Page 36 of Absinthe Dreams
I guess I always thought Chloe was my secret, though, something he hadn't quite managed to figure out yet. Guess I was wrong, because he very clearly knows. From the sounds of it, he's known for a while.
"It's not like that, Pops," I say anyway.
"Yeah, it is," he says softly. "But I'm not going to make you tell me about it. Just…don't be stupid, son. She deserves more than that." He pauses. "So do Colton and Wyatt."
"I know." I blow out a breath. "I know I could fuck up everything for everyone right now."
"What?" He sounds shocked. "That isn't what I meant, kid. You and that wild girl have belonged to one another for as long as you've both been alive. For a while there, I was worried as hell that you wouldn't figure it out. But if you have, good for you. I'm not going to stand in the way or tell you to let her go. Neither will your ma. We just want you to be smart about it, that's all. She deserves that from you of all people."
"I know," I rasp, my grip tight on the phone.
"Don't let her dad and brother find out when she turns up pregnant. I raised you better than that. If she's the one for you, do it right, son. That's how you keep this family intact, understood?"
"I'm working on it."
"Good. Just don't work too goddamn long. Babies only take nine months."
"Jesus Christ."
His deep chuckle rolls down the line. "I'm just saying."
I shake my head, chuckling in response. And then I sober. "Did Uncle Colton call you about us?"
"No. He called to let me know she was with you." He pauses. "For the record, I think he's relieved you're with her. He trusts you."
Well, shit. That does not make me feel any better about lying to him this morning.
"He told you what happened?"
"Yep," my dad growls. "I've been contemplating taking a drive with your uncles since we got off the phone. San Francisco isn't that far."
"It's far enough. He'll have it handled before you guys even roll into town."
"That's the only reason my big ass is still on the couch," Pops grumbles, making me chuckle. "But we'll ride at fucking dawn if needed."
I smile because I know he's not kidding. That's how much Chloe means to my family. I always thought maybe that was because she's Uncle Colton's kid, but I think I'm wising up now. It's got nothing to do with him. It's because of us…because she's mine.
"Thanks, Pops," I say, grateful as hell for him even if I don't tell him nearly often enough. When shit gets tough, he's always there. My whole life, I've looked up to him, admired him, watched the way he loves my ma with his whole heart, and prayed to God I grew up to do him proud.
What I know about love, he taught me. And it'll be those lessons that guide me through whatever comes with Chloe. I won't fuck it up. I refuse to do that for her sake, for mine…and for his.
"Anytime, kid. I mean that. Anytime you need anything, you call me."
"I will."
"Good. Now, get off my phone. I've got shit to do today."
"You called me," I remind him.
"Yeah, well, that was before your ma walked out here in a towel. Now, you're just wasting my precious time."
"Jesus fucking Christ. I'm hanging up now."
His loud laughter and my mom shouting at him not to tell her son her business are the last things I hear before I quickly hang up. Some things I'll never be old enough to hear. Ever.
Chloe stumbles outside, noteven an hour later, dressed in nothing but one of my T-shirts, her long, gorgeous legs on display. Her hair is a riot around her, and she's still got a pillow crease across her cheek. She looks beautiful, exactly like she's mine.
My dick turns to steel. My heart leaps into my throat. I should be used to that reaction by now, but it still gets me every time I see her. There is no controlling it. It's like my goddamn dick and my heart just know she owns them both, every single time.
