Page 37 of Wrecked

“First, the name of the camp,” I reply. “Everything will be managed from there.”

One of Marcus’ hands goes to his forehead. “Knowing my daughter, she’s already drafting a plan,” he says. Fatherly pride is undeniable in his tone. “Melanie is a competent woman, David. Don’t underestimate her.”

My woman is amazing. I’m aware of it. But I’d have the resources to pave the way for her, and I will. My entire world is at her feet, at her service. She just needs to ask, and even if she doesn’t. Well… I’ll still take care of her.

“I’m not,” I counter. My stance is as firm as my statement.

“Ok,” he finally concedes. “What do you have in mind?”

Giving the man a slap on his shoulder as an invitation to walk around with me while I tell him my plan.

“This will explode on your face, you know it?” Marcus warns me, but a broad smile is pasted on his face. I’ll take that as a good sign.

I believe Melanie will argue with me for a while. She’s a brilliant woman, though. After considering the opportunities that will be open to her, she will agree. And it’s a plus my son will be on cloud nine.

I can’t wait for when the time comes, and makeup sex is on the table. Knowing my woman, it will be epic.

“David?” Marcus cuts my reverie. It’s totally inappropriate for me to have all those thoughts about her having her father around. However, can you blame me?

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” he says. “You’re trying to help Melanie. As her father, it isn’t easy for me to say this. But it makes me happy to know that you’re seeing her as more than the mother of your child.”

He doesn’t need to finish that statement. I know the real meaning hidden behind the lines. I’m capable of seeing more than a one-night stand. More than a summer fling. Melanie Garfield is the woman fate chose for me years ago. Now it’s me not letting her go.

I’ve fucked up so many things in my life. This is different. I won’t lose her.

???

“I’m glad you finally decided to use the phone to call me,” I tell Melanie a couple of hours later while I’m starting my car after work. I’m in urgent need of a shower, a good nap, and a fuck. As the latter isn’t available—because the woman wandering in my fantasies refuses to cave—and I want to be at her house as soon as possible, the shower should do.

“Are you busy tonight?” She says, ignoring my smart remark.

“It depends.” She’s mysterious, and I find that humorous, so I follow her lead. “If this involves you naked and in my bed, count me in.”

The silence across the line tells me more than words. After a long beat, she clears her throat and speaks again. “More on the line of going out for dinner with Davi and me.”

“Melanie Garfield, are you asking me for a date?” I joke a little, ready to take her to the end of the world if that’s what she wants. “Using our boy as an excuse?”

“Stop it,” she orders me, but this is too fun to end it right away.

“What are you planning? Candlelight in a fancy restaurant?”

The sound of her deep laugh warms my skin and makes my jeans tighter. “With Davi in tow? It seems like you need to spend more time with your son, David Posada.”

“And I plan to,” I reply honestly. “So, what’s the deal?”

“Davi loves fried chicken, and I’m craving pancakes….”

“Of course you do,” I reply, satisfaction puffing up my chest, I know this about her, and some things never change.

“Are you coming or not?” she says, slightly exasperated.

“What’s the occasion?”

“I got the job!” A high-pitched shriek fills my car, and I’m glad I’m using Bluetooth.

I can’t help but smile broadly. “Congratulations, baby,” I praise her. “I’ll be at home in half an hour. You choose the place, my treat.”

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