Page 47 of His Red Carnation

“You’re right. I can take a few hours off, right? That’s why I wanted to come here in the first place.” His voice carried a hint of sadness.

I glanced up at him. “You doing okay, Dad?”

He chuckled softly. “That’s something I should be asking you. I know there’s been a lot going on lately. I heard you weren’t too happy about what happened in Berkeley.”

I sighed and looked down at my hands. “No, it was fine. I mean, it’s been happening a lot lately. I should be used to it by now,” I said with a shrug.

“No, honey. That’s not something you should get used to. It feels invasive, doesn’t it? Your every move watched,” he said gently.

I was almost teary-eyed as I looked back up at him. “Yeah. It does.” I nodded.

“I’m sorry I can’t be there for you more. But I’m glad you have Callan keeping an eye on you. I trust him with my life.”

My heart dropped. Now I understood Callan’s guilt. My dad truly loved and trusted him. And so did I. Just because we were involved romantically didn’t mean Callan would be any less protective of me—if anything, he was probably more so now.

“I trust him too,” I said. “I feel very safe having him around.”

Dad blinked, and I wasn’t sure how my words sounded, but he seemed a little surprised by my admission.

“Good. I’m glad.” He finally smiled. “Hey, why don’t we all go on that hike you mentioned?”

“Oh…yeah. That sounds good,” I replied, my enthusiasm feigned. I wanted to be alone with Callan, but I also felt guilty for wanting to dismiss the time with Dad.

Dad stood up and held his hand out to me. I took it, and he pulled me up, then wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“I love you, kiddo,” he said, kissing the top of my head and giving me a small squeeze. “I’ll go find Mom.” He let go and disappeared down the hallway.

I sighed and pulled my phone out to text Callan.Heads up. We’re all going on the hike.

Typing bubbles quickly appeared.Okay, no worries. Maybe you can sneak into my room tonight, just for some company. We’re being too risky lately, baby.

I rolled my eyes, but I knew he was right.Okay. I love you. See you down here soon?

I smiled as I watched the typing bubbles pop up again.I love you too. Yep, just hopping out of the shower.

My mind went wild.Send me a shirtless selfie??

I waited as I stared down at my phone. A whole minute passed until a photo popped up. My heart leapt down to my pussy as I stared at Callan’s mirror selfie with his muscular, tattooed, wet body with a towel wrapped around his hips.Holy shit.This perfect man is mine. And he said I was going to be his wife one day. My heart ached because I wanted to be his wifenow.

“You ready, baby?” Mom’s voice startled me, interrupting my drooling over Callan’s picture.

I quickly pocketed my phone and nodded. “Uh huh,” I answered, my tone higher than I expected.

Mom smiled as she put her dark brown locks into a ponytail. “What are you blushing about, huh?”

I smiled and shook my head. “You don’t want to know, Mom,” I answered honestly.

She rolled her eyes. “Ay, mija.”

And with perfect timing, Callan walked down the stairs in his casual gray joggers and a black T-shirt. Mom put her hands on her hips as she watched me watch him.

“You’re behaving here, right?” she asked me quietly.

“Yes, Mom,” I answered, almost with irritation.

Callan looked between the two of us, probably sensing the tension. “Are we ready to roll?” he asked casually.

I eyed him up and down, wanting to pounce on him.

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