Page 47 of Fielder's Choice

Lane

Avirgin.

Olive is a virgin.

That doesn’t bother me in the least, but it does make me wonder if she could ever see herself with a man that used to struggle to keep his dick in his fucking pants.

I mean, I have a goddamnchildwhile she hasn’t even had sex.

All these thoughts have my mind racing, and I haven’t been able to fall asleep. I came to bed three hours ago after I set Olive up in the guest bedroom next door to mine, but it’s now two in the morning, and I’m still wide awake.

Tomorrow is going to be fucking rough.

I press the heels of my palms over my eyes, willing myself to get some damn sleep, but I stop abruptly when I hear a voice.

“No, don’t…”

Is Olive awake?

“No, please!”

That’s definitely Olive.

Now, I’m panicking. Did someone break in? Is someone in her room right now?Is my daughter okay?

I’m out of bed in a flash, thankful I’m still in a pair of sweats. I stand outside her door, listening to see if I can hear anything more.

“Please don’t do this…” she cries, followed by whimpering.

I decide at that moment that I’m not knocking; I’m just going in.

The room is dark, except for the light from the nightlight in the hallway. I squint as I peer inside until I can make out the shape of her on the bed.

She’s alone.

But she’s still clearly upset, unable to stay still.

Is she dreaming?

“No!” she screams.

That’s when I realize this is a nightmare.

“Olive…” I say softly, hoping that will be enough to rouse her. It isn’t. “Olive…” I say more loudly, crossing the room until I’m right beside her. She isn’t hearing me at all, so I place one hand on her arm and gently shake her. “Olive.”

Her eyes shoot open, and she scrambles away from me in fear. “No! Please just leave me alone!”

“Olive,” I say softly. “It’s me. It’s Lane. You’re okay. Everything is okay.”

As soon as the words sink in and she takes in her surroundings, she breaks down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

I quickly move beside her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and pulling her in close. She’s stiff at first, so I loosen my hold to not make her uncomfortable. That’s the last thing she needs right now.

After a few moments, she eases into me, bringing her face into my chest, and I rest my chin on her head as I rub my hand over her back.

“Everything is okay, Olive. I’m right here with you.You’re safe.”

“I’m… sorry…” she chokes, chest heaving.

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