. “So cocky.”
His hand goes to my thigh and engulfs my body in flames. How does he do that? It’s a normal gesture. He’s not trying anything, but I can’t help but notice how every single touch of his sends my body into the stratosphere.
“I enjoyed meeting him. He’s a nice guy.”
When we pull up to a hotel, my jaw clenches and I shoot Deacon a frown from hell.
He snickers, completely ignoring my reaction. “Oh, wipe that damn look off your face. It’s not what you think. Trust me.”
“I do trust you, Deacon.”
That’s what scares me.
He opens the door for me and we walk toward the hotel. I can tell Deacon’s nervous but he hides it well. It’s so cute.
His hand slips down to mine and our fingers interlace. We both look down at our hands at the same time, then back at each other and smile. Everything about this is perfect so far.
He leads me to a private elevator, and I never want him to let go of my hand. When we step out, it’s the most beautiful rooftop garden I’ve ever seen—twinkling lights, flowers, candles, and fancy champagne—swallowed by lit up skyscrapers on all four sides, jutting into the night sky.
I know people always say things take their breath away, but the sight before me truly leaves me breathless.
I smile at Deacon. Everything else in my life—all my worries and fears and stress—fades away in this one moment, and I’m just a girl on a date with a guy who likes me. Deacon has outdone himself.
“Impressed?” He pulls my chair out for me.
“You could say that.” I should tease him and make him work a little harder for compliments, but I don’t. I’ve never been on a date like this.
“You seem surprised.” He takes a seat across from me and peels back the label from a cork on a bottle of champagne.
“I am. No one has ever done anything like this for me. I just don’t understand. Why me?”
He pops the cork from the bottle and fills my glass. “I could sit here and list your good qualities all n
ight long, but it’s really pretty simple. I like you. You’re worth the effort.”
I take a sip and try to absorb everything and live in the moment. When he puts all the focus on me, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I’m not used to people heaping praise. Not that I want it or ask for it, but it is really nice. Everyone loves to hear someone appreciate them.
I need to change the subject, though. The spotlight has been on me long enough. “Had no idea you were that big of a football star.”
He stares off at the surrounding buildings. “It’s nothing.”
“Don’t be modest. My dad’s a fanatic and straight shooter. If he didn’t think you were any good, he’d have told you.”
His gaze lands back on mine. “I was okay. Could have gone pro, but I blew out my knee.” He shrugs. “It happens. Just glad I had my family and the firm to fall back on. What about you? I didn’t know you lived with your dad.”
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed since Deacon showed up at my house, it’s that he hasn’t shown a hint of judgment for me living with my dad in our tiny apartment. “It’s not really something I broadcast to people. Dad was really independent. He drove a bus for the city for like twenty years. My mom dropped me off with him when I was five and I never saw her again. He raised me all by himself. A few years back, he had a stroke and suffered severe nerve damage. Couldn’t work anymore. So, it was my time to take care of him.”
“But why don’t you tell anyone? Maybe people would help out or whatever? He seems like a social guy. I’m sure he’s made a lot of friends in his life.”
I shake my head. “It’s my job, and I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for us. When your family needs you, you stick together. I don’t know if I’d trust anyone else, anyway.”
Deacon gives me a look, like he senses not to press harder. “Well, he seems like a great guy.”
I smile.
“I’m sure he has to be.”
“Why?”
“He raised a remarkable daughter.”