Page 66 of Risks

A frown forms, making his fine wrinklesmore visible. “I’m sure it’ll be difficult for Toya to forgive her mom. Itmight be a long time before that happens.”

“Yeah, she doesn’t even want to talkabout Lisa.”

Dad huffs a short breath. “Shecalled to thank me for her birthday gift but refused to speak to her mom. Shedoesn’t take her phone calls either.”

“Maybe she’ll see Lisa during springbreak.”

Confusion morphs his features. “Ithought you were spending the week in Scotland?”

After drinking some water, I explain,“Jesiah asked her to stay in Baltimore. We’re going to Scotland in summerinstead.”

“I see.” He considers for a moment. “Youthink he’s a good man? I know he had no idea about Toya, but based on your interactions,do you think he’ll be there for his daughter?”

I shrug. “Jesiah seems determined tohave a place in her life. I’m sure he’ll stick around.”

“I hope he doesn’t hurt her.”

“Me too.” I glance down at myutensils after saying that.

“Something the matter?”

“Um…” I ease back in the chair,deciding now is a good time to let him know my plan. “Dad, I want to propose toToya in Scotland.”

His brows fly up, and he utters asurprised breath. “Son, that’s a huge step. You’re both so young. Are youcertain you’re ready for that?”

“We know what we want, Dad. Toya andI are going to be together forever.”

“Wow,” he breathes out. “I’mguessing you already have the ring?”

I nod. “I want Toya to see howcommitted I am. That there’s no one else I want in this life.”

His gray eyes glisten along with hissmile. “You know… Your mom would be very proud of you. I wish you and Toya thebest, son. I truly do.”

I could just cry from the sincerityof his words. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate that.”

31

It’s good being back in Baltimore,and it also feels heavier because of the crap that happened. That melts away whenI see the handsome guy waiting for me in the airport lobby.

I run into his arms and hug himtightly, inhaling his warmth and exhaling relief.

“Welcome back,” Varen whispers atthe side of my head. He eases me away, setting my body ablaze with a passionatekiss amid the heavy traffic of people.

“Mm,” I moan when our lips part. “Imissed you, too.”

He chuckles. “Come on. Let’s gohome.”

When we arrive at the apartment, Iattack Varen the second he sets my luggage down, pulling at his clothes whiledevouring his mouth like an animal in heat.

He rumbles at my lips. “I guess youreally liked how I treated you for your birthday, huh?”

“Mmhm. I promised to thank you witha sweet ride.”

“Ooh.” He quickly peels off hisclothes.

I push him to the bed on his back,undress, and climb over him, kissing him slowly while I ease down on his hardcock and show just how much I miss him.

My phone is ringing for the secondtime that morning. Mom has been calling since the evening prior. I can’t ignoreher forever, but every time I’m about to answer, the pain from her lie swarmsme, and I change my mind.

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