Page 5 of Primal God

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re giving me the distraction that I need, so it’s all good.”

“Did your dad, uh, say anything after you dropped me off?”

He snorts. “No, thank god. That would have been awkward as hell.”

“Agreed, which is why I’m hoping he’snotthere when we get to your place.”

“Cock blocked by my father,” he groans.

I laugh. “Don’t say it like that. It sounds weird.”

“Only if it’s true, which we both know it isn’t. Cock blocking would imply that Dad was into you, and I know Dad loves Mom, even with all her flaws.”

I nod, glancing out the window. That statement shouldn’t rub me the wrong way. It shouldn’t!

Needing to change the subject, I ask, “Randomly, did you find my panties on your patio?”

“No, why?”

“I shoved them in my pocket, and they must have fallen out.”

“I haven’t seen them. Maybe they fell out when you got out of my car.” He snorts. “God, can you imagine if my dad found them?”

“Please don’t even joke about that.”

Because it’s my biggest fear.

He says, “I’m sure they’ll turn up.”

We turn onto the private road that leads to João’s house. When we first started hanging out, the road was paved in gravel, but once Dr. Santos found out his wife was pregnant, he had it paved with asphalt. Said he didn’t want the twins to have as many scraped knees as João did growing up. It was a sweet gesture, if you ask me, though all Mrs. Santos did was gripe about the money it cost. She said he could have spent the money on her.

João parks in front of the house, instead of in the garage. I grab my bag and follow him up the stone steps to the front door. The front door is one of those comically tall doors that I bet are only found in Texas. People take the ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ saying to heart around here, that’s for sure.

Inside, João calls out, “Mom. Dad. I’m home.”

Dr. Santos appears from the kitchen. “Just me right now. Your mother took the twins to see some friends.”

João says, “I’m going to shower and then grab some things before we head out.” He pauses. “Mom said she was cooking dinner tonight.”

Dr. Santos’ expression is tight. “Not tonight, but I can whip up something while you change.”

“You’re the best, Dad.” He turns to me. “You don’t mind helping him, do you, babe?”

Horror spreads through me as I glance at Dr. Santos before looking back at João. Does he not remember what happened last night, because I sure as hell do!

“Babe?”

“Uh, sure. Of course I can help.”

I mean, what else am I supposed to say?

João says, “Excellent. I’ll be down in a few.”

But I know João, and he likely won’t be down for a very, very long time. He rushes up the stairs, whistling softly to himself. By the time I turn, Dr. Santos has already disappeared into the kitchen. I take in three deep breaths before I follow. He’s bent over, looking in the fridge, so I get a nice view of his firm butt. My god. That’s unreal. It looks carved out of stone. Maybe even marble…

He turns, eyebrow lifting. “Can I help you, Ms. Wolfe?”

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