Page 32 of Too Good for Words (Silverberry Seduction Seasoned Romance)

That was the wrong thing to say. He’d been trying to lighten the mood, but his words only reminded him of the catalyst for the shit-show that was his life. His anxiety ramped up again.

Penta made no comment on his inappropriate statement. She unbuckled her seatbelt. “Come on. I’ll go with you.”

His pride had been battered enough during the last several days. “No. I have to do this myself.” He wouldn’t hide behind her, no matter how much he might wish to. Unlatching the door, he placed one foot on the pavement and leaned out.

“Cash.”

Her hand on his arm stopped him and he ducked his head back inside the van. She stretched over the console and planted a firm, smacking kiss on his lips. “For luck. Take as long as you need. I’ll be right here.”

He nodded, unable to form words around the rock in his throat.

In the short walk to the front door, he had time to reconsider his decision to go it alone. Seeing Penta at his side might help convince Linda to let him talk to Elle. After all, that’s what their fake-turned-real relationship was for. If he turned back now, though, he might never find the balls to try again.

Standing on the low front stoop, he rapped on the door, sweat springing up between his shoulder blades—and not because of the late-afternoon sun shining on his back.

Footsteps sounded from behind the panel, followed by clicking noises as the locks disengaged. He sucked in a deep breath.

Maybe his luck was finally turning because Elle opened the door. When she saw him, her mouth flattened out of its inquisitive smile though her eyes flashed with uncertain welcome. “Hey, Dad.”

His internal organs turned to mush. Every single one of them. She still called him Dad.

Surreptitiously he slid the toe of his boot over the threshold. He wouldn’t force his way in, but he didn’t want her shutting the door before he had a chance to say everything. “I need to apologize.” No words would ever express the depth of his regret, but he had to start somewhere.

She gave no indication she’d heard him. “You shouldn’t come in. Mom’s at work.”

It wasn’t a direct rejection. In fact, it almost sounded like an invitation. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.” He pointed at Penta sitting in the van. “Would it be okay if we talk outside? Then you can tell your mom Penta was here too.”

Elle tucked her bright, straight hair behind her ear. “I guess.” She closed the door and settled on the concrete step, wrapping her arms around her denim-clad knees.

He lowered himself beside her, joints popping. The sun shone directly in his eyes and he shielded them with his hand. “I know nothing will make up for what I did. But I wanted to tell you how sorry I am.”

His daughter spoke in a dry adult tone that squeezed his guts. “That seems a good place to start.”

PENTA WATCHED FATHER and daughter with contentment. They sat shoulder to shoulder, sunlight glinting off straight gold hair and thick red strands. After a few minutes of earnest speech on Cash’s part, Elle relaxed out of her protective posture, stretching her legs out and leaning back on her hands. Cash appeared cramped and uncomfortable, practically squatting on the low stoop, but remained still and focused. Neither looked too long or too often at the other, and though the conversation was imperceptible, she could see it progressing in a slow and halting rhythm.

For the first time, she had the leisure to study them together. She thought Elle might have the same shaped face, though it was hard to tell as Cash’s jaw was hidden by his beard. Their cheekbones had a similar subtle slant, their foreheads were wide and smooth, and Elle’s build was solid and sturdy, just like her father’s.

The sun disappeared behind a cloud and the spotlight on the front step dimmed. As if this were a sign, Cash stood up. Elle climbed to her feet too. He said something and trailed his finger down her cheek. The girl’s expression lit with a glow of joy so intense it brought tears to Penta’s eyes. She desperately wanted to know what Cash had said, but would never ask. It was a secret best kept between father and daughter.

Cash waited until Elle was inside the house and then joined Penta in the van. The springs sank as he lowered himself to the seat and leaned against the headrest with a sigh.

“How are you doing?” She searched his profile, pleased to see the lines of strain around his eyes had softened.

“Better. She listened, at least. I think we might be okay.”

“I think you’ll be more than okay.” She gripped his hand where it lay on his heavy thigh and his fingers squeezed back. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.” He rolled his head toward her, beard jutting. “I never would have done this without you. I just hope Linda isn’t too furious.”

“You can’t control her reactions. You did the right thing, coming here.” She wanted to climb into his lap and ravage him. Who knew watching a man reconnect with his child could be so arousing? Instead, she dropped a quick kiss on his nose. “Now, you’re coming home for dinner. You shouldn’t be alone. It will only give you time to brood.”

His big hand cupped the back of her head and drew her close. “Penta.”

She shivered. She’d never heard her name uttered with such longing, such affection, such need.

His kiss was nothing as chaste as the one she’d given him. His mouth claimed hers, demanding and pleasuring. He dragged her half over the console and she planted both hands on his thigh to keep her balance. Muscles flexed powerfully under the denim, rippling with strength. Molten heat swept over her, pumped by a heart that was falling fast.

No. Even as she moaned under his silken assault, her mind rejected the possibility. She wasn’t falling in love with Cash. She couldn’t. He might hide a sweet vulnerability under his tattooed exterior, but he wasn’t in this for the long haul. Once his relationship with Elle had stabilized, it would be over between them. Penta wasn’t the adventurous, courageous person who could hold a man like Cash’s attention permanently.

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