Page 15 of Forbidden Fruit (Sweet Treats 7)

“My dad is a trucker too!” I say brightly. “Maybe you know him? His name is James Landauer.”

Owen’s expression grows shuttered for a moment.

“I do know him, actually. Not well, but I know of him. In fact, he’s in Dads and Daughters too.”

“He is?” I ask in a surprised voice. “James has never spoken of it.”

Owen nods.

“It’s not surprising. The club is on a need-to-know basis, so we don’t usually disclose its existence. But I’m telling you about my membership now, Kristy, because I want to be open with you. Our relationship has started off with promise, and I think it’s better if I’m honest with you from the beginning.”

I grow hot and my cheeks flush. I can’t believe Owen used the words “promise” and “relationship.” Is it possible that this handsome, charismatic alpha male might want something real with me, a plump teenage girl?

“Okay,” I smile. “What is it then? I’m sure there’s nothing that could be so terrible. You’re making it sound like your mother died of the bubonic plague.”

Owen smiles slightly.

“It’s not the plague, although some people might see it that way. You see, Dads and Daughter was created so that long haul truckers can get relief while they’re on the road.”

I nod.

“Of course. My dad has his truck cab set up with all sorts of amenities. It’s really quite fancy. He’s got a flatscreen back there, plus a cooler, and a bed with a nice mattress and some really powerful A/C. It’s comfortable. It’s nicer than a lot of homes, to be honest.”

Owen nods again.

“Yes, but the dads do more than just relax and sleep. Sometimes, we need a woman’s companionship, so we’ll call on Dads and Daughters then.”

I squint a bit.

“Which means?”

Owen looks a bit uncomfortable again. There are harsh streaks on his cheekbones, and his bronzed skin looks a bit more flushed.

“Well, it means that one of the daughters might come out to join us for the night. They’re a local hostess, so to say.”

I shake my head, confused.

“Like they make conversation with you? Bring brownies for you to enjoy? Flowers?”

Owen shakes his head slowly.

“No, not exactly. The daughters provide relief to us in a much more … ahem, intimate way. They sleep with us, Kristy. They make us happy.”

I stare at him, my heart racing.

“You must be kidding.”

The alpha male shakes his head slowly.

“No, I’m not. That’s why I was at the hotel tonight. Not to find girls,” he adds hastily. “But daughters join the club at age eighteen, and it was my daughter June’s turn to be initiated.”

I stare at him.

“How long have you been a member?” I ask in a choked voice.

Owen’s reply is even.

“Ever since my divorce went through.”

“How long has my dad been a member?”

Owen shakes his head, his blue eyes even.

“I’m not sure, sweetheart. But rest assured, there are no married men in the club. They’re very strict about that. The fabric of our club would be worth nothing if we allowed married members.”

I take a deep breath. My heart is racing, and my head feels light. Holy shit. Owen is a member of a swap club? My dad is a member? Suddenly, my chin jerks up to look at him.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask in a strangled voice. “What are you hoping to get?”

Owen considers the question for a moment before answering.

“I’m telling you because I feel a connection between us, Kristy. This could be the start of something real, and I don’t want to hide parts of my life because it would be dishonest. I would rather that you know me for who I am from the beginning, rather than try and clue you in later.”

My throat feels dry and I swallow thickly.

“But why?” I demand again. “You have your life and I have mine. We just met.”

Owen’s blue gaze sharpens at that point, and he’s thoughtful before speaking again.

“What I’m saying, Kristy, is that I’d be happy to stop seeing other daughters, if you’d prefer it that way. As you may have guessed, every time a trucker pulls into a truck stop, he gets a new girl. The girls are local and service truckers who visit their city. A good time is had by all, and most of the time, there are no regrets. But I’m willing to say goodbye to that lifestyle if you want me to.”

“I want you to,” I say swiftly before stopping abruptly. My cheeks flame. Oh my god, where did that come from? I don’t even know Owen, and yet the thought of him being with another woman absolutely horrifies me. I want him to be mine alone, although I have no idea where this sense of possession is coming from. “I don’t want you to see other woman,” I say again quickly before I can slap a hand over my mouth.

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