Daddy’s Kilted Friend

by Callahan, Kelli

  We kept all our fights behind closed doors—nobody knew how bad it really was, not even my best friend who visited a lot while I was growing up. My father might have loved me, but I didn’t think he would be the type to come charging into a sorority house to save me. He would have just waited at home so he could lay into me the moment I walked through the front door.

  “This is really good.” I picked up my bacon and took another bite. “I wasn’t even sure I would be able to keep anything down.”

  “Greasy food always cured my hangovers.” Lachlan nodded and laughed.

  “I hate to ask this after you’ve done so much for me already, but is there any chance you could drop me off at my sorority house?” I looked up at him. “I’m already going to be in a lot of trouble…”

  “Aye, I’ll take ye.” He nodded. “If ye promise not to drink anything tonight.”

  “After last night, I might swear off drinking for good!” I felt the color drain out of my face, and my stomach did a somersault. “Unless they make me…”

  “Then make a deal with me.” Lachlan leaned back in his chair. “If ye get in a bad situation like last night—call. I’ll come to get ye.”

  “I can do that.” The worry in my stomach was replaced with a softer, relaxed feeling.

  It feels good to have a safety net. It’s been a really long time since I’ve had one of those I felt like I could rely on.

  Chapter Eight

  Lachlan

  I never imagined myself bringing a beautiful girl home and sleeping on the couch, but that’s exactly what happened. Amelia was so drunk that she didn’t know what she was doing, and half-asleep by the time we got to the car. I had to wake her up when we got to my uncle’s house, and the glazed over look in her eyes told me that she wasn’t in control of her actions anymore—which is why I put her to bed as soon as possible.

  I felt better once she was asleep, but it took some coaxing to get her there—a lot more than it took in her room at the Pi Beta Phi sorority house. She would have probably slept it off if I left after she passed out, but the number of people coming into her room without being stopped by anyone outside worried me. I could have just stayed to make sure she was safe, but if one more frat guy walked in—there was a chance that I would have spent the rest of my night in jail.

  “Hey, so…” Amelia took a deep breath after she carried her plate to the sink. “I’m kind of scared to ask this, but do you have any idea why I woke up in nothing but my bra and panties? I’m pretty sure I didn’t fold my clothes and neatly put them on the chair last night.”

  “Ye definitely didn’t.” I looked down and laughed. “I don’t think ye want to know that part if ye don’t remember it.”

  “How bad was it?” She blinked a couple of times, and I saw a worried expression settle on her face.

  “Let’s just say that I wanted to be a perfectly good lad, but ye did not want to go to bed alone like a good little lass.” I shook my head.

  “Oh, god.” She brought her hand to her mouth.

  “Tempting, but I’m not that kind of man.” I shrugged. “Yer cherry remains—unpopped.” I tried to stifle my laugh, but it came out anyway.

  “I’m sorry.” She sat down and groaned. “I do get a little out of control when I drink—and do other things I shouldn’t.”

  “Aye, I noticed.” I nodded. “It’s okay, lass. Ye made it through the night.”

  “Yeah,” she sighed.

  It was awfully tempting to give in to my desires, especially once Amelia started to remove her clothes, but I knew it wasn’t right. I kept reminding myself that she was the same bairn David Hartley used to talk about, and I did consider him a friend, even if we hadn’t spoken since I left New York. If she had been sober, I might have had a harder time resisting her advances, but I wouldn’t take advantage of a lass, even if they were begging for it—which she most certainly did before she finally passed out.

  “Ready to go?” I looked over at Amelia as she finished her coffee.

  “Yep.” She smiled and put down her cup. “This is really good coffee, by the way. I normally don’t like it…”

  “Aye, it’s something my uncle has shipped here from Scotland.” I nodded in agreement. “They roast the beans in a distillery—but it’s non-alcoholic, of course.”

  “Interesting…” She raised an eyebrow. “Give me a minute; I need to run to the restroom.”

  “It’s down that way.” I pointed. “Just be quiet if you can—my uncle is still sleeping.”

  “Okay.” She smiled and disappeared around the corner.

  Amelia was in the restroom for longer than I expected. I was concerned she might throw up, but she seemed fine when she returned—she had what almost looked like a devious smile on her face.

  I wonder what that is about…

  “Are ye good to go now?” I tilted my head inquisitively.

  “Yep, all set.” She nodded and seemed to be holding back a laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” I raised my eyebrows.

  “Nothing.” She shook her head, and the smile disappeared into a serious expression. “I was just remembering a few of the good things that happened last night.”

  Amelia followed me to my car, and I could tell that the sun quickly burned the humor away—whatever it was that made her smile. The breakfast and brew might have been enough to take the edge off her hangover, but it was no replacement for sleep. She was going to need some more rest before she was ready to do anything productive. I had been there myself, so I knew what she was going through, but I always felt like the hangover was the price that had to be paid for the buzz. She was getting the furious vengeance of her night of debauchery.

  “Are ye going to get in much trouble with sorority?” I looked over at her as I drove.

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t even care anymore. I’ll do whatever bullshit they decide is necessary to pay my penance and move on. I just wish the other pledges didn’t have to suffer for it…”

  “What do ye mean?” I raised my eyebrows inquisitively.

  “They punished all of the pledges because Chrissy and I left the party last weekend.” She sighed. “I’m sure they won’t like me very much when we have to go through more hazing bullshit because you rescued me last night.”

  “When does all of that end?” I turned my attention back to the road.

  “I’m not sure.” She sighed again. “I wish there was an alternative. Maybe I should have pledged to another sorority…”

  “I’m sure they’re all the same.” I shrugged. “It’ll probably be a different flavor of bullshit, but still bullshit.”

  “Maybe.” She nodded in agreement. “I chose Pi Beta Phi because they don’t have membership dues—they’re all paid by a few rather wealthy alumni members.”

  “Ah, but as the old saying goes. Ye get what ye pay for…” I glanced over at her.

  “Yeah, maybe that should have been a warning sign.” She shook her head. “Oh well, it’s not like I have a choice…”

  “Can ye apply for a scholarship that will cover ye dorm after the semester? Maybe that would be yer way out.” I gave her a light nudge. “And save ye from the hazing.”

  “It’s possible.” She nodded. “But if I survive that long, I’ll be a member, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

  Better than my frat—the new members didn’t escape it until we had another batch of pledges. She might be wrong, but I’m not going to bring it up.

  “So, yer mission is survival.” I laughed under my breath.

  “It looks that way.” She raised a hand and rubbed the edge of her temple.

  This poor lass is definitely feeling it. The Advil wasn’t strong enough.

  I turned on sorority row and slowed down when I saw several students hanging out near the road. I was lucky that I didn’t hit anyone when I came to get Amelia. She was the only concern I had. I knew there was a reason for that—something about her drew me in, even when I tried to fight my
desires. I was protective of the girl with eyes that reminded me of home, even when those eyes were raging with a need any man would recognize. That wasn’t just the alcohol, but it kept me from being able to respond to that need the way I would have otherwise.

  “Time to face my demons.” Amelia exhaled sharply when I finally let my car roll to a stop in front of the Pi Beta Phi sorority house.

  “Yer gonna be okay.” I reached over and put my hand on hers. “If ye need me, just call—or text.”

  “About that…” She looked down and at my hand, and her fingers lightly brushed against mine. “When you texted me last night, was that because you wanted to see me?”

  She’s finally collected her thoughts enough to realize that—maybe she’s recovering faster than I expected.

  “Aye, it was…” I felt a tingle as her fingers continued to move against my skin—so light, almost like a tease.

  “You’re not worried about our age difference or the fact you may end up teaching at my school anymore?” She tilted her head inquisitively.

  “It’s still a concern, lass.” I nodded. “I just—it’s hard to explain, but I felt a connection with ye, and I didn’t want ye to do something that ye ended up regretting with someone else.”

  “Would I regret it with you?” She bit down on her bottom lip.

  “I’m not saying ye would or wouldn’t. I don’t think we’re even at that point yet. I wanted to talk to ye and see where it went.” I sighed.

  “Do you still want to find out, or did I ruin it by getting shitfaced and having to be rescued?” Her expression echoed a hint of concern.

  “Nay, lass.” I shook my head. “Ye didn’t ruin it.”

  This is my opportunity to pull away—to tell her that it would be a mistake—but I don’t want to say that. It’s not what I’m feeling… Damn it.

  “Will you text me again?” Her lips spread into a grin. “Or come pick me up—even if I don’t need to be rescued?”

  “Why don’t ye see what kind of trouble yer in before we start making plans.” I motioned to her sorority house. “They may lock ye in yer room for a month.”

  “I doubt that.” She looked down and laughed.

  “Remember, no drinking—not like last night.” I narrowed my eyes. “Please…”

  “Okay, Daddy.” Amelia’s tone was sarcastic, and she rolled her eyes. “I’ll be a good little lass.”

  “Aye, ye better be.” I squeezed her hand and let go slowly. “I’m not yer Daddy, but I know his number.”

  “If I’m gonna get in trouble, I’d rather it be with you.” Amelia opened the door and stepped out. “Bye, Daddy…”

  “Ye know it doesn’t make me feel any better about our age difference when ye say that.” I narrowed my eyes at her as she closed the door.

  But damn if it isn’t hot…

  Amelia leaned over and grinned at me through the window—then her tongue slowly moved in a circle around her lips, and she blew me a kiss. My cock immediately throbbed in my pants as I envisioned what those lips could do to it, which was precisely what she intended. Our eyes met, and the need raged in her eyes for an instant before she turned away.

  Yep, I’m in trouble…

  I watched as Amelia walked towards her sorority house. Those curves were enough to make my cock throb a few more times before I finally looked away. I gave her an opening. I told her I was interested. She seemed to have every intention of making that opening wide enough to crawl into my soul and make herself at home. I still knew it was wrong, but my ability to give a damn was fading fast.

  Once Amelia was safely inside, I drove back to my uncle’s house. It was no surprise that he was still sleeping. The couch wasn’t the best, so I didn’t get much rest myself, so I decided to lay down for a little while. I stripped down to my boxers, walked the bed, and turned the covers back.

  “What the…” I stared at my pillow, where Amelia had apparently left me a gift—her panties.

  So that’s why Amelia had that devious look on her face…

  Chapter Nine

  Amelia

  My head was pounding, and my thoughts were a little jumbled, but I knew I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The pledges that were already awake gave me dirty looks when I walked into my sorority house. If what Kira did to us the day before was any indication, she was going to punish everyone for what I did. It wasn’t fair, and it was mostly her fault anyway. She’s the one that made us all drink shots—granted, I went a little overboard after I did mine.

  “There you are!” Chrissy spotted me and grabbed my hand. “You need to hide.”

  “Hide?” I raised my eyebrows as she pulled me into the library—one of the most unused rooms in the whole house. “Why? I thought I needed to get back here immediately.”

  “Yeah, that was before Kira had her little meltdown. I’m not sure you want to see her right now.” Chrissy shook her head quickly.

  “This is bullshit.” I rolled my eyes. “She’s the one that made us get wasted. How can she be pissed off about anything we did after that?”

  “I don’t think she was upset that you left with that guy, but you were supposed to be home for cleanup…” Chrissy sighed. “The fact you still weren’t home this morning just made it worse.”

  “I’m not going to hide from her.” I shrugged. “I’ll go talk to her.”

  “That’s a really bad idea…” Chrissy stared at me apprehensively as I walked out of the library.

  I understood the hierarchy of Pi Beta Phi. Kira was Queen Bitch, and we were all supposed to bow down to her. I could do that if what she asked us to do made sense. It was what I signed up for. I just couldn’t tolerate a bully. I had my fair share of those in high school, and I was never one to back down, even when the odds weren’t in my favor. She wasn’t supposed to haze us, but I expected some minor degradation since it was tradition—she was just taking things too far.

  This may be a bad idea, but fuck it. If Kira wants me to be a member of this sorority, then she needs to know that I’m not going to put up with her crap.

  “Kira.” I walked into her room and was kind of glad she was alone. “Can I talk to you?”

  “Oh, look—your walk of shame led you right to my door.” Kira turned around and smiled. “I thought I was going to have to hunt you down.”

  “I’m not doing a walk of shame.” I shook my head. “Nothing happened with that guy last night. He just made sure I was safe—which you didn’t bother to do.”

  “What are you talking about?” Her head snapped back in surprise.

  “I was drunk, and when I tried to lay down, guys kept coming into my room!” I stared at her in disbelief. “What if one of them had decided to take advantage of me? When I agreed to pledge Pi Beta Phi, you talked about sisterhood and looking out for each other!”

  “We were all drinking.” She shrugged. “You’re the one that decided to get totally shitfaced. I didn’t make you do that.”

  “You don’t think six shots is a little much?” I tilted my head.

  “It’s tradition. That’s what we always do the first time one of the pledges fucks up.” She shrugged again. “You’re not supposed to go to bed in the middle of a party anyway—alone. If you were worried about getting too drunk to function, you should have chosen something other than tequila, like the paddle.”

  “I’m didn’t pledge to this sorority so you could live out your dominatrix fantasies at my expense.” I shook my head. “This isn’t just about me. This is supposed to be a safe place for everyone, including the pledges.”

  “If you hate it here so much, you can leave.” She tilted her head to the side. “We aren’t running a prison.”

  “I don’t want to leave.” I looked down and sighed. “I just wanted you to understand why I left, and…”

  Fuck, if I keep pressing this, she may kick me out. I don’t want to drop it, but I won’t have anywhere to go if she does…

  “I think you need a little rest, sis.” Kira put her hands on h
er hips and narrowed her eyes. “I’ll excuse you from your duties until lunch. I promise none of us will come into your room and take advantage of you while you sleep.”

  “Fine.” I exhaled sharply. “Thank you.”

  I didn’t feel like I made any progress with Kira, and she managed to put me in my place by suggesting that I leave. I needed a place to live, so I was just going to have to be more careful going forward. She did seem to show a hint of compassion, so maybe she wasn’t the raging bitch I thought she was. There would be times when I had to drink from a social standpoint, but I could avoid going overboard. If things really did get out of control, I had someone who would come and get me—someone who was going to find a present on their pillow when they finally went to bed. I didn’t know how long it would before he saw them, but there was no way he could miss his surprise.

  Maybe he’ll be the one that takes off the next pair I wear to his place—if there is a next time.

  I went to sleep with a smile on my face and thoughts of Lachlan running through my head. He wasn’t just hot-as-sin and tempting enough to crave his touch—he was also protective and kind. I had never met anyone that would drop everything and rush to the rescue of someone they barely knew. Lachlan did that. He realized I was drunk, and even though I was flirting with him, he didn’t try to take advantage of me when I was blitzed out of my mind. He made sure nobody could…

  * * *

  I don’t know how long I slept, but I woke up to the sound of something grinding—loud. I sat up in bed and saw that my door was standing open, and there was a guy I didn’t recognize standing in the doorway. He was an older guy with gray hair and a bushy mustache. He appeared to be doing something to my door, and he was holding a drill. He walked away before I could ask what was going on, and a few seconds later, Kira appeared in my doorway.