Page 1 of My Ex's Father

Chapter 1

Amber

“Amber! Get your fat ass to table seven. Now.“

I try to let my boss’s harsh words wash over me, but it’s difficult. Three months ago, I wouldn’t have been bothered. Yes, I may be on the heavier side, but so what? That doesn’t mean I’m not attractive. But three months ago, I didn’t know Alex. Hot, rich, cruel Alex, who wants and hates me at the same time. Or maybe he just hates me. He takes every chance he gets to make me feel bad about my body. I’m a fool for still seeing him, I know that. But it doesn’t make it any easier to stop. I give my head a little shake, trying to clear it. Now isn’t the time to feel sorry for myself.

When I reach table seven, dread pools in my stomach at the sight that greets me. It’s Alex. And he has his arm around a slim, big-breasted blonde. His malicious smile chills my blood. I should greet them, should ask them what I can get for them, but it’s like I’ve lost control over my body. What is he doing here? And who is the woman with him?

“Hello.“ The unfamiliar voice is deep and rich. Somehow, it soothes me. My gaze finds the third person seated at the table, and my breath hitches. As piercing blue eyes bore into mine, I momentarily forget where I am. I even forget that Alex is here with another woman. Nobody should have the right to be as handsome as this man. He raises an eyebrow, and I blush. Of course, he expects a response.

“Hello,“ I mumble, my voice hoarse. “What can I get you today?“ The man’s mouth curves into a smile and he runs a large hand through his salt and pepper hair.

He must think I’m mentally deficient, the way I’m staring at him. But I can’t help it. Especially because he’s staring right back. When his eyes flit lower, raking over my curves, I feel my core tighten. Why would a man like him even acknowledge someone like me? He opens his mouth, but before he can reply, Alex speaks. “We’d like a bottle of Champagne. To celebrate our engagement.“ It takes me a second to return to reality. I force my gaze away from the man’s startlingly blue eyes and look at Alex and his companion more carefully. My mouth falls open when I notice the large diamond engagement ring on the woman’s finger. Alex can’t be serious. I always wondered if he had other women alongside me. I refused to have sex with him, so it shouldn’t come as a complete shock, but still. This is beyond cruel, even for him. Against my will, tears prickle my eyes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the older man’s brow furrow. He stretches out a hand as if to comfort me. But I can’t handle his pity right now. If he’s nice to me, I’ll burst into tears right here. So I simply nod at Alex and wordlessly walk away. I’m not going to break down in front of him. I refuse to give him that satisfaction. Behind me, I hear the woman laugh. “Oh my God, that stupid bitch really thought you were into her, huh?“

I rush toward the backdoor and push it open, my face burning with humiliation. Alex played me, and everyone knew. Or at least, the woman he’s now engaged to did. They must have been together the entire time he was seeing me. He probably went home to her after going out with me, laughing at my stupidity. I take deep, gulping breaths, trying to suppress my tears. Alex isn’t worth it. I have to pull myself together. I’m not upset because Alex is marrying another woman. I never really thought we’d be a long-term thing. But I also never expected him to humiliate me so publicly.

Suddenly, the door bursts open. I expect it to be my boss, snapping at me to get back to work. Instead, it’s Alex. It seems that humiliating me wasn’t enough. That was just the first part. Now, he wants to destroy me.

***

Connor

I know I should make polite small talk with my son’s fiancée while he’s in the bathroom, but I find it hard to focus. I can’t get the hurt look on the server’s face out of my head. A woman that beautiful should be treated like a queen, not be humiliated by someone like my son. She deserves so much better.

“I mean, can you believe she actually fell for it? As if Alex would want someone who looks like her.“

I glance at my son’s fiancée and a spark of anger shoots through me. Meghan, I think her name is. Or was it Maggie? I don’t remember, nor do I care. She might be pretty on the outside, but she’s rotten on the inside. “Of course I can believe it. Any man would be lucky to have a woman like her at his side.“

At the memory of her wide gray eyes on mine, I feel my cock twitch. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And I want her. I want to kiss away her pain, to show her how a real man treats a woman.

“You can’t be serious.“ Meghan’s voice is high and nasally.

“Of course I’m serious. She’s gorgeous.“ Like a Norse Goddess, tall, strong, and breathtaking. I want to feel her curvy body pressed against mine, feel her soft skin under my hands. I want to know what she sounds like in her most intimate moments, to feel her squirm underneath me. I shift in my seat, attempting to hide my erection. Jesus, I don’t even know the woman’s name and already I’m crazy with desire for her.

“You’re only forty-two, your eyesight can’t be that bad yet.“

Anger eclipses my arousal. I never insult women, ever. But at this moment, I really want to. I need to get away from this horrible woman before I say something I might regret. I excuse myself to the bathroom, and when I enter, it’s empty. Where is my son? He said he would be in here. I clench my jaw. I think I know what he’s up to.

I exit the bathroom and stop one of the servers. The girl’s eyes widen when she sees me and she shoots me a flirtatious smile. I’m used to women’s reactions to me, so I ignore it. I have no interest in her. There’s only one woman I want to find. “Excuse me, do you happen to know where the tall, blonde server went?“

“The chubby one you mean?“ I grit my teeth, staring her down. She falters under my angry gaze. “Uh, Amber’s outside, I think. She went through the back door. A guy followed her.“

I don’t bother with a reply. I need to find Amber.

***

Amber

“It was almost cute, you know. That you actually believed someone like me could ever want someone like you.“

Alex’s voice is quiet, almost intimate. And every one of his words cuts like a knife. I bite down on my lower lip to keep it from trembling.

“I’m a great actor though, you have to admit,“ he continues, sounding smug. “Do you have any idea how hard it was not to laugh when you looked at me like a love-struck cow?“ He chuckles. “It was Meghan’s idea, you know. She thought it would be hilarious to lead you on, and I have to agree.“

I don’t want to listen to another word. He’s hurt me enough already. I move towards the door, but Alex grabs my arm, his fingers digging painfully into my soft flesh. “I’m not done yet,“ he hisses.

---