Page 2 of My Ex's Father

“Let go of me.“ I try to jerk free, but he has my arm in a vice-like grip.

“I’ll let go of you if you admit that you’re an idiot for believing me. That you’re worthless, and no one will ever love you.“

No way. He’s taken enough from me. I’m not going to let him take my dignity. “Screw you, Alex.“

Suddenly, he pushes me, and my back crashes painfully against the wall. My heart hammers in my chest. Surely he wouldn’t hurt me physically, right?

“You stupid, ugly bitch.“ A drop of saliva sprays onto my cheek. His face is contorted with rage. I’m terrified of what he could do next. Alex opens his mouth, no doubt to spew more vitriol, when the door bursts open again.

“Let go of her, Alex.“ It’s the man who sat at the table with Alex and his fiancée. And I’ve never been more grateful to see a person in my whole life. “Now.“ He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t have to. He radiates power. This is a man who is used to people doing what he says.

Alex backs off, and I rub my arm where he gripped me. I’m sure it’ll bruise.

“Why do you care? She’s just a worthless waitress.“

The other man’s eyes blaze with fury. “I don’t know where you learned that it’s okay to treat women like this, son. But it isn’t. Get back inside. Now,“ he says, his nostrils flaring.

This is Alex’s father? I’m lost for words. I watch them, wide-eyed. Alex looks like he’s about to argue, but his father raises an eyebrow and stares him down. Alex scoffs and sneers at me over his shoulder, before going back inside. Once he’s gone, my shoulders sag with relief. I hope I never have to see him again.

“Are you alright?“ Alex’s father comes nearer, concern etched over his handsome face.

“I’m fine.“ I force my lips into a smile. It probably looks more like a grimace.

“I’m sorry my son did this to you. You deserve so much better.“ He places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes it gently. To my horror, tears well up in my eyes again.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,“ he mumbles. And then, he pulls me into a hug. I should pull away. I barely know this man. But his warm body against mine just feels too good. I relax into his arms and lay my head on his shoulders, letting my tears flow as I inhale his spicy, masculine scent. His hand rubs soothingly over my lower back, and his touch feels better than anything I’ve experienced. I hold onto him tighter and press my body closer to his, but he suddenly pulls back. Warmth spreads over my cheeks. He was just being nice and I had to make it inappropriate. I can’t look him in the eye. “Well, thank you. I should get back to work.“ I turn to go back inside, but he grabs my arm, much gentler than Alex did. “Wait.“

***

Connor

When Amber turns to look back at me with her beautiful gray eyes, I have to force myself not to pull her into my arms again. Her soft, curvy body against mine felt exquisite. And when she pressed it even closer… God, I wanted to kiss her right then. That, and a lot more. I had to pull away. Otherwise, there’s no telling what I might have done.

“You don’t have to go back inside. Let me take you out instead,“ I say, and her eyes widen. “To make up for my son’s terrible behavior,“ I add, not wanting to scare her off. I want her. I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But I have to take it slow. Otherwise, she might bolt.

“I can’t. I have a shift,“ she says. Is that regret in her voice? Maybe I’m simply hearing what I want to hear.

“Don’t worry about your shift. I’ll talk to your boss.“ She has to say yes. I need to chase away the sadness in her eyes. I have to know what she looks like when she’s happy. And I’m going to make her happy.

Amber furrows her delicate brows. “You can try…“ She doesn’t sound convinced.

“I’ll buy the place if I have to.“ Her plump, pillowy mouth falls open in surprise. Then she laughs, and it’s such a rich, joyful sound, it takes my breath away. Her laughter stops abruptly when she realizes I’m being serious. “You would do that? For me?“ Suspicion clouds her face. It pains me that she can’t believe I would do this for her. Amber is a queen among women, and she deserves to be treated like one. “You deserve the world, Amber. And if I have to buy this place so you can go out with me, I will. Hell, I’ll buy every house on this street if that’s what it takes.“

So much for taking it slow. But the blush that creeps over her face makes her look so stunning, it takes my breath away. “Say yes, Amber.“

“But I don’t even know your name.“

“My name is Connor. Now, will you let me take you out?“

“Yes.“ Her smile is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

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