Page 93 of Body Shot

“I’m crazy about Claudia,” I say finally. “That’s all I can tell you. I have no plans to drop her. We’re using the time that she’s on probation at work to get to know each other better so we can decide what to do going forward. My plan is to move her to Fort Lauderdale as soon as she’s ready.”

Oh, yeah, score one for me.

Dad definitely wasn’t expecting that little tidbit.

So there.

“You’re that serious about her.”

“I don’t know how many other professional athletes you know, but we’re not all womanizing jerks. Have I ever had a one-night stand? Absolutely. But have I ever cheated on a woman I’ve been in a relationship with? Never. A man can enjoy the single life and then meet a woman who makes him want to settle down. Those things aren’t mutually exclusive.”

“You’re right.” He comes over to me and slowly holds out his hand. “Forgive me for being an overprotective father to my only daughter. She’s been hurt—and I don’t want to see it happen again.”

I take his hand as I say, “you can’t really prevent that, but I promise you I’ll be a much better boyfriend than Seth Crandall.”

Jeff’s eyes widen and then he nods solemnly. “So you know the story.”

“Of course, I know the story. The physical, emotional, and sexual parts of it too. I know about her surgery, and the ensuing PTSD, all of it. I’m falling in love with your daughter. And I never, ever plan to hurt her. Sometimes things don’t work out in life, I’ll give you that, but it’s not the plan.”

“As long as you’re good to her, you have my blessing.”

I’m pretty sure I don’t need it, but it’s probably better for me not to say that out loud.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Okay, enough.” Claudia comes in carrying a tray of something that smells good. “Whatever interrogation you have going on is over, Dad.” She thrusts the tray at him. “Take some bruschetta and do something with your mouth that doesn’t include embarrassing me.”

Jeff laughs. “Of course, sweetie.” He plucks a piece of the cheese-and-tomato-covered bread from the tray and takes a bite before strolling back to the kitchen.

“I’m so sorry,” she says, regret written all over her. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“It’s fine,” I whisper as I pull her against me. “He loves you and is looking out for you. And I appreciate that because I’m glad you have a dad who cares enough to worry about you.”

“I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions about whom I’m dating,” she protests.

“Yes, but they’re still your parents.”

“Of course, but when does the overprotectiveness end?”

“Maybe never. My mother has that feature on her phone that she can always see where I am. She checks it constantly when I’m on the road, to assure herself my flight has landed safe and sound. We decided this was a better compromise than demanding I text her every time I land.”

She snickers. “Okay, now I don’t feel so bad.”

“I honestly don’t even think about it anymore. She can check my whereabouts whenever she likes. It makes her feel better and doesn’t impact me in any way. If she questions my whereabouts, that will be a different conversation, but she hasn’t so I’m happy to let her do what she needs to so that she’s not nervous that my plane crashed or whatever.”

“Okay, fine.” She rests her head on my chest. “Can we just go back to the hotel now?”

“Nah, I’m hungry.” I playfully pat her ass.

“Did he ask your intentions?”

“He did.”

“What did you tell him?” She looks up, worry in her pretty face.

“Well, I didn’t tell him about my intention to fuck you up against the wall when we get back to the hotel,” I whisper, nibbling her throat. “Or how I plan to eat your pussy in the shower when we’re done.” I skim my hand over her breast, gratified to feel how hard her nipple is. “I definitely didn’t mention myintentionto finger your ass if you’ll let me.”

She sighs. “You’re making it very difficult to concentrate on food, Mr. Nyberg.”

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