Page 81 of Abducted

She slid on the bar chair, her chin resting on her palm, and his oversized sweater pooling at her elbow. “That sounds good.”

CHAPTER 26

Lana stretched. Everymuscle in her body screamed in protest. She groaned and rubbed her eyes. God, she felt like death. The bed was cool beside her, telling her that Cal had gotten up long ago. She hated sleeping in. Especially today. Her family would be frantic to see her.

It had been after 2a.m. when they had finally fallen into bed. The statement had taken longer than she’d expected, but considering the circumstances, they’d had to be thorough.

The memory of her dad’s tired voice sounded in her head. Her stomach flipped over. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen her father cry. Last night, she’d been able to hear the tears in his voice. She had suggested going to see him after the statement, but he had insisted she get some rest.

His last words before hanging up echoed in her ears: “I’ll see you tomorrow, honey. And be sure to bring your friend.”

They had gone to bed right after the police had left, so she hadn’t mentioned it to Cal.

Oh God. Would Cal be up for meeting her dad? Was that something he even wanted to do? She unraveled the sheets from around her and made her way to the kitchen. Only one way to find out.

Cal greeted her with a steaming mug of coffee. His arm circled her shoulders. “You’re finally up. Did you sleep well?”

She nodded. “What time did you get up?”

“A few hours ago. I’ve already worked out and eaten. Ethan just left, he brought my truck over and picked up his. Can I get you something to eat?”

After her late snack last night and thinking about her chat with her father, she had lost her appetite.

“Not right now.” She leaned back against the counter and took a sip of the warm liquid, letting it awaken her soul.

Cal crossed his arms and leaned back against the opposite counter. He smiled at her. The lines around his face crinkled. “How are you feeling?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Like hell.”

He chuckled. “Well, you don’t look like it. But I can tell something is on your mind. What’s the matter, babe?”

Her insides tightened. He might not want to meet her father yet. If that was the case, she would have to accept it.

“Last night I told my dad I would go see him today.”

Cal’s eyes focused on hers. The light and laughter left like a cloud blocking out the sun. “I’m sure he can’t wait to see you. We can leave whenever you want.”

“Actually, I told him I would be there this morning. I hope that works for you.”

He shrugged. “I don’t have any plans. We can go as soon as you’re ready.”

“There’s something else.” She wet her lips and tucked her hair behind her ear. This was stupid. She shouldn’t be nervous. “He wants to meet you.”

Cal’s eyebrows rose. Other than that small hint of surprise, his expression didn’t change. He straightened away from the counter and filled his mug with what she assumed to be at least his third cup of coffee. “Sure. I was hoping to meet him today.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. He can be…intense.”

He glanced at her over his shoulder. His lips lifted in a smirk. “I can handle it.”

“But do you want to? I mean—”

He chuckled, turned around, and bent to press a kiss to her lips. “Stop making a big deal out of it, okay? Now, go get ready.” He swatted her butt, and she scurried in the direction of the bedroom, coffee in hand.

Her chest inflated with delight. He wasn’t scared or unwilling. Should she have expected anything less? Cal was the type of man to take on any situation. Why should meeting her father rattle him? In the bedroom, she grabbed a fresh towel and hung it beside the shower. She undressed and took the last gulp of her coffee. Her love and appreciation for Cal had just grown astronomically.

Less than an hour later, she was showered and dressed. She’d had a piece of toast before they left. Now, sitting in the truck, her stomach coiled in knots. She would have to explain everything to her father. The FBI knew all the details, so surely Edward knew, too. It wasn’t going to sit well with him.

Cal’s hand grabbed hers. “Would you relax? You’re acting like I’m being sentenced to the electric chair.”

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