Page 140 of Chasing Lyric
“I had to make sure that ifmyLyric was getting involved with a man, a man who went to jail and who had already caused her great pain, I could trust himnotto be like Zane.”
My eyes widen as I glance at Annie. Her lips turn up, but not in a mischievous way, but more in a kind manner.
I’ve finally figured it out.
“You came onto me to see if I would take the bait. To see if I would cheat on Lyri?” I direct the questions toward Annie.
She dunks her finger into the cream again, then sucks it off, saying nothing.
Annie, the woman who I thought was trying to seduce me, was actually only trying to do right by her daughter.Guess I can’t fault her for that.
Stylo exhales. “I asked her to do it. Of course, if you’d made a move, she would have called it off to prove the point that you’re not worthy of our Lyri, but you proved us wrong. You stood your ground and fought for your relationship.”
I focus my eyes sharply on Stylo. “I willalwaysfight for my relationship with Lyri. I’m not lying when I tell you how deeply, madly, and utterly in love with her I am.”
Stylo beams wide like he’s the proudest father on earth. “Then, in that case, Chase… I give you my blessing to ask Lyric to marry you. When you’re both in the right place, I mean. Feel free to ask her, because I know I won’t always be reachable for you to ask for my permission. I’m giving it to you now, and you’ll have it when you’re ready. Tomorrow, a month, a year, ten years from now… no pressure, just know you have our blessing.”
I let out a rough laugh, my chest swelling with so much pride it’s a wonder I’m still standing. My arms wrap around Stylo in a firm pull, grounding me as my head spins from everything that’s just happened. When I step back, there’s a genuine grin tugging at my mouth, and for once, I don’t try to hide it. “Thank you… both of you. I know this wasn’t the usual way to earn a father’s blessing. Hell, I’m not even sure if I should be flattered or slightly disturbed,” I say, a low chuckle rumbling in my throat. “But if jumping through every insane hoop meant walking out of here with your respect, I’d do it again without blinking.”
I glance toward the door, knowing Lyric is on the other side, then back to her parents, my voice grounded with certainty. “She’s it for me. She always has been. I feel it in every part of me. And knowing you both believe that now? That means more than I can explain.”
Annie strolls up with a grin that says she’s proud of herself before she pulls me into a hug. “Sorry about the flirting. We justhadto know for sure.”
I wrap my arms around her, cordially and politely, but then her hands slide down to grab a full handful of my ass. I jolt, caught off guard, and both she and Stylo crack up like they’ve just won the damn lottery.
“Should’ve seen your face, cowboy,” she says through her laughter, stepping back with a gleam in her eyes. “Thinking you pulled the MILF… priceless!”
Now I get it.
These two? Full-blown chaos artists. The type who’ll prank their own daughter if the mood strikes. I can already see it, I’m going to be their favorite plaything for years to come.
But they’re underestimating me.
I smirk, roll my shoulders, and throw them a look that’s all challenge. “You two think you can win a prank war? Oh boy, we’re going to have some fun. Wait till I bring my friend Dax around, you two won’t know what hit you. This is war!”
Stylo barks a laugh, but Annie cackles louder. “Now you’re getting it, kid. You’re gonna fit in with us just fine, Chase,” Stylo chimes as the kitchen doors swing open and Lyric walks in.
“What’s the holdup? We need pie,” she demands while moving in behind me and wrapping her arms around my waist. My hands slide against hers as she snuggles into me while her mom grabs the two pies, one in each hand.
“Well then, let’s get this party started,” Annie announces, winking at me as we all walk back into the dining room.
What a turn of events.
Her parents plotted against me.
But I ended up with their blessing.
Now I know I can propose to Lyric, but at the right time. First, we need to move in together. All good things come to those who wait, and believe me, Lyric’s worth waiting for.
First things first—pie.
Then I will move her into my home.
Then I’ll get her a ring.
The things I’m going to do for you, Lyric Griffin.
Just you wait and see.
