Page 14 of Secret Sin

He didn’t. He wouldn’t.

I internally cringed.

Wouldn’t he? Hadn’t he made his position perfectly clear? Still, I was dumbfounded.

Dad plowed ahead, not registering my astonishment. “Why didn’t you tell us you were seeing someone? And an Irishman, no less.”

My lips parted, but nothing emerged. I had no clue what to say or how to explain.

Well, Dad. We had a one-night stand, so I didn’t think it was worth mentioning.

Riiight. My father had never raised a hand against me in my life, but that just might do the trick.

“We’ve only seen each other a couple of times.” I decided that was safe enough to admit.

“I’m not thrilled about him being Irish, but knowing you and Noemi, I shouldn’t have been surprised. You two always were more like twins than cousins. With her married to one of them, I should have known you’d follow suit,” he grumbled wearily.

“We arenotgetting married,” I assured him.

“Well, I’m just letting you know I don’t disapprove.”

My brows drew tightly together as I studied my father. “I don’t understand. When I was in school, you did everything you could to keep me from dating. Now you’re just suddenly okay with it?”

“It wasn’t the dating that bothered me, per se. There was just no point in any of those boys sniffing around what they couldn’t have. I wasn’t about to let you get involved with some asswipe future accountant or insurance salesman who couldn’t protect you. They don’t have a clue about our way of life. Bishop can take care of you, even if he is fuckin’ Irish.” He said the last part almost under his breath.

I was a little stunned but not so distracted as to forget what started this little talk. “What exactly did you and Bishop talk about?”

“Not a lot, but he asked permission to formally pursue you, which I respect. Would have preferred hearing about this from you, however.”

“I’m sorry.” I conceded somewhat reluctantly. Technically, I held firm that it wasn’t any of his damn business. “So what did you tell him?” If these two men had already started talking about weddings, someone was going to lose an eye, and it wasn’t me.

Dad waited to answer until I’d brought my eyes back to his. “I said I had no objections, so long as it’s what you want.”

My gut did its best pretzel impersonation, twisting until I felt my stomach rise into my throat. I was so damn torn. I liked Bishop—a lot—but the whole point in screwing him was to experience life, not get myself tied down even faster. Getting hitched to the first man I slept with was exactly what I’d been trying to avoid.

My father stiffened when I didn’t immediately answer. “All you need to do is say the word, and I’ll make sure this guy never bothers you again.”

“No!” I blurted. “It’s not that, exactly. Everything is just happening fast. I’m confused is all.” I didn’t want Bishop to push me into a relationship, but I also didn’t want my father to hurt him. My entire body recoiled at the notion.

“You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with, Pip.”

“I know, Daddy. Thank you.”

He sighed heavily. “I suppose I should have talked to you before asking him to dinner.”

“Dinner? Tonight?” Bishop was coming here to eat with my family?

Dad stood. “You’re right. It’s too quick. I’ll give him a call and tell him we need to reschedule.”

My hand shot out instinctively to clasp Dad’s forearm. “No, that’s okay. I was just surprised.”

Seeing Bishop again after two days of silence was too tempting. The tease of his intoxicating presence was too alluring. I couldn’t send him away.

“If you’re sure, he’ll be here in an hour.” Dad studied my face as if searching for doubts.

I smiled softly. “Okay. Thanks, Dad.” I was glad my father was on my side, even if he was overbearing at times. He always meant well.

Dad lightly tapped the faint cleft in my chin before leaving me to my dizzying thoughts.

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