Page 113 of I Knead You Tonight

“You already know I like her, so just ask me what you want to ask me and stop beating around the bush.”

“Yes, we established that long ago when you showed up with bruised knuckles after you beat the shit out of that deadbeat ex of hers. You ever tell her about that?”

“I told her as much as she needs to know.”

He nods, accepting my answer. He wasn’t happy with me resorting to violence, but I don’t think he was as opposed to it as he should have been either.

Drew is like a daughter to him, and he wanted to punch that dickbag Chadwick too.

“Are you freaking out having her there? Taking on raising a child is a big deal. Is that something you really want to do?”

“I think so.”

“You think or you know so? Drew doesn’t have a choice in raising her son. You do, so you better be real damn sure it’s what you want. If it’s not, pull back before you get too attached.”

“Funny, she basically said the same thing to me last night. You two been talking?”

“No. She has no idea I know about you guys.”

“Good, because I’m pretty sure she’d chop my balls off, and I’d rather that not be a thing. I’m kind of attached to them.”

My dad snorts. “Literally. Anyway, I’m sure you didn’t come in just to shoot the shit with your old man. What’s up, son?”

My nerves start to get the better of me and I bounce my knee up and down as a distraction.

I’ve been thinking about what Drew said over twenty-four of the forty-eight hours, hours I don’t actually need.

I already know I want to do this with her. I’veknownI want to. I’ve just been waiting on her to catch up.

Now that she’s there, I know she’s not going to just take my word for it, know I need to show her she can depend on me and I’m not the same grumpy bum she’s always known me as. I need to show her I have drive, I’m reliable, and she can count on me.

I’m still scared shitless about taking the next step, worried I’ll wake up one day hating the thing that brings me so much joy, but the thought of doing anything else scares me too.

So I guess I’ll just have to take my chances and go for it.

The only way I’ll find out if I’m going to fail is to try, right?

I blow out a steadying breath. “I was, uh, I was actually wondering if I could maybe do a shoot in the pizzeria.”

“Like a photoshoot? What for?”

“For me.”

“You want to take pictures of yourself in the pizzeria?” He leans across the desk. “Do you mean, like, a sexy photoshoot? Is this a weird kink you and Drew are into? Boudoir pizzeria shots?”

I bark out a laugh. “No. That is definitelynotsomething we’re into. At least I don’t think we are.”

“Oh.” My father sits back. “Good. Because that’d be weird if your momandyou were into that.”

“Dad!” I groan.

He shrugs. “What? Your mom was a wild card.”

“Please. Just stop.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m being serious here.”

“I am too.” He grins. “Okay, fine. What’s this photoshoot idea you have?”

“Well, it’s not actuallyforme. It’s for my…well, my business.”

---