Page 10 of Affinity

“I thought this room would be perfect for you. The other one is . . . ” I didn’t hear what she said next as I took in my new space.

There was a big plush bed that looked like it would be heaven to sleep on. There were screens on the windows above the bed, making it look like the ocean was right outside, and across from the bed was a TV with a beach setting on it. It was like my own little tropical oasis. Catherine was right. This was perfect. There wasn’t a lot of furniture, but what it did have was all dark woods with a modern feel.

I turned to look at Catherine. “This is all too much to wrap my mind around, but I promise not to let you down.”

“Perfect. I’ll see myself out, and I’ll email you during the week, so keep your eyes open for that.”

I watched as my boss glided out the door before I sat down on the plush bed and looked around the room. I couldn’t believe I was going to live in this gorgeous house for the next year. I only hoped there could be some sort of truce between Reeves and me, or it was going to seem like an eternity.

A dark figure appeared at my door, making me glance that way. Reeves stood with his hands in his pockets as he looked around the room as if he’d never seen it before.

“Is it up to your standards?”

I stood and smoothed out my sundress. “You have a beautiful home.”

“It’s my sanctuary away from the chaos that’s this business. I should warn you, my dad is on his way over, and he’s . . . how should I say this?” His face screwed up, making him look cute. I knew I shouldn’t be thinking of him like that, but I couldn’t help it. He was the most attractive man I’d ever seen and even more so in person, and just because he was an asshole to me wasn’t going to change that. “Have you seen those shows about stage moms?” When I nodded, he continued. “He’s like that, but a thousand times worse. I thought you should know what’s about to fly through the door and rip us to shreds.”

“I take it he’s not happy about gaining a daughter-in-law.” I bit my bottom lip, nervous now that I knew I was going to have to meet his dad.

“That would be a negative.”

The doorbell rang at that moment, causing my nerves to skyrocket. “Thanks for the warning. Maybe I can charm him?”

“Doubtful,” he murmured as he turned to walk away.

Following behind, I plastered on a smile and tried my best not to let my nerves show. Reeves had barely opened the door before his father pushed through. He glared down at me and then turned his harsh glare to Reeves. His face was red with anger. Even his ears were tinged pink.

“So, this is the woman who’s going to ruin our lives.”

Chapter Six

Jenner

I had a hate/hate relationship with my father. He’d been my manager since I was a child, controlling everything I did. He still tried to this day to keep me under his thumb, which is where our animosity stemmed from. While we didn’t get along, I hated lying to him, but he would do anything for the spotlight, and if he knew the details involving how Abbi and I got married, he’d blab to anyone who would listen.

It sucked not being able to trust my dad.

“We’re in love, so there will be no divorce,” I gritted through my teeth. He was making my hangover worse. If he didn’t have such a keen eye, I would have popped a few Advil to try and alleviate the pain, but I knew if he caught me, I’d get a lecture on my drinking. And he’d be right after last night.

“I can’t believe you’d fall for some gold digger with big tits,” he spat. He sneered as he looked Abbi up and down.

I felt violated on her behalf and stepped between them. I didn’t like the way his eyes raked over her every curve. I felt Abbi’s shaky hand ball up the back of my t-shirt, making me puff up my chest. I liked knowing that she looked to me to protect her.

“How can you say that? She’s the furthest thing from a gold digger. You’ve been in the same room with her for all of five seconds and made the worst first impression a father-in-law could.” It made me wonder what Abbi’s parents were like. I really didn’t look forward to meeting them and hearing what they thought of me.

My father looked shocked that I’d spoken back to him before he made his way into the living room and made himself comfortable on one of the couches. I was hoping he’d leave, but it looked like I wasn’t going to get my wish.

With a sigh, I followed after him, wanting to get this over with. Abbi trailed behind with her hand still fisted in my shirt until I guided her onto the couch opposite my father and sat beside her. She shoved her hands underneath her thighs. Was she holding herself back from slapping my father? I didn’t blame her; I would have liked to have seen it. I only hoped that my dad didn’t insult her again.

Placing my hand on her knee, I looked up to find my father glaring at us. His nostrils flared as he watched us. “When are you going to grow up? You’re thirty fucking years old and still acting like a dumb ass all because of your stupid floozy of an ex-wife.”

I didn’t need dear old Dad to remind me about Poppy. The internet did a good enough job reminding me of all the mistakes I’d made since I found out my wife hadn’t been faithful for the entirety of our marriage and had become a drug addict.

“Are you ever going to let me live that down?” I growled out. Leaning back, I stared out at the pool. What I wouldn’t give to do a few laps right now to burn away some of the frustration coursing through my body.

“Not when you keep making mistakes. How could you get married to this . . . this—”

“I’d shut your mouth right now if you know what’s good for you. That’s no way to speak to my wife and your daughter-in-law.”

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