Page 15 of A Secret Promise

She glanced back at Vixen, who was still surrounded by people like a celebrity hounded by the press. They were all asking her about the hows and the whens, but Vixen only laughed everything off with a shake of her head.

"I'm sorry, but we're just friends for now."

Everyone groaned, and Riley wanted to groan with them. Just like the others, she already knew that Vixen was one of those people you could trust to always say the truth...no matter how painful or awkward.

And speaking of...

Riley still couldn't help feeling a little self-conscious when she found herself alone with Vixen in the aviary. Doubts and insecurities plagued her heart once again, and Riley found herself wondering if Vixen might be too nice to turn her dad down.

People might think her dad was attractive, but he was also a single dad, and most women—-

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Vixen's tone was friendly like usual, but Riley now had her guard up...and she suddenly didn't know how to make herself feel comfortable again with the other woman.

Vixen looked at her in concern. "Hey. Is everything alright?"

No.

Everything's not alright.

Because I'm suddenly scared my dad and I are forcing ourselves on you.

But instead of saying any of those things, Riley was surprised to hear herself ask, "Can you give me a verse?"

"Oh, um, okay." Vixen looked at her curiously. "But what for?"

"Fear."

"Then something from Isaiah," Vixen answered promptly.

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Riley's fingers curled into fists. The words were exactly what she needed to hear, but she found it comforting and terrifying to admit this.

Are you really real, God?

"If you tell me what you're afraid of," Vixen suggested gently, "then maybe—-"

"It's you," she blurted out.

Vixen blinked at her. "Me?"

Riley squirmed on her feet. "How do you really feel about my dad? And...me?"

"Oh, Riley."

Vixen's tone was tender, and her smile affectionate. Riley couldn't recall ever using such words to describe anyone in her life. Not even her own dad. But she knew there were no better words than those to describe the other woman.

"You don't need to worry about these things—-"

"Is that your way of telling us not to hope for anything because you're too nice?"

"Wh-what—-no, of course not!" Vixen looked at her for a moment, and Riley was astonished to see the other woman's cheeks slowly turn pink.

"This feels embarrassing to admit, but I'mveryattracted to your dad."

Riley was tempted to start jumping for joy—-

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