Page 67 of Love's Hot

“Hi, Daddy, sorry I got held up at the office. I’ll be there soon.” Starting my car, I need to get to the job site before the end of shift.

“It’s okay, princess, please don’t rush. I don’t want you to have an accident.”

“Dad, are you making fun of my driving?”

“No, princess, not at all. All seven accidents you’ve had were obviously the other person’s fault. Just take it easy and I’ll see you soon. Don’t worry, I’ll have the contractors all sorted and ready for when you get here. They won’t move before I tell them they can.” I don’t doubt that one bit. When Dad speaks, everyone takes notice. It’s just the way he is. He’s a man of authority, but not in an arrogant way. He is very well respected by all our staff and contractors even though he’s retired.

“Thanks, Daddy, I’ll be there soon.”

As I drive through the city, I glance to the side and see the book on my seat. I’m so torn. My heart is crying for the sweetness of it. The message that only I would understand and the thoughtfulness of letting me know he’s fine. But my head is angry that he’s playing with my emotions and leaving me hanging. I have no idea what to think and no way of being able to talk to him when he’s cut me off.

After two near misses of accidents, I arrive at the job site down near the river, rushing to the site office where I can see everyone waiting for me. Apologizing, I rush through the crowd to find Dad at the table with everything set up and ready to go, just waiting for the contracts that I have with me.

“Okay, people, just give Lilly a minute and we’ll be ready to get you all done and out of here for the day.” They all just nod their heads while I fluster, getting everything I need out.

Dad takes control and the signings go smoothly. No one complains and are all happy to sign what’s being provided to them for the next job’s contract. We are loyal to our contractors providing they do the right thing by us too. It’s a mutual respect. With the last contractor heading out the door of the site shed, I start to breathe a sigh of relief that today is finally over. I’m exhausted and just want to go home, take a bath with a bottle of wine and just shut out the world for a while.

“Thanks for your help this afternoon, Dad. It’s always a bit crazy but we got it done without any hassles with you here. I’m going to head off now.” My arms are full with my bag and files.

“Give me those.” He takes the files from my hands. “I’ve arranged a table at the Italian place down the road for me to take you to dinner. Just the two of us.” He waits for me to start walking to the car.

I sigh, wishing I were going home, but if Dad says we’re doing dinner then who am I to argue? I suppose it can’t hurt. I do need to eat. Plus, it’ll be nice to just have a bit of quiet time with Dad. It’s not often we’re alone, just the two of us. Normally Mom is with him and she tends to dominate the conversation while Dad just puts his two cents’ worth in occasionally. Or when the whole family is together, you can forget getting a quiet conversation with anyone. Dad is usually entertaining the grandkids or helping Mom fussing over the mountain of food she’s prepared. Lastly, his other job is to calm Mom. When she gets carried away, he steps in and centers her. It’s gorgeous to watch. He loves her more than I can put a value on. It’s like this great universal aura that sits around them. Eternal love is what I would call it.

I follow Dad in my car down the road to the parking for the restaurant, where we pull into a quaint little row of shops. This area of the city has started to develop over the last few years and things are looking up. There are still old and rundown buildings. But one by one, they’re getting bought and either refurbished or demolished by companies like ours, to make way for improvements to the area.

Before I can get out of my car, Dad is at the door waiting to open it for me.

“Thanks, Daddy.” He pulls me in for a hug when I stand from my car. Not just a normal one but the kind of hug that says, I love you and I’ve got you. You are always going to be my little girl and I will protect you. I hang on tight because it is exactly what I need today.

Hooking me under his arm, we walk into the restaurant and are seated and quickly order some dinner.

“How come Mom let you out on your own for dinner? That’s not like her. Not that I mind.”

He starts laughing his deep belly laugh. “You make it sound like your mother controls me.” Which we both know she does but only as much as he lets her. He does it to keep her happy, but when push comes to shove, he controls the whole family with a snap of the fingers, including Mom. “She’s over at Alesha’s tonight discussing wedding things. No way did I want to be anywhere near that dinner. Plus, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with you.” He takes my hand in his.

“What’s going on, princess. You’re totally off-balance. I can see it in your body language, and the sparkle in your eye is all dull and nearly gone. I think it’s time you told me what’s going on. Let me help.” The love and compassion in my dad’s eyes nearly cause me to fall apart instantly. I don’t want to make a fool of myself in public, so I take a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“It’s just been a tough few weeks. You know Kane, Xavier’s best friend?”

“Yes, sweetheart, I know Kane. The great policeman and the man you’ve had your eye on for a while. If I can guess where this is going it’s that this has become more than having your eye on him. Am I right?” He gives me that soft smile that makes you believe you can tell him anything.

“I’m not going to lie. I’ve fallen in love with him.” The tears are sitting just waiting to stream down my face.

“What’s the problem then?” he asks like it’s that simple.

“He doesn’t feel the same.” I pause and sigh at the realization that is the simple truth. “He broke it off a few weeks ago and has disappeared since. He’s left me shattered and heartbroken. More than that, though, he’s left me totally confused. I really thought he felt the same. It’s the first time I’ve felt like this and now I know why I avoided it.”

The waiter arrives with our food and Dad sits quietly waiting for everything to be sorted and for him to leave. Then he just says quite bluntly what he thinks. “I call bullshit on him not feeling the same. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Like he wants to devour you. Then when you look at each other, the sparks that are flying are more than a relationship that’s just a bit of fun. I don’t know what that boy is thinking, but I can tell you, it’s not that he doesn’t love you. That word is written all over his face and body language whenever you’re near him.”

I love my dad. He never pulls any punches. He says it exactly how he sees it. He starts to eat his pizza, just watching me try to digest what he’s just said.

“Then where is he, and why the hell did he tell me to move on and see other people? I know he’s worried about the job he does and what a stress that will be to any woman he’s with, but what if I don’t care? What if I will happily take that risk? He’s just taken off and I can’t even tell him that. It’s just so weak. I thought he had way more balls than that.” I don’t really feel like eating my gnocchi now. I can feel Dad’s eyes looking at me waiting for me to start, though. I feel like I’m six years old again being made to eat my vegetables. Not being allowed to leave the table until I did. So, like the good daughter I am, I pick up my fork and start to eat it slowly.

“Did you ever think in his line of work he’s trying to protect you from something? Don’t you think it’s strange he breaks up with you then disappears? It sounds strange to me. Have you spoken to Xavier about it?”

“Yes, and he’s tightlipped. I know he knows something; he just won’t share it. So damn frustrating. Alesha assures me she doesn’t know. I told her to use her special powers with him, but it still didn’t work.” Putting another forkful in my mouth, Dad says something that nearly makes me choke on it.

“Lilly, too much information on your sister’s sex life. Remember I’m her dad. I don’t need to know what her superpowers are.” Like I would ever tell him that anyway.

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