Page 40 of Impending Consent

"And your father? The great Torrance Addison Sr.?"

I tensed again. "Complicated. He loves us, but on his terms. Everything with him has conditions, expectations. You would think I'd have outgrown the need for his approval, but..." I trailed off, not ready to dive too deeply into my family dynamics.

"Fathers and daughters. I kind of understand,” he said robotically. “My mom raised me alone after my dad died.Sometimes I wonder if I would be different if he had been around."

"Different how?"

"I don't know. It’s not really something I can explain. Sons need their fathers the same as daughters need their mothers and I didn’t have that."

We were quiet and I found myself studying him. The curve of his jaw, the way his eyes narrowed when he was thinking. Rival was a beautiful and intense man.

"If we survive this year and nothing changes, are you still going to bail?"

The question caught me off guard. "You agreed to the terms."

"I'm not asking about the fucking agreement, Sail. I’m asking what you’re willing to be open to and shit, what you feel."

"Relief, I guess." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

"You're a terrible fucking liar."

"I'm an excellent liar."

"To someone who doesn’t know you, possibly."

I stood, needing space. "I'm getting water. Want some?"

"I'm good." I felt his eyes on me as I headed to the door. "Sail?"

I paused and sighed. "What?"

"Thank you; this was a good start."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak or look back. Because start of what? The uncertainty was both terrifying and settling. This man wanted me even after truly seeing the person I was. I had not a damn clue what to do with that.

When I reached the kitchen, I leaned against the counter and took deep breaths. I had been married for barely a minute and already my carefully constructed walls were showing cracks. The problem wasn't Rival trying to break them down but that my stupid heart wanted to let him in.

One year, I reminded myself.Just one year.

Unfortunately, I wasn't entirely convinced that would be enough.

Chapter 10

Rival

I'd been up since six, moving through the house quietly so I wouldn't wake Sailor. She agreed to live here, but this wasn't truly her home yet. Making her comfortable was priority number one.

I glanced at the coffee machine we purchased yesterday. It was expensive, and unnecessarily complicated, just like my damn wife. The thought brought a smile to my face as I prepared a fresh cup, familiarizing myself with all the settings. By the time I heard movement upstairs, I had a steaming mug ready, fixed exactly how she liked it.

"Is that coffee?" Sailor's voice was still thick with sleep as she sluggishly dragged into the kitchen, wearing another oversized shirt and those fuzzy socks she seemed to live in when she was comfortable at home.

"Good morning to you too.” I extended the mug.

She accepted it with both hands and inhaled deeply before taking a sip. Her eyes closed briefly and a small sound of appreciation left those pretty ass lips.

"You're learning," she mumbled and opened her eyes.

"I pay attention."

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