Page 58 of Moonlit Kisses

His offer eases my nerves and I realize that as much as I love having his support, I can do this on my own. Later, I know I can lean on him if I need to.

“Thank you.” I turn my head and land a kiss on the palm of his hand. “Would it be okay if we catch up later?”

“Of course. Whatever you need, Dimples. If I don’t see you at the game, I’ll come straight back here after.” I blow out a long breath. He didn’t hesitate for one single second. God, I’m lucky.

“You don’t need to do that. Have your drinks with the guys. I’ll still be here.” He pulls my face forward with care and kisses me. Stealing my breath and my heart. Now that I know how he can work my body, I react instantly to his kisses. My clit pulses and I squeeze my thighs together to temper my response.

We say our goodbyes and Max finally leaves for his weekly soccer game. I’m pretty sure the guys don’t care if they win or lose. It’s all a bit of fun and an excuse to catch up each week.

Holly and I head upstairs. “Can I get you anything? I have juice or I have water.” I wave my arm out toward my tiny couch. That couch has been privy to some interesting conversations over the past couple of weeks.

“Juice, please.” She sits and I prepare our drinks.

I hand her glass over and she takes a sip. “Do your parents know you’re here?”

“Mom does. She dropped me off. She said I could text her and she’ll come straight back to pick me up.” I nod. “Is it weird for you how much we look alike? Because it’s freaking weird sitting here, looking at you.” She chuckles.

“Definitely weird. When your mom showed me photos of you and Noah, our similarities surprised me because I’m a lot like my mom.” I point toward the photo I have on my wall. “Even though we all look similar, it seems Noah missed out on the dimples.”

She nods as she gets up and moves closer to study the photo. “Yeah. He’s happy about that, though. Says they’re girlie, which pisses Dad off something fierce. Wow! You really look like your mom.” She comes back to sit on the couch beside me, not making eye contact with me. “It was pretty shocking to learn I had a big sister.” She looks at me. “Not gonna lie. I was worried.”

I tilt my head to the side, frowning. “Why would you be worried?”

She shrugs. “I’ve always been Daddy’s girl.”

We’re both quiet for a long time as we contemplate how me being on the scene changes things. Whether or not we want it to, both of our lives have changed.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Holly nods, uncertainty written all over her face. “This has all been a huge shock for me and I’m still coming to terms with what it all means. I’m scared.” Her eyes widen. “I’m twenty-six and I’ve only now met my father for the first time. What if I’m not a good enough daughter? I know I can be a great big sister to a brother, but I’ve never been a big sister to a sister before. What if I’m shit at it?” She laughs and the ice between us is shattered.

“Well, I’ve never been a little sister, so we can work it out together.” My shoulders drop and I know that we’ll be able to muddle our way through this new relationship. Holly seems like a sweet girl, much like her mom.

“Your mom told me you’re seventeen. How’s your senior year going?”

She shrugs. “Okay, I guess. I don’t really like school. The kids are freaking annoying, and the boys are so immature.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’m sorry to tell you they don’t actually improve until their late twenties.” I chuckle at the look of exasperation on her face.

“Thanks. That’s something to look forward to. Not.”

“What do you want to do when school’s done?”

She flicks her hand down her body. “I want to be a fashion designer.” She stands up. “I designed and made this.”

Wow. I stand and make my way around her. “This is gorgeous. It looks like something I’d see in a fancy boutique.”

Holly puffs up at my compliment. “You think?”

“I do.”

“Mom and Dad always say stuff like that, but I figured they have to say that. You know?”

We talk for a while about her plans, and she tells me a little about Noah before her expression grows serious. “Dad is a genuinely great person, you know.” I’m a little taken aback at her sudden declaration. “I overheard my parents talking about how you walked out on him when you guys met for dinner. He was crying and telling Mom that he was worried that he’d blown his chance to get to know you.”

My heart sinks. I don’t want her to hate me because I upset her dad.Mydad. God, that’s weird to get used to. “I’m sorry, Holly.”

She shakes her head. “I didn’t tell you to make you feel bad. I’m trying to put myself in your shoes. It must be weird to meet your dad for the first time. I don’t exactly know the story or what happened between Dad and your mom, but I get the impression she was his first love. It grosses me out. Mom was … like … friends with them when they were dating.” She grimaces and shivers. “I know my dad and I know it’s important to him to have a relationship with you now he’s found you.” She shrugs. “I just want you to give him a chance. He’s been the best dad a girl could ask for.” She smiles and turns her head around, showing me her fancy braid. “He did this. Mom can’t braid my hair if her life depended on it. Dad’s always been the one to make my hair all fancy. I haven’t bothered learning how to do this stuff, because I know he’ll do it for me.” She chuckles as she shrugs. “But it’s more than fancy braids. I know if I need him for anything, he’ll be there. He won’t judge me or make me feel bad for making a mistake. He’ll help me work things out so I can get back on track. Dad’s never let me down. Like ever!”

I lay my hand over hers to settle her. She likes to fidget with her fingers like I fidget with my bracelet. “I’m thrilled to hear that. It’s important for girls to have a great role-model in their dad. I had a fabulous stepdad who always showed me exactly what I was worth. He taught me a lot about myself, and I only have happy, fond memories of him now.” I shrug. “I think things with your dad,ourdad, will settle down eventually. We just have to find our way.”

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