Page 128 of Not Dating Material

Keller’s face screws up. “Mols, I know you’re an adult, but do me a favor and pretend to be a virgin for the rest of your life. Okay? For me?”

“Like you can talk.” Molly steps forward for a hug, but Keller holds out a hand.

“I’m gonna need some space between all this sex talk and a hug.”

“You are so weird.” Molly looks back over at me. “As you’ve guessed, this is my overprotective and overbearing dad. Dad, as you’ve also guessed, this is my Seven.”

I quickly hold out my hand, and Keller drags his back through his hair instead. “Yeah, can’t touch you either right now. Why don’t we do lunch instead?”

Will groans. “Please, I’m starving.”

“Come on, then.” Molly links their arms and drags Will toward the airport exit, leaving me with Keller.

“Ah, want help with those bags?”

He passes the suitcase over to me with a smirk. “Since you’re offering.”

We fall into step behind Will and Molly.

“You know, I was worried about meeting you, and I can safely say it’s gone nothing like I thought it would. Considering I was prepared for you to tell me to stay away from your kid, I’m not sure if all this is better or not.”

Keller gives me the slightest laugh. “I know what you mean. I’ve only ever met one of Molly’s boyfriends, and I wish I could go back in time and punch him in the face after what he did.”

“If you ever figure out how, take me with you. He deserves at least two punches for hurting Mols.”

I feel Keller study me out of the corner of his eye. “Deal.”

Well, hey, that’s something.

Not exactly a warm and fuzzy blessing, but we’ll get there. I’ve got years to win him over.

Keller suddenly reaches out and grabs the suitcase, pulling me to a stop. He checks to make sure Molly and Will are still walking. Oh no. Here we go. The “you’re not good enough for him” speech.

“You once told me you’d do anything for Molly.”

I brace myself.

But instead of the words break up with him, Keller hands over a card.

“What’s this?”

“The number of a local therapist. She’s got openings, and I’ve told her I’ll foot the bill.”

I frown at him, trying to figure out what he’s saying. “You want me in therapy?”

“I want my son happy. And you make him happy. But we’re not going to pretend like you don’t have your baggage that gets between you sometimes.”

Last night was another bad one. Molly sleeping in my lap while I engrossed myself in the forums. He never complains, but it’s not healthy for either of us. Admitting I need professional help isn’t easy, but taking money from someone—let alone my boyfriend’s dad—is even harder.

“I …”

Keller grunts. “If you’re going to tell me you can’t take my money, you might as well stop there. I was a teen dad. Had nothing except Molly. If I didn’t take handouts where they were offered, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Neither would he. Every cent I’ve worked for has been for him. And helping you helps him, so let me be the dad I’ve always tried to be.”

How the hell do I argue with that? Keller wants what’s best for Molly, and so do I. At least that’s one thing we have in common. So, even though it feels all kinds of wrong, I nod.

“Okay.”

Keller smiles, and shit, the man really is hot. “Good man. Now, let’s catch up before they know we’ve been plotting.”

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