Daddy's Best Friend: An Older Man Younger Woman Box Set

by Charlize Starr

  Better than you. “I know exactly what kind of man he is. You have to understand that I’m old enough to make my own decisions, Daddy.”

  “Well, your decision cost me five thousand dollars. What do you plan to do about that?” He crossed his arms and stared her down.

  “I’ve been thinking about that. I’m going to take out a personal loan to pay you back. Then I can make monthly payments on it.” She’d already contacted her bank. While it would cost her two hundred dollars a month for years to come if it would set things right with her father it would be worth it. She’d just need to put in a few more hours a week at work to make it work.

  “That’s not what I want, Olivia. I won’t accept the money. It wasn’t really ever about the money.” Sean let out his breath, slowly deflating. “I didn’t want you hurt anymore than you already have been.”

  “Come sit with me, Dad.” They crossed over to her couch and sat down together, on opposite ends. “If I tell you something, do you promise to not repeat it? And no judging me for it, either. Just… listen.”

  Her dad scowled at her, then shook his head, as if trying to clear his expression. “I know we haven’t always had the best relationship, but I love you. I promise, baby. No judging, no repeating.”

  She bit her bottom lip because her heart was broken. Every minute of every day, she ached for Flynn. “I think I love him. Flynn. I love Flynn.”

  “Well, you wouldn’t be the first woman to feel that way. I think you’re letting your sexual relationship—because it was your first—cloud your feelings.”

  “No, I’m not. I know exactly how I feel. I’ve lost him, but I don’t know if I could ever trust him anyway. Not just him—anyone.”

  “Why is that?”

  For the first time in years, they were finally talking. Olivia just didn’t have it in her to tell him that his years of infidelity matched with Jared’s cheating on her had twisted her view on love. “I don’t think it really matters. Something would have to change and I don’t see it happening.”

  She stood up and offered him a smile. “I also wanted you to know something. The affair was my idea. He didn’t seduce me.”

  “That more information than I ever needed to possess, Olivia.”

  “You’re friends. I want you two to put this behind you.”

  Her dad stood up and clasped her tightly in a hug. “I love you, baby.”

  “I know you do. I love you, too.”

  She made her way back out to the car, thankful she and her father had put the entire ordeal behind them. She only hoped he would forgive Flynn. Flynn let so few people into his life—he needed his best friend.

  ***

  Flynn sat in the local pub down from his house, The Golden Hammer. He had a bottle of bourbon on the table in front of him. He’d downed half of it already. He heard the bell on the front door ring, but he ignored it. He was lost in his own head tonight.

  He couldn’t get Olivia off his mind. He missed her. He was a wreck without her. He hadn’t even bothered going into work today. If he didn’t have Olivia, what difference did it make if he got the contract for the hotel or not?

  All he could think about, as he poured himself another glass, was how perfect their week at the cabin had been. They’d cooked together, sat and talked about their lives. She told him about her favorite books and why she’d become a stylist. He’d told her how proud he was of the contracting company he had built.

  And none of it mattered without Olivia.

  If he could just hold her now… He took a drink, slamming the empty glass down on the table.

  Sean walked in front of him and stopped at his table.

  “I’m not in the mood tonight, Sean. If you push me, I will kick your ass.”

  “Not here to give you shit.” Sean put his beer down on the table. “You care if I sit down?”

  He poured another glass of bourbon and took a drink. “Do whatever the hell you want.”

  “You’re getting good and shitfaced,” Sean said, eyeing Flynn. He sat back in the booth and took a pull from his beer. “What’s the problem?”

  “I screwed up. I messed things up with Olivia, I ruined our friendship, and I demolished my business. In less than two weeks.” He sniffed and rubbed the back of his hand over his mostly numb mouth. “The shitty part is all I can think about is how to fix things with her. I know that’s not what you want to hear. You can try to take a swing at me if you want.”

  “I’m not going to take a swing at you. If you were out here bragging about banging my daughter, I’d whip your drunk ass. But, you’re miserable without her. That makes me hate you a little less.”

  Flynn grunted. “Was that supposed to make me feel better?”

  Sean put his bottle on the table and leveled his gaze at Flynn. “Listen, I’m not into touchy-feely talks, so I’m only going to say this once. You’re always too quick to pull away when you think someone is going to leave. It’s why you’ve got such a damn reputation in this town. Love ‘em and leave ‘em before they can leave you.”

  “That’s bullshit, man. Truth is, nobody ever made me feel the way Olivia does. I never wanted to stay before.”

  “The point is moot, either way. In this case, Olivia won’t leave.” He gave Flynn a crooked grin. “She’s a much better person than I am.”

  Flynn leaned back against the booth and thought about Sean’s words. “You really think that’s true?”

  “I think she’s worth taking a chance.” Sean shrugged. “Doesn’t matter what I think. What do you think?”

  “I think I’ve got a lot of shit to figure out.” Flynn scooted to the edge of the booth, but couldn’t seem to get his legs to work right. “I also think I need a ride home. Help a guy out?”

  “I think we can get you there without too much trouble.” He came around and grabbed Flynn’s arm, giving it a tug. “You’re still coming to my birthday party, right?”

  Now, he wanted to discuss this now? “Yeah. I’ll still come to your party.”

  Chapter Six

  Olivia was making her way from her car to the salon when someone called her name. She whirled around before she thought about it. She knew that voice, damn it. Jared.

  He strode right up to her. She took a few steps back because he looked like he wanted to throttle her.

  When he reached her, his hands were in fists at his side. “I’ve been trying to talk to you for two weeks.”

  “I don’t want to talk to you. I can’t believe you’re at my place of work.” She glanced around the parking lot. She didn’t want to create a scene, but she’d scream if she had to. Thank goodness, people were milling about, going to different shops in the shopping center.

  “You won’t stop avoiding me. I need to tell you something.”

  Olivia wrapped her arms around her middle and chewed on her bottom lip. “So say it. I need to get to work.”

  “I forgive you for sleeping with Flynn. He’s a player and you were in shock. I can see how he could manipulate you in that situation.”

  She just glared at him, counting to ten in her head. How dare he? “Okay, let me take this slow because you’re really not taking hints at this point. First, he didn’t seduce me. I seduced him. I did what I wanted, no one manipulated me to do anything.”

  “Olivia, I—”

  “No. Shut up.” She put a hand up to stop him. “Just listen. I don’t need your forgiveness. As far as I’m concerned, you ended our relationship when you decided to long-term screw around with my best friend. We are finished and we were finished when I made love to Flynn. You got all that?”

  Jared grabbed her hand, shoving it down, then clutched her elbow and pulled her closer. “When did you get so heartless?”

  “Me?” She just blinked at him then wrenched her arm away. Relief flowed through her like cold water when he let her step way. “No, heartless would be telling you that I’m in love with him.”

  “You’re an idiot.”

  “I know.” Flynn would never lo
ve her back. She knew that. It didn’t make any sense why she needed to tell people she loved him, except it was some small comfort to say it out loud. Even if he didn’t feel the same, she could own her feelings. “It doesn’t change things.”

  “Well, know this: I intend to make sure my dad ruins Flynn. He won’t get the contract for the hotel and I’ll do my best to run him out of business.”

  That shook her. She’d never thought about Jared lashing out at Flynn, only her and she hadn’t cared. She’d wanted to make him angry. He acted like he owned her, she was his property to use and hurt however he chose. And to forgive—the absolute nerve.

  “Jared, be pissed at me. Flynn did nothing to you. He’s not fighting you for me. Stop this.” Her words all ran together in her rush to get them out.

  “Does that mean we have a chance?” He reached out for her, but she shoved at his chest. He stumbled back a step and his eyes flashed.

  “No, we don’t have a chance. You screwed us up forever. Stop trying to take it out on someone else. It’s over.”

  “Don’t worry, angel. I am pissed at you. And if you really love him, this is the best way to hurt you. You’re going to be so sorry for your words.” His smug smile had her shaking. She couldn’t let Jared do this to Flynn. She’d figure something out.

  And then she knew what to do. She’d go to Jared’s father. Mr. King had always liked her. He probably hated her, now, but if she explained what Jared had done… maybe he wouldn’t let Jared use him to hurt Flynn.

  “We’ll see. I’m going to work now.” She walked backward a few steps. “Don’t ever contact me again. If we see each other out, don’t speak. Walk the other way. Leave me alone or I swear I’ll get a restraining order. Are we clear?”

  “We’re clear, you cold bitch.” He spat at her feet and Olivia flinched. When he turned and walked away, she almost sank to the ground. She’d been so afraid, but she’d stood her ground, stood up to him, and she wasn’t finished. When her shift was over, she’d go see Mr. King. She’d make this right for Flynn if it killed her.

  ***

  After her shift, Olivia ran home to change into a nice dress and heels. She wanted to be respectful to Mr. King and showing up in her comfortable shoes and the top she’d stained with hair dye didn’t seem like the best idea.

  Now, she sat outside his office, practically wringing her hands together. So much nervous energy coursed through her body right now, she needed to run a few laps to get rid of it, but all she could do was sit and wait.

  His secretary knew who Olivia was, of course. She’d been polite when she told Olivia to take a seat, but then she’d picked up her phone and continued to chatter away on it, casting sidelong glances at Olivia. She was probably telling everyone in town that Olivia had the nerve to show up here and try to speak to Mr. King.

  Well, none of that mattered to Olivia. She’d hold her head up, regardless of what people thought of her. She hadn’t done a thing wrong. She wasn’t the one who cheated and Flynn hadn’t been some illicit tryst—she loved him.

  After about ten minutes, the door to Mr. King’s office opened. He had a sober expression on his face. “Come in, Olivia.”

  She stood and followed him into his office then sat down on the couch alongside one wall when he gestured to it. “Can I have someone get you some coffee or water?”

  “No, thank you so much. I’m fine.” Her mouth was so dry and a rope tightened around her middle. “I appreciate your seeing me. First of all, I want to apologize for any embarrassment I caused your family when I left the church.”

  He joined Olivia on the couch and gazed at her openly for a moment. “Can you explain what happened?”

  “My maid-of-honor told me, minutes before the wedding, that she and Jared were having an affair the last two years. She had some pretty compelling evidence—a birthmark.”

  “Lincoln,” he confirmed.

  “Right. It was awful. She actually slapped me when I asked her why… it was all very upsetting and I just couldn’t go through with the wedding. But, I handled it all wrong. I should’ve told the guests myself, not left like a scared little girl.”

  He nodded, his face thoughtful. “I don’t disagree with you, but I can understand you having such a panicked reaction to a scene like that. I can’t speak for Jared. I won’t speak for him. His behavior was reprehensible. But, as far as I’m concerned, your apology is sincerely accepted.”

  He got up and walked to a window to gaze out. “I had no idea he’d cheated on you. When I asked him why you’d just disappear that way, he played dumb.” He turned to face her. “You’re a good person, Olivia, and I’m sorry for any upset my son caused you.”

  Olivia didn’t know how to respond to that. She’d hoped he would have a positive reaction to her, at least that he would believe her about Jared’s activities. She couldn’t have known he would forgive her so easily.

  All the same, she had to push her luck. She needed to know he wouldn’t lash out at Flynn. “I have to be honest with you about some personal details. I promise I have a good reason which will become clear when I’m finished.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the glass. “Please go on.”

  “When I left, my father’s friend took me to his cabin so I could get out of town. Then we got snowed in.” She swiped at her face. This was so hard. It felt like she was spitting out marbles. “In those days we were there, just the two of us, I fell in love with him. We… I can’t say we began a relationship because I’m afraid my feelings are all one-sided… but, we were intimate.”

  Her face felt about a thousand degrees, her cheeks burned so. “The reason I’m telling you all of these very personal details is because Jared found out and he confronted me this morning. Flynn Wilder is my… is the man who helped me. He’s the man I’ve fallen in love with. I know he has a potential contract pending with you for the big hotel you’re developing. Jared promised you wouldn’t give him that contract because of my feelings for him, just to try to ruin his business. I couldn’t allow that to happen without speaking to you first.”

  “Don’t stop now. What is it you’re trying to say?”

  “Please don’t ruin his hard-earned reputation or his company because of my choices or Jared’s choices. He’s a good man who was only trying to help his best friend’s daughter. It’s my fault he’s so caught up in all this. Not his.”

  Mr. King crossed to his office chair and sat down behind his desk. “I am giving the contract to Mr. Wilder. I’d planned to for the last four weeks or so. I’ve been waiting on some other details to work themselves out before I made the official offer. You should listen less to Jared.”

  He steepled his hands together on the desk and offered her a gentle smile. “Jared isn’t involved in the company because he won’t grow up. Him cheating on someone he intended to marry just proves that’s still the case. I wouldn’t let Jared influence any business decision I made.”

  “Thank you so much, Mr. King. I know Flynn will do great work for you.” She stood up on shaky legs, wishing she could run tell Flynn that his business was safe. But she couldn’t. That door between them was closed now.

  ***

  Flynn put on his jeans and a black button-down dress shirt. He’d had his secretary send it to the cleaners and get it pressed just for today. It had been two weeks since he and Olivia stopped talking and he missed her so badly, he ached inside.

  But, it would be all right—had to be all right. He’d make it right tonight. It was Sean’s birthday party and everyone in town should be there. Sean always rented out a local bar and restaurant and invited everyone he knew—which was the whole damn town.

  And, of course, Olivia would be there. Sean had told him the two had made amends and she’d promised to come. Flynn had a plan to show her, to show everyone, that she was the woman for him. He prayed it would work because he couldn’t go another day without her.

  Flynn drove to the restaurant in his Jeep and he’d never been this nervous in his
life. Not when he was waiting to hear about a job, never.

  When he got the hotel contract, King called him personally and told him that Olivia had spoken to him. King had said he appreciated Flynn’s discretion and respected him as a businessman too much to let any personal details come between him and the best contractor he knew.

  But that professional victory obviously thanks to Olivia, meant nothing if he didn’t have Olivia in his life.

  He parked the Jeep and got out, running his hands down his shirt. He could do this. And… what if Olivia wanted nothing more to do with him? He couldn’t think about that. Refused to believe she didn’t want a future with him as well, not when she’d gone to so much trouble to fix things with King.

  She’d done everything she could to make things right for Flynn. Why would she have gone to so much personal sacrifice if she didn’t love him?

  Inside, people milled about everywhere. Flynn considered going up to the bar and getting a shot of liquid courage, but then he met Olivia’s gaze across the room. She sat in a corner, nursing a glass of wine, and no one even spoke to her.

  She’d been right—running off with him after her wedding had branded her the town slut. And no one would speak to her. Jared was conspicuously absent, as was Tara. Maybe no one knew what to say to her. He didn’t know, but he knew once he opened his mouth, everyone would look at her different. She’d be in the middle of another gossipfest. Hopefully, she’d appreciate the trouble he’d gone to.

  Soft music played from speakers tastefully hidden on the walls by plants and drapery. Never dropping her gaze, Flynn crossed the room straight to her. People had stopped to openly stare at them.

  When he approached her, she lifted her head to look up at him but didn’t speak. Flynn wanted to kiss her, needed to touch her. She was the single most beautiful woman he’d ever known. And her heart, her capacity for love was overwhelming.

  He held out a hand. “Dance with me.”

  “No one’s dancing.” A smile tugged at her lips then drifted away.

  “Since when do we care about what other people think?”