Page 59 of Whiskey Wednesdays

“On Sunday, I saw a woman in red stiletto heels and a modified jersey that showed more skin than most bikini tops.”

He nodded. “Classic puck bunny. It’s a problem with some of the younger players, but most of us steer clear now.”

“Good to know.”

He studied me. “Connor and I give each other shit, but he’s one of my best friends. And I’ll fucking deny it if you repeat that.”

“Okay. I kind of figured since you irritate each other so much.”

“You’re what some men call a unicorn. I’m not going to fuck up his chances with you.”

I set my water down. “What do you mean?”

“There are things you and Connor need to discuss.” Titus refused to say any more about it.

Driving to Dad’s house that evening, I felt jittery and out of sorts. When I walked inside, Connor and Elodie were setting the table for dinner.

Connor saw me first. He set the silverware down, walked over, and wrapped his arms around me. Then he cupped my cheeks and kissed me in front of my dad and Elodie. My eyes were round when he pulled back.

“You’re just in time for dinner. Elodie and I grilled a few steaks.”

I slowly hugged him back. “This feels weird,” I admitted. “Good. But weird.”

Dad chuckled behind me, and I turned to see him and Elodie grinning at us.

Stepping back, I pointed at them. “You two troublemakers have been plotting against me.”

Elodie came over and patted my leg. “Can you have sleepovers with Daddy now?”

I turned to my dad. “Is that your idea?” I choked.

His lips pressed together and tried not to smile. “Absolutely not.”

Connor grinned. “I think it’s a great idea.”

“Let’s eat, I’m starving.” I practically yelled.

After dinner, Connor turned to me. “Come over in an hour or so. We’ll do another hair lesson, then tuck Elodie in. And you can read with us.”

Elodie took both our hands. “This is our very first sleepover. I’m so excited.”

“Yeah, me too,” Connor grinned.

While we talked, I absently took Connor’s other hand. When I realized what I’d done, I quickly dropped it.

He smirked and leaned in to kiss my mouth. “See you in a few.”

When they walked out, I stared at the door for a second, then turned to my dad. “You knew. For the past month, you knew what was happening.”

“Yeah. Good thingoneof us did. I like him too. You got off to a bit of a rocky start, but he’s a good man.”

“Abitof a rocky start? That’s like calling the black plague a little chest cold.”

Dad chuckled and patted my arm. “That’s what makes it interesting. I have a new library book I want to start. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I took a long shower and shaved every nook and cranny, then put on my best matching underwear. Letting out a long exhale, I grabbed my backpack and headed over to Connor’s house. I felt a little like Red Riding Hood walking into the forest with a basket of treats.

Chapter 17

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