Page 21 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Yeah, I always wanted a dog. My parents always travelled so much it wasn’t an option,” I explain. “Hey there.” I pat his head. He licks my hand. “Aren’t you a handsome fella.” He has cool green eyes.

“He likes you,” Annie says.

“I just hope Sally likes me too,” I joke.

“I better go see if Daddy is in his office. Do you want to come meet him?” she asks. I’ve never met a girl’s parents before. Now I’m meeting the father of a girl I’m fake dating.

“Now is as good a time as any.” I shrug.

I never went home with Scarlett, so I hadn’t had to deal with a father until now. The idea kind of makes me nervous, as I think of having a daughter one day.

We walk up to what looks like an office door. Her dad is at his desk deep in thought.

“Daddy?” she announces herself.

The man picks up his head. He’s got brown hair and the same blue eyes as Annie.

“Annie,” he says with a happy sigh. He stands and opens his arms to welcome her. She walks right into them and he embraces her. “Glad you made it home okay. I was worried about the weather.” He kisses the top of her head. “And you must be the boyfriend,” he says to me. I really don’t like lying, especially to someone’s parent, but I need to put up the ruse for Annie.

“I am, sir, Cade Price.” I take a step forward and reach out to shake his hand.

“Nice to meet you,” he says. “Have we met before? You remind me of someone.”

“No, sir,” I reply. “Thanks for having me over for the holidays.”

“Are your parents not around?” he asks.

“Daddy, that’s intrusive,” Annie chides respectfully.

“It’s fine,” I reply. “My parents are headed to Mexico. They don’t really make a big deal about the holidays.”

“I see,” he says, pursing his lips. “Well, you’re welcome here. Why don’t you take a seat?” he says, pointing to a chair across from his desk.

“Daddy, we’re starving. I wanted to make us something to eat,” Annie interrupts.

“I made you some of your favorite mac and cheese. Why don’t you go warm it up while I get to know Cade,” her father suggests. The fact he wants to grill me means he cares, so I oblige him.

“It’s all good,” I assure Annie.

“Go easy, Daddy,” she warns and leans up to kiss his cheek, and then she leaves his office.

“So what are you taking in school?” he asks and he reaches for the tumbler filled with amber liquid on his desk.

“Communications,” I reply.

“Sorry for asking but what do you plan to do with a communications degree?” he asks.

“I’m guessing Annie hasn’t told you much about me,” I reply instead of answering.

“She informed her mom yesterday that she’s with you.” He chuckles and takes a sip from the tumbler.

“I play hockey on Riverside’s NCAA team. I’m headed to the NHL next year, sir.”

It takes him a moment to process what I’ve said.

“That’s why you looked familiar. You must be John Price’s kid,” he says.

“I am,” I confirm, even though I don’t like to be compared to my father. I am trying to pave my own path in the world. It’s been a challenge since my dad has basically formed me into the type of player he wanted me to be. I’m an enforcer. I’m good at my role, but I actually hate playing rough. At this point in my career, I don’t have a real degree to fall back on, and hockey will make me good money. I just wish I didn’t have to be the guy who roughhouses on the ice. I want to find my own style without having my father’s voice in my head.

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