Page 135 of Just One Kiss

He pushed her aside, and Josh moved into the entryway.

“Don’t touch her,” he growled.

“Or what?”

Josh drew in a deep breath.One—two—three.He forced his mind to calm. He unclenched his fists. “You don’t get to do this anymore.”

The older man laughed. “That’s where you’re wrong, son. You might think things are different because you have money now, but you’re mistaken. This is my house.” He pointed at Gloria. “And she’s my wife.”

“Joshua, please. Let’s have some lunch. It’s Sunday so I’ve made—”

“Fried chicken and coleslaw. Dad’s Sunday meal. I know.” He kept his eyes firmly on his father.

His mom laughed. “Am I that predictable?”

“No, Mom, you’re that brainwashed. He’s trained you to do everything just the way he wants it done—or else.”

His dad shoved Josh in the arm. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

“Don’t pretend you care,” Josh spat.

“You’re not going to come into my house and disrespect my wife.”

“No, but I am going to get her out of here,” Josh said.

The wrinkles in his father’s forehead deepened in confusion. “What are you talking about?” He looked at Josh’s mom. “Gloria, did you tell him to come here?”

“Of course not.”

“She might be too scared to stand up to you, but I’m not.” Josh took a step between his parents, positioning himself in front of his mom. “I’m not going to let you bully her anymore.”

His dad scowled, eyes flashing anger. “What are you going to do about it?”

Josh planted his feet. “I’m going to stand here while she packs a bag, and then we’re going to leave.”

“That’s not happening, sonny boy.”

The words ignited something inside Josh, and once again he had to draw in a calming breath. His anger would not get the better of him today.

I am not like you.

“You cost me everything, Dad. Everything. I’ve been so afraid of turning out just like you that I left my family—and you just watched it happen. What kind of father does that?”

“Don’t you blame me for your mistakes. You’re the loser who got that slut pregnant.”

Josh’s face heated. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that.”

“Both of you, that’s enough,” Gloria said, moving from behind Josh. “We haven’t been together as a family in ages. Let’s go eat dinner.”

“Shut up, Gloria!” Jim shouted.

“Mom, enough is enough. Get outside.”

Get outside. Get outside.

The words wrestled in his mind. He looked up and found his father locking his sights on Gloria, eyes angry, breath rushed.

Get outside, Dylan. Run!

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