Page 6 of My Best Friend's Dad

“Yes, that.” He turned back to me, his green eyes locking onto mine. “Jenna, there’s no need to rush into dating. You should wait until there’s a man good enough for you.”

The way his stern glare was boring into me was doing strange things to me and I decided in an instant that I didn’t like it, or maybe I did. I didn’t know. I swallowed hard, pulled the towel tighter, and took a step back.

“And who decides who’s good enough for me? You?” I said aggressively, trying to muster up some sense of defiance.

Maybe you should do something about it then, big boy…

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m just saying you deserve better than someone like Dane.”

“I know what I deserve,” I shot back, my tone more defensive than I intended. I swallowed back my emotion, continuing with a more level, calm tone. “And I’m not rushing into anything. Actually, there hasn’t been anyone since him.”

Vincenzo sighed, running a hand through his hair. I don’t know if I saw a look of relief cross his face at my response, but it was gone in a flash.

“I’m just concerned about you. You’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t settle for anything less than perfection,” he said firmly.

I couldn’t help but smirk. “So, you’re saying I should aim higher? Maybe go for someone more mature, experienced?”

His eyes narrowed slightly, blazing with anger, frustration, and maybe a bit of something I couldn’t quite identify. “Don’t twist my words, Jenna. You know what I mean.”

“Do I?” I took a step closer, feeling a surge of boldness. “Because it sounds like you’re trying to dictate my love life.”

Was I provoking him? Why would I do that? Did I want to get into it with him? Did I want him to do something about it?

You do, you horny little slut.

“I’m not trying to dictate anything,” he said firmly, and I couldn’t help but notice his fists squeeze at his sides. “I’m just giving you advice. Advice from someone who cares about you.”

I softened at that. “I know you care, Vincenzo. But I can make my own decisions.”

“Yes, you can,” he agreed, his voice gentle now, yet still laced with an edge of seriousness. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. You deserve someone who will treat you right.”

I looked down, my heart pounding. “And what if I already know who that is?”

What are you doing? Are you trying to start shit? Stop being a fucking idiot and get control of yourself!

He was silent for a moment, and when I looked up, his expression was unreadable. I watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down before he lifted his chin and cleared his throat.

“Then I hope he’s worthy of you,” he finally replied.

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of us, standing in the kitchen, a thousand unspoken words hanging between us, but neither of us said anything at all.

And then the moment was gone.

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Just be careful, Jenna.”

I smiled back at him, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I will.”

Before Vincenzo could respond, Bella walked into the kitchen, her presence breaking the tension. She took one look at her dad and rolled her eyes.

“Dad, stop being weird,” she said, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. She’d changed into a tank top and shorts andplopped her butt down at the table all while looking forlornly at the pot of sauce and the still boiling spaghetti noodles.

I watched Vincenzo for a long moment, his expression shifting back to neutral as he focused on stirring the sauce once more. My heart was still racing from our exchange, and I needed a moment to collect myself.

“I’m going to get changed out of my bathing suit,” I said, turning to Bella.

“Sure, we’ll be eating dinner soon, if it’s ever ready that is,” she replied, already engrossed in her phone.

“Ten more minutes,” Vincenzo sighed, and I chuckled as I turned away.

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