Page 119 of The Off-Limits Play

NYLAH

Dad’s still staring at me, his eyes all big and pleading, desperate for me to understand his players.

The problem is, he doesn’t understand this particular one as well as I do.

He doesn’t get how amazing Carson is.

And I should tell him.

I should make Dad see that my man is a good guy. He’s not going to tear me down. He makes me feel seen and desired!

Nerves scatter through me as I dip my chin and try to figure out the best way to put this. I almost feel like throwing up, because I know the second I confess what Carson and I have going on, Dad’s gonna flip.

It’s probably best that I do it now, in this public library. Maybe he’ll keep his cool a little better if we have an audience.

“Dad, I?—”

I love him. This guy you want me to stay away from? He owns my heart and soul right now. I’m not going to keep my distance.

I open my mouth to say all that, but my throat freezes up.

“What, honey? You disagree with me? You think I’m being too harsh?” He closes his eyes, shaking his head. “I’ll admit that Carson has been better these last few weeks, but I’m just waiting for him to implode. That’s just the way it works with that guy. Something’s gonna make him snap and he’ll lose it all over again, and then I’m back to working my ass off trying to get him back in line. I just—” His phone starts ringing.

I glance at his pocket. Part of me hopes he’ll ignore it so I can just get this over with.

But the bigger part of me is relieved when he pulls it out and checks the screen.

“I have to take this.” He sighs, answering the call. “Hey, Jerry. How’s it going?”

I wave goodbye and he gives my arm an affectionate squeeze, kissing my cheek before I slip out of the library.

Looking up the stairwell, I wonder if I should go back and see Carson again. Dad’s busy. I glance over my shoulder and notice he’s facing the other way, so I duck up the stairs, ready to disturb my boyfriend again.

But he’s not there.

My insides deflate when I spot the empty space he was sitting in before.

He’s obviously headed off to his next class, which is exactly where I need to go too.

Brushing my fingers over the shiny tabletop, I give Carson’s spot one more look of longing before turning away and heading out of the library.

Dad’s still on the phone, and I duck out before he can spot me.

I really need to find a time to talk to him.

Carson will hate going public, but I can’t keep what’s becoming the most important thing in my life a secret anymore.

I want my dad to know that I’ve fallen for this guy he thinks is a lost cause.

Because Carson’s not lost or hopeless. He’s my grand prize, and I have to make Dad see that.

Pulling out my phone, I text Mom that I want to bring a dinner guest with me tomorrow night.

I’ll probably have to kidnap Carson and drug the guy to get him through my parents’ front door, but I’ll do whatever it takes.

It’s time they find out that I’ve gone and fallen head over heels in love.

CHAPTER46

---