Page 3 of Second Helpings (Sweet Treats 4)

I nod again, slurping happily at my stew.

“It’s great that you guys work out so much,” I say. “Driving a truck is hard on the body, and I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself, Daddy. It would be so easy to eat crap on the road and never exercise, but I know you have your jump rope and your weights. The gym here is a great place too. I think they just installed a new climbing wall, if you’re interested.”

My dad nods thoughtfully again, although I can’t tell what he’s thinking.

“We try to keep in shape because sitting for sixteen hours a day is hard on the body. It’s good to keep the blood flowing, and building muscle prevents bone loss too. But has Jock said anything to you lately?” he asks.

I shake my head and squint.

“No, not really. Just the usual “hello,” “goodbye,” and “how’s your family doing?” Why, should I be expecting something different? I know you and Layla have been dating for a while now, but he seems okay with it.”

Tyler nods.

“Yeah, Jock’s cool with me dating his daughter. But has he said anything to you about uh … well, ever since you turned eighteen?”

I squint.

“No, why? What would he say?”

My dad pauses for a moment, but then shakes his head.

“No, never mind. It’s fine.”

I mock-frown at him.

“Daddy, what is it? If you’re keeping something from me, I’m going to be angry.”

My dad sighs and runs his hand through his thick hair again. His blue eyes seem conflicted, which makes me only more curious.

“Well, Sienna, you know that I’m very open with you.”

“Of course, Daddy,” I chirp. “We’re best friends.”

My dad looks a little pained at that.

“Maybe that’s going a little too far. No father should be best friends with his daughter, but it’s okay. After your mom left, we became close, and I’m glad we have such a good relationship.”

“Me too,” I murmur. “Why? Is something wrong?”

My dad sighs again.

“Well, do you remember that conversation we had the summer you turned twelve and got your period?”

I stare at him.

“Daddy, that was ages ago. Why does it matter? What does it have to do with this?”

He nods.

“Well, it’s a conversation that I’m proud of because I was the one to teach you about menstruation. How to take care of yourself, how often to change your pads, and even how to use a tampon.”

My cheeks flare, even after all this time.

“I remember, Daddy. You pulled up a video on YouTube to show me how it’s done. It was uncomfortable, but it did the job.”

My dad nods, his handsome face solemn.

“It was uncomfortable, but I take my responsibilities seriously, honey. And one thing that I’m really proud of is how open we are with one another. Remember? I also talked to you about contraception, dating, and boys.”

My cheeks go red.

“Of course I remember, Dad, because we’ve had multiple conversations about that. You even used yourself and Layla as an example.”

Tyler nods again, his expression still mysterious.

“I know the conversation was uncomfortable. But yes, my girlfriend and I have sex, and family planning is absolutely something that we discuss. It’s something that I discuss with you as well, Sienna, because I’m treating you as an adult.”

I swallow, even though this conversation has me confused. What is my dad getting at? What is he trying to say?

“I know, Dad. I am an adult, and I appreciate the fact that you’re so open with me. We are friends, and you can talk to me like a grown-up. But you don’t have to worry about contraception with me, Daddy, because I’m not seeing anyone. In fact, I’ve never even been with a boy like that, so it’s not an issue.”

Tyler nods again, his expression still unreadable.

“I know, honey. That’s why I wanted to seize this opportunity to chat with you.”

I squint at him, immediately a bit suspicious.

“About what?”

He sighs and looks a little uncomfortable himself. There’s a deep flush on his tanned features, and his bronzed fingers tap a bit on the table.

“Well, sweetheart, you’ve turned eighteen, and I want you to sample the pleasures of the flesh.”

“The pleasures of the flesh?” I say in a squeaky voice. “What are you talking about?”

Tyler looks pained again, but this time he gets up and goes to rummage in the closet in his room. When he comes back, he has something in his hands. It’s a small, plain cardboard box, and he sets it on the table.

“What’s this?” I ask, still a bit suspicious. “Did you buy this while you were on the road?”

He shakes his head.

“No, honey. I’ve had it for a while, and wanted to give it to you after you turned eighteen. It’s something that every woman should enjoy.”

I’m still suspicious, but with trembling fingers, I open the box to reveal what looks like a pink egg inside. I pull it out. It’s ovoid and about two inches in length. It appears to be made of a soft silicone material, and I squeeze it experimentally.

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