Page 133 of Twisted Collide

“Josie? Is that you?”

Shit. It’s my father.

For a second, I don’t know what to say. If I talk, he’ll hear the sadness in my voice. If I don’t speak, he’ll most likely come over to check on me. If he sees me, cheeks red, eyes swollen, there will be no hiding that I’ve been crying.

Unfortunately, the decision is taken from me as my father strides across the back patio and stops right in front of me.

“Josie.” He steps closer, his hand lifting to touch my shoulder, but he stops right before he makes contact. “Are you—Are you okay?”

Another tear stains my cheek. There’s no hope of pretending now.

“No. But I will be.”

“I know we haven’t gotten to know each other—” He sighs. “I know things are complicated, but Josie, I’m your father. I want to be your father. If you need me—”

A sob breaks from my mouth, and the next thing I know, my father’s arms are wrapped around me.

Tears streak my cheeks as my body shakes.

He holds me tight, soft coos of comfort in my ear.

It’s too much.

My head is spinning.

I feel like I’m drowning, and right now, I hold my father like he’s the life raft keeping me afloat.

For the first time in my life, I have a dad; I have a safe haven, and I’m not alone.

I am not alone.

58

JOSIE

The last raysof sunlight cast a soft glow over my car as I pull down the long driveway.

I’ve been keeping a low profile since Dane ended things with me a few days ago. Right after the incident, I mentioned I wasn’t feeling too well to Laurie, so she approved my request not to travel with the team last night for this morning’s away game.

Are they back yet?

How awful would it be if my father invited Dane over tonight for one of their post-game meetings?

A shiver runs down my spine. No. That won’t happen. Dane wouldn’t do that to me.

I’m sure he knows I’m avoiding him since I wasn’t on the flight yesterday. The only saving grace of this whole mess is that I got to work from the main marketing office, which was fun.

There’s so much more to marketing than social media. These days, everyone thinks it’s all about views and likes, but building a solid brand is the most important thing. I was able to watch themarketing team come up with a strategy for how to get more fans in the stands and not just steamy pictures of the guys warming up.

I park in my normal spot at the back of the house and walk toward the guesthouse.

The familiar sight disperses all the tension in my shoulders. It might have started as a prison, but the longer I’m here, the more it feels like a second home.

From the corner of my eye, I can see the lights are on in the kitchen, and it looks like someone is in the room.

I squint. It’s Sherry, and by the way she’s cutting vegetables at the sink, I’d guess she’s preparing dinner.

My father must be home.

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