Page 23 of Falling for My Best Friend's Dad
“I don’t think so,” I say. “Honestly, I would make her trade places with me if she did.”
He falls silent for a minute, and then he squeezes my hand. “It must’ve been tough on you.”
“Sometimes. But not that bad,” I say. It’s true. I used to envy Ivy a lot, but later I came to terms with my life. I couldn’t change what family I was born into, so I accepted the fact and focused on building a good future.
“Your mom is lucky to have you, and so are your brother and sister,” he says.
“Thanks. But I’m afraid they’ll disagree.” I go on and tell him about my brother’s decision of skipping college. “So he just totally disregards my opinion, saying I don’t know what’s best for him. What really pisses me off is my mom is on his side.”
My voice becomes agitated as I speak. Richard listens carefully, and squeezes my hand after I’m done. “You want to hear my opinion?”
“Yes, please,” I say.
“I think you should leave him alone,” he says.
“What?”
He smiles. “Hear me out. There’s nothing you can do, Kayla. You can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to. Like he says, he is an adult. He’ll only be resentful if you intervene further. Let him follow his dream. He’s still young. He can start college later if he realizes its importance.”
I chew on his words and nod. “You’ve got a point. The funny thing is, I know this, but I just can’t bring myself to allow it even though it isn’t up to me.”
“I know how you feel. You’re afraid he’s making bad choice and you want to prevent it from happening. In other words, Kayla, you want to protect him, just like what I did Ivy.”
Damn. He’s right. It’s exactly what I’m doing. “I… I can’t help it.”
“It’s okay,” he says, squeezing my hand again. “You have a very good reason doing it. But it might not be fair to him. He needs to prove himself.”
I fall silent for a minute and then I nod. “Thank you!”
Richard cleans up the cup and the glass and wipes his hand on a towel. “Let me show you to your room,” he says.
“Okay,” I whisper. Suddenly my throat feels dry and voice sounds croaky. The fact that I’m spending a night with him in his house again sends a warm current to my lower body.
“You could stay in Ivy’s room,” he says. “Or the guestroom.”
“Either is fine,” I say. “Whichever is more convenient for you.”
“Take Ivy’s room, then. It’s closer to the bathroom. You can also wear her PJ.”
“Sure, thanks.”
He checks the bathroom to make sure it’s got shampoo and other necessities, and then he lingers at the door, “Good night. Let me know if you need anything.”
I need you. I nearly blurt as I gaze at his handsome face. His five-o’clock shadow looks so hot. It’s all I can do not to run my hand over it. “Thanks, I will. Good night.”
I shower and put on Ivy’s one piece nightgown, and then I lie down in her bed. I debate over sending Ivy a quick text to let her know I’m in her bedroom, but decide not to because it’s late.
I usually go out like a light after my head hits the pillow, but not tonight. My body is exhausted but my mind is still hyperactive. The chamomile tea is useless. My insomnia has nothing to do with the strange bed, but more because of the proximity of Richard.
I toss and turn, listening to the rain and thinking about Richard and what he might be doing. Is he showering? Has he shaved off his scruff? I should’ve asked him not to because he looks good with it. For a moment I wish the bedroom door would magically open and he would step in and lie next to me… Holy shit. I’m shameless. So much about keeping a distance. But I’m not working in the restaurant. I’m in his house. It doesn’t hurt to get intimate with him here, as long as we don’t let it affect work, right?
Eventually the rain dies down and I fall asleep. In my dream, I kiss Richard while his hands are all over me. I moan and wriggle. Soon there isn’t anything between our bodies, our skins touch and ignite, and his hardness seeks my entrance.Yes, Richard, take me, please.I hear my voice begging. I’m a second away from being filled when I hear a loud thump. I jerk awake, or rather, the house jolts me awake. I sit up. Earthquake? I sit still for a moment in bed, waiting for another movement, but it never comes. I’m about to lie down again when I hear a grunt, and another, from downstairs. I know there’s a basement in the house. Is Richard down there? Is he okay?
Following the sound of the grunts, I go down the stairs to the basement. Richard is hitting the heavy bag hanging on the ceiling. It might have bounced against the wall earlier. Oh God. He’s wearing only a pair of boxers. Topless, sweaty, and gorgeous. The muscles on his back ripple each time he punches the bag. I shouldn’t be spying, but I can’t move. My legs feel weak, my thighs tingle, and my girly bits ache. I wait breathlessly for him to turn so I can see his front. I know he’s got firm abs even in his loose shirts.
Richard pauses to wipe his forehead with a towel, and he turns as he senses my presence.
“Why’re you down here, Kayla? Did I wake you?” he asks, coming toward me.
