Page 28 of Daddy Crush (Silver Fox Daddy)

Duke

My stomach sank as I watched Clover’s father barrel into my front yard like a fury, his face etched with rage. The sun was setting in the distance, casting an orange hue, blatant as his mood, across the landscape. He’d come here to confront me.

I let him in, and he stared me down from across the room, his voice reverberating with anger as he demanded answers. “Just what are your intentions with my daughter? You take some kind of sick pleasure in breaking young girls’ hearts? Make you feel manly?”

My spine crawled with a feeling I could not describe. How did he know about us? Had Clover told him?

He continued, “Clover doesn’t cry, and my heart couldn’t take it, knowing that something had hurt her so much. I was determined to find out who was responsible. But in a small town, it’s impossible to keep secrets. The next day, Mrs. Guthrey ran into me on the street and couldn’t help but tell me what she had seen during her early morning walk, peering behind a crack between the blinds—you kissing my daughter, your hands all over her after hours at the café.”

My heart plunged to the floor.

I wanted to tell him about the love I felt for Clover and how much I respected her, but the timing was totally wrong. Instead, I remained silent, not knowing what words could make this situation any better. His gaze hardened, and the atmosphere became unbearable; that’s when I saw a glimmer of tears forming in his eyes.

He looked away and finally spoke again. “You know nothing of loyalty or love; everything is just a game to you.”

His voice broke slightly, and it became clear he wasn’t mad anymore—he was grieving. As much as I wanted to yell at him and prove my worthiness to be with Clover, no words came out of my mouth. I had already caused enough pain.

“I thought you’d changed after rehab, but you obviously still lack an ounce of common sense.”

What could I say? I had done nothing to prove otherwise.

“I care for your daughter a great deal. So much that I let her go when it was the last thing I wanted to do. Maybe I can’t make up for betraying your trust, but I hope you’ll give me a chance to do so. You and I have been friends for a long time, Troy.”

“She’s more than just a good girl,” he hissed. “Clover’s strong and one of a kind—she deserves more than what you’ve given her.”

With those last words, he left, leaving me standing alone with only my thoughts for bad company.

The sun had set, and I was left feeling empty, my mind a jumbled mess as I tried to make sense of the entire situation. How could I have been so careless? My best friend’s words haunted me, as I knew there was truth in them. She deserved a companion who would shower her with adoration and unwavering loyalty. Who devoted himself to her joy and nurture her with unconditional love. A sobering realization settled in: That person was not me.

I’d made so many mistakes, and it was too late. The damage was done. All I could do now was try to pick up the pieces of what remained and move forward—for Clover and for myself.

And so, with a heavy heart, I imagined watching her from afar, avoiding the café as best I could as she grew more distant from me, knowing it was all for the best. My feelings for her hadn’t changed, but this time, I knew they wouldn’t be enough.

* * *

Clover

It had been, what we refer to in the barista biz as, a long-ass day. My feet were tired, and I was so glad when the last mugs were washed and put away to dry. But that didn’t mean I’d be putting my tootsies up and relaxing anytime soon. Nope. I had a special engagement. That’s right. A special date... with my dad.

It had been over a month since Duke broke up with me, and my family was waiting for escrow to close on a huge craftsman in town with a rental unit in the back where Faith and I could live out the rest of our adult lives together.

Unlesssomethingchanged.

I wasn’t anywhere near over losing him, and my spirit still felt like a barren place where fairies went to die. But I got through by setting my alarm, going to work, making coffee, and sharing the occasional laugh with Ava, who turned out to be pretty damn cool.

After we hung up our aprons, she nudged me with one finger. “It’s the right thing to do, Clover. Even if it’s hard for him to understand at first. He’ll come around, eventually.”

I sighed heavily, trying to believe her words were true.

In fact, it was her idea to have a heart-to-heart with my father. She’d heard enough about my family to know it was something special. I remembered what she told me as we parted, and it rang true for my life. “It’s not what we have in life that matters. It’s who we have.”

In the time spent apart from Duke, I realized I was greedy. I wanted both my family and Duke, and today was the day I’d fight for both. I knew Daddy felt obligated to be responsible and protect my relationship with my father, which meant I’d have to battle tooth-and-nail on our behalf.

Ava and I put on our coats in the back room and walked out front to lock up behind us. Right then, I saw him.

He was across the street, stepping out of his truck. My heart skipped a beat and then lurched back into action at double speed. He looked up and saw me, his normally strong and confident stance suddenly unsure as he waved a small greeting.

Duke watched silently from across the street.

---