Page 126 of Chasing Lyric
My cock begins to harden, and I want to take this further.
I need to.
My hand snakes down around her waist, pulling her closer to me, and that’s when someone clears their throat. We wrenchapart, panting for breath as we both turn to see her father with his brows raised, still sitting in the chair opposite us.
I forgot he was even here.
“Fuck! Stylo, you didn’t need to see that. Sorry,” I tell him as I pull Lyric into my side, wrapping my arm around her waist to make sure she stays right there.
Ineedto feel her close.
Stylo waves his hand through the air. “On the contrary, I did. I needed to make sure you are what my Lyric truly wants. And I’m more than sure of that now.”
Lyric’s lips turn up, brightening the room like the sparkle of a summer’s day. Her eyes shine with the brilliance of a thousand rare diamonds, this time not from sadness but from pure happiness. I’m glad I am the man who has put that happiness back inside her soul.
“You’re exactly what she needs, Chase, and I couldn’t ask for a better man than you to take care of my baby girl.” Stylo stands, stepping forward, and places his hand out for me to shake.
I lean forward and shake it firmly. “Thank you, Stylo. Thanks for helping me with this.”
Stylo dips his head.
Lyric suddenly stands like she’s feeling anxious. “Daddy?”
He spins back to her. “Yeah, sweetheart?”
“Are you leaving?”
I understand her meaning. Not just leaving right now, but leaving the country again.
He turns with a warm smile. “Your mother and I are here for a full week. We’ll be at the house. We want you and Chase to come over for dinner. Tomorrow night… if you’re free?”
Her eyes meet mine, and there’s a desperation in them. I smile, making her body relax. She’s glowing so much, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, baby girl?”
“Thanks for helping me.”
He exhales as he stands in front of her. “I may not always show it, but you are themostimportant person in my life. I know I’ve been a shitty father. I know that. I own it. I cared more about setting you up for your future than being present in the moment. I failed you. And I amfucking sorry, Lyric.”
Her eyes well with tears again as I let her go. Lyric stands face to face with her father, who’s finally having an honest conversation with her. She idolizes him. And all she has ever wanted from him is some attention.
“I guess growing up was hard…” she trails off.
He reaches out for her hands. “I know. You were left to raise Clef and Aria while your mom and I were gallivanting around the world. You’re a rock, Lyric, to this family. You’re stronger than you know, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become.”
She scoffs. “Even when I judge people before knowing the full story?” She subtly glances back at me, but I smile to ease her concerns.
Stylo wraps his arms around her body, taking her into a tight embrace. “Especially then. I’m the reason you have that lack of belief. How you can’t trust people to be there for you, to do what they say. Your experience with Zane enhanced that lack of trust. I’m not surprised you reacted the way you did with Chase. But Lyric, Chase is a good guy. When Zane lied, it was to hide something he didn’t want you to find out. Chase was always going to tell you the truth. It just… it came out in the wrong way…” He pauses. “I guess what I’m saying is… trust him, baby girl, becauseIdo.”
I’ve never felt more elated than I do right now. Not only have I won the girl, but I have also gained her father’s blessing. It doesn’t get better than this.
“So, I have you for a whole week before you leave again?” she asks.
Stylo pulls her in for another hug. “A whole week. But we can catch up tomorrow. I think you need to spend tonight with someone else.” He winks at her.
She turns toward me, a bright smile lighting her face. “Yeah, I think I do, too, Dad.”
