Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“Give me a sec,” I reply as my phone goes off again.
It’s Mack calling. I want to make sure everything is okay since I haven’t spoken to him in a minute. I’ve been skipping my weekly visits to the gym, not sure what to expect when I run into Carson.
There is also the fact that Ardan doesn’t allow me out of his sight. I sigh, knowing I need to deal with this sooner rather than later.
“Hey, Papi,” I say as I answer the call.
“Billy, thank God. I thought something happened to you. What’s going on? I haven’t seen you in a week and Carson growls like a beast each time I ask him about you.”
“I’m fine. I’ve just been busy. Carson and I are having a little disagreement. That’s all.”
“That’s fine, but I’ll feel better once I see you with my own eyes. I’m making chili tonight. You should come by.”
I palm my forehead and look up at the ceiling. I feel bad for blowing him off, but what am I supposed to do? This is all so complicated.
“Papi, I already have plans. Can I get a rain check?”
“As long as I see your face next week.”
I bite my lip. I’m going to have to figure this out. No matter how independent I’ve tried to be all my life. Mack has never let go.
Even once I became eighteen and thought for sure he would put me out, he didn’t. Mack was right there to help me figure out college and then the academy.
He was the one to find my apartment and gave me my deposit no matter how much I protested. He was so mad at me when I returned the money to his account.
He takes being my father to heart. However, I’ve never been able to accept that he’s not going to fail me next. I’d rather do things for myself and not have to feel the pain of someone I tried to trust letting me down.
“I’ll do my best,” I say after a few beats.
I get out of bed and use my magic to dress in a pair of running shorts and a sports bra. I want to take a run after breakfast. After I’m dressed, I pad out to the main area barefoot.
“Mi hija,” Mack sighs into the phone. “I worry about you. I only want to see you safe and happy. You won’t even go out on a date with a nice young man. If it’s a nice young woman you’re looking for, I’m fine with that too.”
I can’t help but laugh at him. I mean, I give a full belly laugh. If he knew the things I allowed Ardan to do to me last night, he’d know that I’m definitely into men.
I know he means well, but I can hear the nerves in his voice. I have no doubt he would support me no matter what, but I can tell he’s holding his breath.
“Papi, I like men. You can relax,” I say and shake my head.
Ardan turns to look at me with amusement on his lips as he takes me in. I give him an appreciative once-over as well. He’s dressed in a pair of low-hanging jeans, a fitted T-shirt, and his cut. His feet are bare as well.
As I stop in front of him, he places a hand on my waist and tugs me to him to peck my lips. Without prying into his thoughts, I know exactly what he’s going to do next.
“Good morning, baby girl. I’ve been waiting for you to get up,” he says in that strong, rumbling voice of his.
I purse my lips and glare at him. He has the audacity to wink at me before he pecks my lips once again. I swat at his shoulder and shake my head.
“Billy, who was that?” Mack asks.
“That was my boyfriend,” I say through my teeth as I watch Ardan’s face light up.
“Your boyfriend?”
“Yes, my boyfriend. I’m seeing someone.”
“When will I get to meet him?”
“It’s new. I don’t know if we’re ready for that,” I say and look away from Ardan.
“Is that your father? I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Ardan says with a slick-ass smile on his face.
“Oh my God,” I whisper-yell as I cover the phone.
“Were your plans tonight with him? Bring him by for chili,” Mack says excitedly.
“Papi, I will find time to come by. Just not tonight. Okay?”
“All right, all right, but I want to meet him soon.”
“I’ll call you later,” I say and end the call.
“I can’t believe you just did that shit. What the f—”
Ardan places a finger over my lips to silence me as he chuckles. I turn to look over my shoulder to see with he’s looking at. I’m met with two tiny little faces staring back at me from around a corner in the living area.