Page 28 of Might as Well

Dad hums as if he’s not sold yet. “There’s also how she’s a complete stranger.”

“She’s not now, though. I mean, I don’t know everything about her, but I know plenty.” I sigh when his demeanor doesn’t change. “Dad, today is the first time since she was nineteen that she’s spent Thanksgiving with someone. She stays home more than anything else. She has no reason to take advantage of me.”

“It doesn’t sit well that she has no one.”

“Are you fucking kidding me, Dad?” I shake my head, disappointed in my parents. “She’s here to stay as long as she wants. I don’t want to hear another word about Violet. I mean it, Dad.”

“Zane?”

I whirl around to find an unsure Violet at the edge of the room.

“Yeah, babe?”

She seems to relax a little. “I told your mom I’d get her another helpin’ of the pumpkin pie.”

“One second; I’ll make the plate.”

A minute or so later, Violet takes the plate to my mom.

“You didn’t exactly take things well after Deanna. We just don’t want to see you hurt,” Dad says quietly.

“I’m not worried about that; I’m more worried about Violet ending up happy. She deserves that at least.”

Dad gives me a look. He doesn’t even have to say it. What I said concerns him more. Maybe I’m in too deep already, but part of me wants to throw caution to the wind. My gut tells me Violet and I are right where we belong. My parents’ concerns are just that: theirs. I’m not too worried, especially because as the night wears on, Mom seems to become just as smitten with Violet. They even exchange phone numbers, though I’m not sure how I feel about that.

A bit later, I’ve settled into bed and Violet eyes me as she walks over. She crawls into bed, surprising me when she straddles me. I’ve learned what that little sign means. She wants sex. I’m surprised she wants it now with my parents in the house.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” I ask.

Her cheeks flush. “It’s a little embarrassing to say out loud.”

That intrigues me even more. “Tell me, babe,” I demand.

She’s quiet, torturing me with what she could possibly be thanking me for. Her voice is soft as she speaks. “You make me feel…” She pauses as she struggles to find the right word. “Cared for,” she finishes. “I haven’t felt that way in a long time.” The next words are so quiet, if it wasn’t for how quiet my room is, I wouldn’t clearly hear her. “I think I could love you.”

A grin quickly lifts my lips. “Might as well.” Violet laughs, but stops short as I add, “I think I could love you too.”

A flush flames up from her chest to her cheeks. “Would it be weird?” She wiggles her hips and runs her hands over my bare chest.

“I’d have sex with you whenever and wherever you want, Violet.”

She grins, but makes no move to continue. That’s just fine. I can make the move for her. With my hands cupping her neck, I bring her down for a kiss. Violet stirs something in me that I don’t think anyone ever has. There’s this crazy urge to protect her, to take care of her, to love her, and to see to it that she’s happy. I can’t seem to resist her and I don’t think I really want to.

“I don’t tell you enough how proud I am of you, son,” Dad states. The Rebels host a dads’ trip and a moms’ trip every season and right now, it’s Dad’s turn. We just returned to the hotel after an intense game, which ended in a five-zero shutout in favor of the Rebels.

“Thanks, Dad. I’m going to call Violet.”

“You really care for her.”

It’s not a question, yet I nod nonetheless. “I want things to work out between us.”

“I hope they do.” He pats me on the shoulder. “I’m going to call your mom.”

I step out into the hallway for some privacy. Violet answers on the fourth ring.

“Hey,” she answers softly. Something in her tone raises my hackles.

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