Tease
Page 6
"Yep." Mack gave a stiff nod and placed the gun on the entryway table. The last thing they needed complicating this matter was a loaded weapon.
Derek's gaze flashed with anger. "In your bed?"
Mack steeled for the punch that he was sure was coming. "Yes."
Derek's jaw visibly tightened. "I ought to kick your ass for touching my baby."
"She's a grown woman, Derek. But, yeah, you probably should."
"You should have told me, Mack. I shouldn't have had to wake to the sound of my daughter sneaking back in the house last night. I sure as shit shouldn't have had to come home early to an empty house. You should have told me and not made me piece it together."
Mack winced. "You're right. For what it's worth, I never meant for this to happen."
Derek regarded him for a moment. "No, I'm sure you didn't."
"It's not a fling, Derek. I care for her."
"You damn well better!"
"I do."
Derek sighed loudly. "Barb told me she'd suspected Jolie had feelings for you. She wasn't sure if you cared for Jolie or not. I guess now we know. Barb's not thrilled about this by the way but she's more willing to let it play out than I am. She made me promise not to drag Jolie out of the house—and not to kill you." He shook his head. "She can stay tonight. I think it's probably best for us if we have a bit of a cooling off period. In the morning, I want the two of you at our breakfast table, understood? We're going to talk this out and figure out how to move forward."
"I'm not giving her up without a fight, Derek."
Derek's cheek twitched. "Well I'm glad to hear that."
Mack reeled in shock. "You are?"
"Look, Mack, I'll be honest. I'm pretty pissed off at you right now. I'm also really uncomfortable with the idea of my adult but still teenage daughter sleeping with you. But I also realize you're probably the only man in the world I trust with her."
"I'll do right by her."
"I know you will."
They stared at one another for a long time before Derek finally nodded. "All right. I'm headed back to the house. Remember what I said about breakfast."
"I will." Mack had relaxed enough that Derek caught him off-guard and slammed his fist into his belly. The other man quickly popped him in the jaw. Mack stumbled backward as pain blossomed in his body. "Shit, Derek!"
"That's for sneaking around behind my back with my daughter."
Mack rubbed his belly and jaw. "Understood."
Derek turned and left the porch. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah." Mack shut the door and leaned back against it. His gut ached and his jaw would be swollen in the morning but he couldn't wipe the grin off his face.
Back in his room, he found Jolie sitting up against the headboard. She hugged her knees, the sheet draped over them like a tent. Eyes wide with fear, she asked, "Was that my dad?"
He nodded and started to peel out of his jeans. "We had a little talk."
"And he didn't shoot you?"
Mack snorted. "Not yet."
Jolie dropped the sheet and started to move. "I should go."
He snatched her wrist and pinned her with a look. "Do you want to?"
"No."
"Then stay with me."
She smiled sadly. "You act like it's that easy."
"It is." He tugged her closer and kissed her pouty lips. "Your dad and I will work out our differences. If you want me like I want you, we'll make it work."
"Yeah?" She looked so hopeful.
"Yes." He kissed her tenderly and swept the long strands of hair from her face. "You really are the most beautiful thing, Jolie."
She smiled playfully. "You don't have to flatter me, Mack. I'm already in your bed."
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "I plan to keep you there."
"For how long?"
"Oh…how about…forever?"
THE END.
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About Roxie
I like to write dirty books that make your pulse pound. I’m the naughtier alter ego of another erotica and erotic romance author who wanted to write more taboo stories. You can find me online at www.roxierivera.com.