Page 24 of Sold to My Best Friend's Dad

He narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means that’s all we do lately. I didn’t sign up for this.” She pushed past him, not wanting to create a scene for the neighborhood.

The door slammed after he followed her inside. “You literally did sign up for this.” He tugged her shoulder, forcing her to stop and look at him.

“Yes, and that contract was paid in full.”

“Clara, I don’t want sex. I’ve been trying to connect with you, but you haven’t given me a chance. When’s the last time you even kissed me?”

“This is more than a kiss. It’s just too much, Grayson.” There was no point dragging this out. Her heart was racing, breaking into pieces at the futility of it all.

“What is? Talk to me.” He held both her arms, keeping her in place. She wanted to fall into his embrace, allow him to fend off the world, but she couldn’t.

“You haven’t told April, for one thing.”

“Is that all? I’ll call her right now if that’s what it takes. April’s a grown woman, and this is my life, not hers.”

“I won’t put a wedge between a father and daughter.”

“So, I’m supposed to live the rest of my life alone? Forfeit my happiness so she isn’t uncomfortable about my love life?”

“Grayson, be realistic.”

He was quiet, his jaw clenching.

“Clara, I love you.”

Her breath caught in her throat.

Love conquered all, didn’t it?

She wished things were so simple, but even if April gave her blessing about dating her father, there was so much more. People would talk, they’d call her a gold-digger, there would be whispers and glares. She couldn’t stand anyone believing their relationship was just Grayson’s middle-age crisis. Clara had goals and dreams and hopes and wasn’t a brainless wonder looking for the easy way out.

They’d find out how her mother got her money. It wasn’t a lottery win like Clara told her mother. She’d be ashamed, humiliated, and could never face anyone again if they knew how she got all that money. She’d signed away her virginity like some cheap whore.

“I can’t do this right now. I’m sorry. I have to get out of here.”

Grayson didn’t stop her this time as she grabbed her purse off the banister and rushed out the front door. A big part of her wished he did.

****

How was he expected to get work done when she’d gone silent for the past two weeks? Two weeks and three days. Clara had turned off her phone, or maybe she’d blocked him. It wasn’t just him because the last time he’d talked with April she was wondering what was going on with Clara. All he could do was think about her.

Her scent still lingered. A few of her things were left behind and he couldn’t help but touch them and think of her.

What had he been thinking? She’d finally gotten smart and realized she had her whole life ahead of her. Why get trapped with a man past his prime? He couldn’t blame her, but what had he done to change her heart? Maybe she was too young to know real love. It was likely a fixation on her best friend’s father and nothing more.

“Sir?”

He snapped out of his reverie and looked up from his desk.

“What is it?”

“Your two o’clock is still waiting,” his secretary said.

Grayson ran a hand through his hair. “Cancel it.”

“But…”

---