Page 59 of Detention with Daddies

“Because you’ve never been attracted to someone like me before.”

Despair fills his eyes, and he shakes his head. “No. I haven’t.”

“Well, it’s unclear if it’s me you’re attracted to rather than you’re new discovery of how attractive my body type can be. You need to figure it out before this”—I gesture between the two of us—“happens again.”

I back away, stepping around him and out the door to shower and go drown my emotions in wine with my best friend.

NICK

I’ve packed my Jeep with two boards and the extra bodysuit I got for Olivia. I’m excited to see her, to spend some time alone with her outside of the pressure of having my daughter—of my family and ex—there to create unnecessary tension.

When I arrive though, there are two other people waiting inside of her house with her.

I lift my brow at her in question.

“Nick, this is Shawna, my best friend, and her boyfriend, Ty. Guys, this is Nick.”

I nod to them both. Ty holds out his hand for a firm shake.

Shawna kisses Olivia’s cheek and drags her boyfriend out to their car.

The small smirk on Olivia’s lips is a clear challenge. “Shawna invited herself after last time, and I couldn’t say no. Besides, she won the gold at the last summer Olympics. You won’t need to babysit her in the water.”

And it seems like they will drive themselves, which is another good idea because I have plans for us when the sun drops.

“I suppose it’s only fair since you were ambushed last time.”

Her smile says I’m right, and she doesn’t feel bad about it at all. Shawna seems like a good friend. I can appreciate that. I like that she’s protective over Olivia. I am too, even if I fouled that up at my sister’s.

I won’t allow that to happen again. I’m not that kind of person, and I am more than willing to put the work in to prove that to her. To prove myself. I want to be worthy of Olivia.

She’s too special not to put the work in for it. For her.

Shawna leans against the side of the car in the driveway, watching us.

“Just an FYI, I didn’t bring enough food for them.”

The way humor lights her up says that I must look as sheepish as I feel.

“You don’t have to worry about that.” She pats the bag under her arm. “My mom and brother packed extra snacks. They never let me go anywhere without something.”

I peer around her to see if they’re in the house, and she catches me, pushing my shoulder and stepping us both out onto the porch. “They’re out. Well, my dad is home, but he’s in his chair and will probably be there all day. It’s his day off.”

The door closes behind her, and her face lifts to mine, I can’t help but brush my fingers over her cheek and along her neck. Pink tints her skin.

“And you don’t want me to meet him?”

Olivia shrugs. “Not yet.”

Her answer drives a sharp little pang in my chest, but I nod. “Maybe when I return you tonight, you’ll change your mind.”

“I look forward to seeing how hard you try to persuade me.” And her gaze turns a little naughty, rekindling the fire low in my gut.

I can’t explain how much room I’ve dug out for her. How it’s my own fault that I can feel the emptiness now.

Shawna interrupts us with a whistle. “Hey, stop mooning over each other and let’s get to the beach. If I have to wet my suit myself, no one is going to be happy.”

Olivia’s smile cracks, and I can’t help but laugh. Her best friend is going to be a hoot to hang out with. I can tell already.

---