Next Door Daddy

by Amy Brent

  A wide smile spread her lips as she laid back and giggled. “Yes, Daddy.”

  I gave her another quick peck on the lips and then slid down where I could get another taste of her. My tongue worked her clit as I slipped my fingers in to massage her as she writhed beneath me. I feasted for a good solid half hour, and as her release came, soaking her core and my tongue, I knew there was no way I’d ever get enough.

  Chapter 18: Katie

  Waking up to Grant Roberts was even better than I’d imagined. We’d been seeing each other steady and I hadn’t been so happy in ages. The only problem was, I couldn’t share my happiness with my best friend. Grant and I had even continued our normal sessions on Thursdays which were more of a this for that/quid pro quo sort of thing that ended with us giving my session couch a workout each time.

  Even though he’d brought me to his bed, where he’d told me no one else had ever been aside from his late wife, I wouldn’t let myself be fooled into thinking it was more than a little fun for him, and I hadn’t let my expectations get too wild since we’d both agreed that Halle didn’t need to know we were seeing each other. How serious could a relationship be when it had to be kept secret from the person you loved most in life? And it made it even harder that person was the same for both of us. We both truly loved Halle and wanted nothing but her happiness above our own. Which is what sent me into a panic when I heard a knock at my door.

  I threw on a robe and hurried to the stairs, stopping in my tracks when I saw Halle outside the back door window. I turned and went back up to warn Grant before she saw me. I shook him gently. “Halle’s at the door. Stay put and I’ll try to distract her.” He rolled over and grunted but went for his pants as I hurried out of the room.

  “I’m coming!” I called out. I went to the door and let her in, knowing better than to stall her outside.

  “What took you so long? I’ve been banging on this thing so long my knuckles are red.” She glanced around the house and then took a seat on a barstool at my island bar.

  “Sorry, I was in the bathroom. Isn’t it a little early for you to be out and about?” I went for my coffee maker and inserted a cup. “Want some?”

  “Sure. I’ve been to my father’s but he’s not home. Can you believe it? He’s obviously been out all night.” Her shoulders stiffened and she folded her hands in front of her.

  “How do you know? It’s eight o’clock so maybe he got up and went out already.” I waited as the coffee drizzled out making a vulgar sound as it bubbled into my cup.

  “I’ve been over there for an hour. His bed hasn’t been slept in and there is no sign of his usual morning coffee. I want to know who she is. It’s not like I’m opposed to him having a girlfriend, but the least he could do is introduce me.” She took a deep breath and looked toward the heavens. “Unless of course, she’s some gold-digging skank that’s half his age and he’s too ashamed to introduce me.”

  My face burned. I wasn’t a gold-digging skank, but I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d think if she knew he was right upstairs. My stomach turned as I second-guessed what we were up to. “I’m sure your dad has better judgement than that. Is he used to dating younger women?”

  “Not that I know of, but like I told you, I’m hearing things. Things a daughter doesn’t want to hear.”

  “So who’s telling you these things and why would you believe them?” I hoped she’d confide, even though I had a good idea who the culprit was. “Tell me.”

  “You remember Willa Brooks from college? I’ve spoken with her a few times lately and she tells me that she’s heard a thing or two from a friend of hers that’s been seeing my dad; some woman named Sylvie?”

  “Where do you see Willa?”

  “Well, turns out, we have a friend in common. Charles Smith. He lived in town until recently, which is why I’ve been doing a bit of traveling. She’s been helping him redecorate his house and well, I’ve been going out to stay with him.” The name meant nothing to me, but I was surprised that she hadn’t told me about the man. She’d only ever hidden one relationship with me and that had been because the older man had been abusive.

  “So what does she say about your father?”

  “Just that he’s seeing this Sylvie woman quite often and that he has these adult parties at his home. I’m not sure what’s worse, the fact that my father is participating in some type of sex addict society or that he’s chosen some skank to toy around with. Willa told me all about her. She’s in her early thirties which makes her almost twenty years younger than my dad. I know he’s a beautiful man, but what would someone so young want with him other than his money?”

  “You said this is some kind of society?” I placed her cup of coffee in front of her with a plate of biscotti.

  “Surely you’ve heard of such a thing, what with your being a sex therapist and all. I’m all for a little kink, but I’m more of a relationship type of woman. It’s tough being so far away from Charles, especially knowing he’s insatiable himself. Besides, he has a past. He admitted his own struggles with sex addiction and well, that’s how he met Willa. They were going through counseling.”

  My mouth hung open as it all sank in. “Wow, that’s quite a lot to take in.”

  She pressed her palms to her cheeks and closed her eyes. “Yes, it is. I’ve been so stressed about it all, which is why I asked you to try and talk to my dad. I see how much counseling helped Charles.” Her phone made a sound and she glanced down. I held my breath hoping it wasn’t her.

  “When was the last time you spoke with her?” The last thing I needed was Willa Brooks telling Halle that I’d been to the house for a sex party. Although I had sat out and nothing had happened in my presence that Willa would have seen, I wasn’t sure I could convince Halle that the party was nothing more than a social gathering. I prepared myself for her response.

  She ignored the phone and placed it back into her purse. “It’s been a week. She’s gone into quiet mode, which is rare, but honestly, I’m getting tired of hearing from her. It’s bad enough I’ve been spying on Daddy by calling the club, I feel like a total loser.”

  “Then why spy? He’s a grown man, Halle. So what if he’s having a bit of fun. He’ll be careful, I’m sure.” I took a long pull from my coffee and nibbled at the biscotti.

  “Because it’s embarrassing.” Her expression fell and she shifted in her seat and fidgeted with her phone again as it made another sound.

  Her answer stung. No matter what she might think of some stranger seeing her father, she’d surely think her best friend and her father was the worst embarrassment possible. I thought of Grant upstairs in my bed, the amazing sex we’d been having had been the best of my life and I never wanted it to end, but it had to. I couldn’t go on living a lie, especially since Willa could play her card at any time. I’d have to talk to Grant and we’d have to figure out what to do, tell her or not we’d have to end it. I couldn’t hurt Halle.

  She glanced up from her phone. “I’ve got to get going. I’m heading out of town tonight to see Charles. Don’t say anything to my dad. He’s been suspicious of me having a boyfriend and I’m not ready to spring Charles on him just yet. He’s a tad older than me and I think Daddy will flip out.”

  My eyes widened and I could only imagine that Grant was upstairs hearing our entire conversation. The house was still empty enough for sound to echo.

  As soon as she left I hurried upstairs to find him in a rage. He paced the floor, his fingers entwined in his hair as he scowled. He stopped and met my eyes. “Do you have any idea how hard it was not to rush down there and shake some sense into that girl?”

  Grant had never spoken a harsh word against his daughter and I’d known he’d never laid a hand on her, not even in the form of a spanking. “Calm down. I’m sure she’ll tell you about her boyfriend eventually.”

  “You don’t have a clue. Charles Smith was a member of my group until Sylvie got too attached to him. Things got ugly between her and Willa, when Charles left
our group and moved to a different town. Willa blamed Sylvie.”

  “So, wait. This Willa is running her mouth to your daughter because she hates Sylvie?”

  “That and I’d say more specifically because I turned Willa down. I refused to partner with her when she’s drawn because of her age and she despises the embarrassment it brings her. She’s claimed it doesn’t bother her, but I’d suspect she’s getting even by running her mouth.”

  “I can see why that would upset you.” If I’d signed a NDA then the rest of them had as well. They were in violation of their discretion rules.

  “Do you think I give a shit about that? I’m more concerned with the asshole using my daughter.” His jaw clenched so tight the muscle feathered as his nostrils flared.

  “What if he’s recovered and changed? He might really love Halle. It could be perfectly innocent.” I hoped my words would soothe him, but his shoulders broadened as he took in deep breath and doubled his fists.

  “That piece of shit isn’t worthy of my daughter. He’s been around the block more times than I can count and he’s only seven years younger than me.”

  “It’s not much different than us. I think we should stop seeing each other, Grant. It’s only going to hurt Halle in the end. I don’t want to lose my best friend.” His eyes bore into me, and without another word, he pushed past me and left.

  Chapter 19: Grant

  Halle probably had expected to find me in better spirits when she showed up Monday for breakfast. I’d missed her company through the weekend again and now that the truth was out, I understood why. She’d been to see Charles again. I gritted my teeth as she spread jam on her toast and told me another lie.

  “I can’t tell you how good it is to have a nice breakfast with you, Daddy. I considered sleeping in, but it’s such gorgeous weather we’re having, how could I resist?” She slathered that toast a bit heavier than usual and it didn’t escape me how thick she was laying it on me. I swallowed another sip of bitter black coffee and remained silent.

  “Daddy, I swear you’re quiet this morning. Is everything okay?” She bit into the toast and closed her eyes as if savoring the bite.

  “You’ll have to excuse me if I’m not in an equally sunny mood.” I took the knife and spread my own toast with butter.

  “Did something happen at work?” She placed the toast on her plate and dabbed her mouth with her napkin, squaring her shoulders as if she were ready to hear a confessional.

  “It’s more of a personal matter.”

  Her brow twitched upward and she kept her eyes focused on her plate. “Is it a woman?” She glanced up and met my hard glare.

  “Why don’t we talk about you? Where you’ve been the past two days and with whom?”

  Her face fell and she scowled hissing Katie’s name under her breath. “So tell me how are those sessions going?”

  “This has nothing to do with Katie. It has to do with your honesty. And as for the sessions, they’re done. I’m not going back.”

  “Well good! I’m not sure it’s fair that I’m not supposed to discuss your precious sessions but it’s perfectly okay for her to blab to you about my personal life.”

  “She didn’t tell me anything. She didn’t have to. I know your Charles Smith. He used to belong to the same group your sweet friend Willa has been telling you about.” Her eyes widened but I lifted my hand to keep her silent. “I know all about her too. You think I didn’t know you’d been talking to someone after getting me to go to counseling and all the silly questions about my personal life. Not to mention you’ve been running off out of town every chance you get.”

  “Did you hire a PI or did your little girlfriend tell you?”

  “Your little girlfriend was wrong, Halle. I’m not in a relationship, but maybe you should ask her why she’s so obsessed with what I’m doing. Ask her how she knows my whereabouts because I’m sure she’s lied to you about where she’s getting her information.”

  “She said she’s friend with your girlfriend. She tells her everything, including how she’s planning to trap you.”

  “Willa Brooks is a member of that same group. She used to pair off with your boyfriend before he moved away, though I guess I shouldn’t call him a boy. He’s too old for you. I want you to stop seeing him.”

  Halle’s eyes filled with tears and she put her napkin back to her mouth, balling it into her fist. “He said they met at a therapy group.”

  “He lied.” I took another sip of coffee hoping it would calm my nerves.

  “I want you to stop having those parties, Daddy. It’s embarrassing. Having someone tell me my own father is involved in such things.” Her eyes shot up to mine as she gasped. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with Willa!”

  “Willa’s problem with me is that I don’t. She’s not my type.” No, my type was the gorgeous Katherine next door. The one I couldn’t get off my mind, the one I wanted so badly it hurt. But she had made her choice and I understood, even though I didn’t like it. Truth was, I didn’t want to lie to Halle. I hated that we had secrets from one another, especially the secrets she’d been hiding.

  “I can’t believe he lied to me. I bet Willa’s been having a good laugh. I’m surprised she didn’t call me this week to tell me what happened and rub it in.” Halle wiped her eyes and I thought about Willa not calling. Of course she wouldn’t now that she knew Katie had exposed her. I was certain that was the reason and it worked out for me. She’d never blab about us being there together. I could put everything behind us.

  Halle cleared her throat. “Promise me you’ll keep going to see Katie, Daddy. You need to work through this issue and move on. Katie’s a good listener. She’s also the only person I can trust with you.”

  I took a deep breath and looked away. “I don’t think it’s going to work out.”

  “What’s the worst that could happen?” She rolled her eyes and smiled. “Although, she could develop a crush on you, she does like older men. I bet you’re just her type too, tall, dark and handsome.” She sniffled and let out a tinny giggle as I stared blank faced. “I’m kidding!”

  “Knock it off. And I mean with Charles Smith. He’s not good enough for my little girl.”

  “I’m not a little girl, daddy. I’m only a couple of years younger than your therapist. If she’s mature enough to spill your problems to, then you should be able to talk to me, Daddy. You should also understand what I see in Charles. We’ve had a few rough times, but we’ve been working it out. I guess now I’ll have to confront him about Willa though.” She lowered her chin and picked at her toast.

  “Don’t make me get involved, Halle. I will and it won’t be pretty.” I was already going to have to quit my own group because of Willa, but I would not have them using my daughter to get digs at me. Whatever little game Willa was playing needed to end immediately.

  Halle pushed her plate aside and stood. “I’ll take care of it, but only if you continue with the sessions and promise to stop going to that damned group. You need help, Daddy.”

  I couldn’t promise her something I had no control of and I couldn’t tell her why Katie didn’t want to see me. “I won’t promise you that.”

  “Then don’t threaten me! If you’re not willing to get help, you’ve got no room to tell me how to live my life!” She turned and stormed out and as expected, she didn’t show up for dinner.

  I spent the rest of my day being angry and holding myself back from finding Charles Smith and punching his sorry face. I couldn’t help but hear Katie’s voice over and over in my head. It’s no different than us. It certainly was different. I respected her, I cared about her, I could actually love her. But Charles, he didn’t love Halle and he’d never give up others the way I had to be faithful. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been with anyone else or even wanted anyone else since Katie. Despite her therapy, she’d surely cured me. And I feared without her, I’d only find misery.

  Chapter 20: Katie

  I hadn’t heard a peep out of Grant since
he’d stormed away from my house. Ran. He ran. And I couldn’t blame him. I’d told him I didn’t think we should see each other and I suppose he agreed. I imagined the reality had hit him as hard as it hit me and I guess I should’ve been happy. I didn’t ever have to face Halle knowing I was continuing the lie. Yes, there’d always be a huge secret from her, but I’d never tell knowing it would only hurt her and for no good reason.

  I finished my last session of the day hours before and had given myself the afternoon off when the noise started outside my backdoor. I went to the window and watched as a landscaping company backed their truck up to unload the bed which was piled with trees. That stings.

  My phone rang minutes later as I watched the first tree go in the ground and I looked over to see Halle with her phone to her ear, headed my way. Sure enough her smiling profile image donned my screen. I answered and said hello as I opened the door.

  “Hey,” she said hanging up her phone. “I didn’t realize you were watching, I’d hoped I hadn’t interrupted your session with all the noise.” She didn’t seem upset with me, so I guessed that Willa hadn’t told her anything about seeing me at her dad’s latest party.

  “Not at all, I’m taking the afternoon off.”

  “So you already know that Daddy decided to stop coming?”

  My smile faded. “Yeah, I wasn’t expecting him.”

  Halle touched my hand. “I’m really sorry he’s being strange. We had a fight and well, he’s being pig-headed. I’m trying to talk him into coming back.”

  “That’s not good to pressure him.” I knew she’d be unsuccessful. He’d surely come to his senses. The ache in my chest grew as I remembered the intimacy between us. “I mean, most clients come at their own will. Maybe that was the problem all along.”