Page 48 of Until Daddy

Watching his girl both comfort and help the woman in need without giving her a handout or making her feel as though she was simply being pitied warmed Jamison. She gave to this person—at no gain to herself, financially or otherwise—more than anyone he knew, more than those who were being paid to do so.

Carissa came out finally, locking the door behind her. “Sorry that took so long.”

“No problem at all.” He grinned down at her, resting his hands on her shoulders and giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. “You were needed.”

“We’re going to be late for your father’s now.” She looked at the black Fitbit circling her left wrist.

“He’ll keep.” Jamison nodded. “Let’s get your things, and I’ll text Garrick to let him know we’re running behind. If I let him show up first and he has to wait with my father alone, he may never speak to me again.”

“I left my purse at home. I’m all set.”

He looked her over. She wore jeans and a casual blouse.

“Where’s your wallet and your phone?”

She turned around and stuck out her butt at him. “Right here.” She patted the two back pockets.

He laughed. “Okay then.”

“I just need to change my jeans for a skirt. This blouse should be okay, right?” They walked down the corridor to the main entrance.

“Everything about you is more than okay,” he responded and pulled her to a stop just outside the shelter while they stood on the front steps. “You are amazing, Carissa. I mean, I knew it before, but watching you take care of that little girl… She didn’t even wake up, and with her mom—I couldn’t be prouder of you. Of everything you do and are.” He pulled her into an embrace and lifted her chin with his hand to give her a warm kiss.

He’d meant it to be a small kiss. But once his lips touched hers, he was pulled into her. He couldn’t get enough and doubted he ever would. He swept his tongue over her lower lip, and growled when reason smacked him on the head.

They were on the front steps of a women’s shelter. Not the best place to paw at his girl. And they were running late already.

“When we get home tonight, we’ll finish this,” he vowed.

She laughed and pressed her fingertips to her lip.

* * *

“About time you pulled up.”Garrick reached out his hand in greeting.

Carissa didn’t just change her jeans; the woman had changed her outfit three times before going back to the original blouse and skirt. Jamison had only gotten her out of her apartment because he’d threatened to start taking off his belt if she didn’t just pick something. Luckily for her they really didn’t have time for a spanking, and the little blush she’d produced at the threat had softened him.

“It’s my fault,” Carissa announced, stepping up to them.

“There was an emergency at the shelter. She was needed.” Jamison slid his hand around hers and gave it a squeeze. “Been here long?”

“No, just pulled up. After your message, I took Jade for a coffee.”

“I’m on midnights starting tomorrow,” Jade explained. “Not all of us were lucky enough to get that awesome shift up in Mommy and me.”

“I know. It’s fucking awesome.” Carissa beamed, but quickly realized her error and dropped her gaze. “Sorry.”

Jamison gave her hand another squeeze. “Let’s get this over with.” He nodded toward the steps leading up to his father’s home.

“Yeah. I’m letting you do all the talking.” Garrick slapped his back and gestured for Jade to follow up the steps.

When they entered the home, they were directed straight to the dining room.

“Guess we missed the appetizers,” Jade remarked from behind Jamison.

“Jamison! Garrick! Finally.” His father stood from the head of the table where he’d already begun to eat his meal, and gestured to the chairs. “I couldn’t wait another minute. Come sit down. But first introduce these lovely young ladies.” He rounded the table.

“Father.” Jamison nodded. He splayed his hand across the small of Carissa’s back. “This is my girlfriend, Carissa.” Her back muscles tightened but he ignored it. She was his girlfriend, even if it was for only another ten days.

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