“That’s ridiculous.Are you listening to yourself?I’m an adult.I’m three years into being an adult.I’ve been on my own for a while.I’ve also been interested in Myles for a while.I wouldn’t have acted on it because I feared he would reject me, but there was no way to keep my attraction a secret after I moved in with him.”
My father rolls his eyes.He’s still raging as he shifts his gaze to Myles again.“I can’t believe I asked you to go help my child, and you fucking moved her into your bed and took her to a kink club.”
Myles brings me around to his front and lifts me onto his lap—so totally claiming me.And then he shocks me to death.“I’m in love with Madison, Hendrix.It’s not something I can stop.I won’t make light of it.Believe me, I’ve tried to convince her I’m too old for her.I’ve tried to point out what she might be missing out on by giving up her twenties to be with me.But she loves me, too.We’re in this together.It’s not a fling.I want to marry her.I want her to be the mother of my children.I know you’re shocked and fuming right now, and I can’t blame you, but I hope you can come around, for Madison’s sake.She shouldn’t have to feel like she has to choose between us.”
“I won’t choose, Dad,” I interject.I’m still reeling from him saying he loves me.I’ve just told my father I love Myles, too.We’ve never said those words to each other before.Our confession is happening without even looking each other in the eyes.“There is no choosing.You’re my father.He’s my man.I want both of you in my life.”
My father drops his elbows back to his knees and hangs his head.“Fuck.”
“Please, Dad,” I beg.“How about if we all have dinner together?You can take some time to process and come back this evening.I’m so glad you’re here.It was so sweet of you to surprise me for my birthday.I’m sorry you’re so upset.I understand why, but you need to understand that this was never going to be easy.There was never going to be the right time.Myles is your best friend.Don’t ruin that just because he happened to fall for me and I him.Take a step back and wrap your mind around this.It’s happening whether you like it or not.I won’t apologize for loving him.I can only apologize for hurting you.”
“Okay,” he mutters, staring at the floor.“Give me some time.”He stands and turns toward the door.Without another word, he leaves.
I lean my head against Myles’s shoulder.“Shit.”
He rubs my hip.“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
I turn in his lap, take the ice from him, and hold it gently against his nose.“Do you think it’s broken?”
“No.It’ll be fine.”He pulls the ice pack away and meets my gaze.“Did you mean it?You love me?”
I smile.“Didyoumean it?”
He pulls me closer.“Every word.”He cups my face.“I love you, Madison.I want to spend the rest of my life showing you.”
I wrap my arms around his neck.“I love you, too.”I kiss his nose.“Put the ice back before you have two black eyes.”
He chuckles and kisses me.“So bossy.”
Chapter21
Myles
I’m almost surprised when Hendrix shows up at the front door.I wasn’t positive he would actually come for dinner.By the end of our unintended morning, I had hope that Hendrix would come around, but I wasn’t sure how long it might take.
His brow is furrowed, and he’s rubbing the back of his neck.He’s not comfortable, but he’s here.
I step back.“Come in.”
Madison comes up behind me, tucking her head under my arm, her hands wrapping around me.“Dad.I’m glad you’re here.”She obviously has no interest in keeping some space between us in an attempt to soothe his sensibilities.And I’m good with that.
He sighs as he enters, his gaze lowering to the way I wrap my arm around her and keep her at my side.“Part of me hoped I imagined what happened earlier.”
“You didn’t, Dad.It’s not going away.Please try to understand.”
Hendrix draws in a deep breath.
“Can I get you a drink?”I ask.
Hendrix smirks.“Scotch would be nice.Double.No, make it a triple.”
I make no comment about his request as I release Madison to head for the bar.I pour myself a single and bring the bottle and a second glass to the coffee table.Hendrix can make his own choices.
Hendrix takes a seat on the couch, and I choose the armchair across from him.I don’t have to do more than hold out a hand for Madison to come to my side.She perches on the arm and leans into me.
Hendrix fills about half his glass and takes a long sip before sitting back.He looks at his daughter.“You’re not drinking?You’ve begged me to let you drink for the last few years.Now that you’re twenty-one, it’s lost its appeal?”His voice is slightly joking.
I squeeze her hip.“She had a glass of wine at dinner last night.Anything more would have been inappropriate before we went to Edge.”