Page 129 of Play Pretend

“Guess so.” I smiled tightly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, too.”

He chuckled. “All good things, I hope.”

My eyes slashed to him, my smile falling. It was likely just a joke…or maybe he was fully aware of how much of an asshole he was to his daughter.

“Can we please go to the hotel?” Lydia whined. “I need to take a shower and get the plane air off me.” She turned toward Willow. “It wasdisgusting. The air was dry, and there were people in coach—we flew first, of course—who were coughing. I feel myself already getting sick.” She fanned herself as she looked around. “Where is the town car?”

“There is no town car,” Willow said softly. Meekly. I clenched my jaw at the sound. “We’re here to pick you up.”

“Oh.” Lydia let out a high-pitched laugh. “How…nice. In your car? Or have you finally bought a new one?”

“I’ve been telling her for years she needs a new car. That little rust-bucket is awful,” Bill said conspiratorially, shaking his head. “Can’t believe you let her drive around in that.” He laughed as he clapped me on the back, but I didn’t smile.

“Her car is safe,” I said. “I’ve checked it.”

“Oh,” he laughed again, the sound sarcastic, and looked at the three women. “He’scheckedit.”

I felt words bubbling to the surface, but I swallowed them down. This was Willow’s father. I couldn’t lose my shit within the first ten minutes of meeting him.

“Ronan would never let me drive it if it was unsafe,” Willow said. “He’s very protective.”

Her father turned his attention to me again, scrutinizing me from head to toe. I’d dealt with men like him my entire life—he couldn’t andwouldn’tmake me feel small. I stood at my full height and stared right back.

Finally, Lydia sighed. “The hotel?”

“Right,” Willow said, and waved her hand toward my truck. “We’re in Ro’s truck today, not my rust-bucket. Everyone can breathe easier.” She let out a tight laugh, one that I didn’t mimic, and moved to my side. I laced our fingers together and gently squeezed.

I unlocked the truck, trying not to lock and unlock it. Instead, I tapped my finger against the back of her hand as a deep breath filled my lungs.

“Do you need help loading your bags?” I asked, and Vanessa shoved her suitcase at me.

“That would be amazing. Put those big muscles to use.” Lydia and Vanessa laughed, and I felt Willow stiffen at my side. I pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before I let go, and grabbed the suitcases, tossing them in the bed of the truck.

“The girls can get in the back,” Bill announced. “Men in the front.”

“Will there be enough room?” Vanessa chirped, sending a glare toward Willow. “I don’t think the three of us will fit. Maybe Willow can ride in the very back?”

My feet dug into the concrete as I stared at her stepsister. There was no way I’d just heard that correctly. But then she grinned, and I watched my precious girl close in on herself, and I nearly blacked out.

“You three can get in the back,” I snapped, my voice low. “Willow is up front with me. Get in the truck, shortcake.” I yanked the door open, and turned back toward her, ignoring the three sets of shocked eyes boring into me.

I didn’t care about them. I cared abouther.

My hand was steady as I held it out for her. She glanced at her family, tension rising between the five of us. But I ignored it. I let everything fall away and focused solely on her.

“I get it,” Bill laughed, though it was tight. “You want to be a big man and show off for your girl.”

I didn’t say anything, because there was nothingtosay. He wanted a reaction, he wanted engagement, and I wouldn’t give it to him.

“I’ll ride up front with you if she doesn’t want to,” Vanessa piped in, but again, I ignored her. My eyes stayed on Willow. On her face, her eyes, her body.

She slipped her lip between her teeth and winced as she peeled dry skin off. Crimson stained her lip, and I clenched my jaw.

“Come on, baby,” I said softly. She blinked, and it was like she was coming out of a spell. When her hand rested against mine, I swore she relaxed. I tugged her to me, planting a kiss to the top of her head as I helped her into the truck. Her hands were shaking too much to do her seatbelt, so I batted them away and did it for her. “I’ve gotyou.” I whispered the words to her, low enough for only her to hear.

She smiled, and it was the first real one I’d seen from her today. I cupped her cheek, stroking it gently before I stepped away.

“The doors are unlocked,” I said as I rounded the front of the truck and slipped into my seat.

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