Page 45 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

Chapter 14

Skylar

Something's different tonight.Dad's eyes narrowed when he was talking to Garrett, his words laced with an edge that made me flinch.

When I tried to lighten the mood, Dad would cut me off with a look that could freeze hell.

As the evening wore on, I noticed the careful way neither Dad nor Garrett would look at me directly.

Dad either knows about me and Garrett or he suspects something.

As the last plate clinks into the dishwasher, I dry my hands on a dishtowel, steeling myself for what's to come. Dad's distrust stings, but I can't blame him entirely.

We've been sneaking around, and that ends tonight. If this is going to blow up in our faces, I want it to be on my terms.

With determined steps, I make my way to Dad's library. My heart races, but I keep my chin high.

As I approach, I hear muffled voices growing louder, more heated.

They're arguing about me.

My fingers tremble as I reach for the doorknob. I hesitate for a moment, then push it open. The scene before me stops me cold.

Dad's fist slams into Garrett's jaw with a sickening thud. Garrett retaliates, shoving hard.

They stumble backward, crashing into a bookshelf with a thunderous rattle. Books rain down around them, pages fluttering like startled birds.

“What the hell is going on?” I demand, my voice shaking. “And don't you dare lie to me. This isn't about some business deal, is it?”

Dad wipes blood from his lip, his knuckles raw and red. Garrett straightens his shirt, wincing as he touches his rapidly swelling jaw.

“Skylar, honey, this is complicated—” Dad starts, but I cut him off.

“No. Don't 'honey' me. I'm not a child anymore, and I won't be treated like one.” I turn to Garrett, eyes blazing. “And you. I thought we were past the secrets.”

Garrett's jaw clenches. “Skylar, I?—”

“Save it,” I snap. “I want the truth. Now. Why were you really fighting?”

The silence stretches again, neither man willing to speak first. My frustration boils over.

“I'm standing right here!” I shout, my voice echoing off the library walls. “Stop acting like I'm some kid you need to whisper about behind closed doors. I deserve to know what's going on!”

I glare at them both, daring them to contradict me. “This is about us, isn't it?” I say, gesturing between myself and Garrett. “But there's more to it, isn't there? What aren't you telling me?”

Dad's face darkens, confirming my suspicion. Garrett's shoulders slump.

“Well?” I demand. “Am I right? Because if I am, you both owe me one hell of an explanation.”

Finally, Garrett speaks, his voice low and determined. “George, she needs to know. All of it.”

Dad's face contorts with a mix of anger and resignation. “Dammit, Garrett, we agreed?—”

“No.” Garrett cuts him off. “We didn't agree. You decided. But Skylar's right. She deserves to know the truth.”

I feel my heart racing, anticipation and dread warring inside me. “What truth?” I demand. “What have you been keeping from me?”

Dad gestures to the armchair. “Sit down, Skylar. This isn't going to be easy to hear.”

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