by Parker, Ali
It would kill me, but I would walk away if it was the best thing for her.
Chapter 47
Trent
I woke up with my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth. I stared up at the ceiling, my eyes squinting as I struggled to focus on anything. I blinked several times before realizing I wasn’t in my bed. It wasn’t my ceiling, and it was definitely not my mattress. I slowly turned my head, not wanting to make any sudden movements.
“Oh shit,” I groaned, realizing I was in Sade’s bed.
The night came flooding back. There had been a lot of tequila.
A lot.
I rubbed my hand over my face, trying to speed up the process of clearing out the cobwebs in my brain. The bed was empty. I looked at the small digital clock on her bedside table and saw it was after seven. It wasn’t exactly late, considering it had been about one when I had climbed into bed.
Sade had gone to bed much earlier, leaving me alone with her father to down tequila while we talked about the good ol’ days. All of Sade’s worries about her father had been for naught. He seemed okay with me dating his daughter. I wouldn’t say he had been thrilled, but he had definitely been in the okay zone.
He didn’t throw me out. He didn’t take a swing at me. He didn’t disown his daughter. All good signs, as far as I was concerned. I couldn’t remember exactly who busted out the bottle of tequila, but it had been brought out and finished. Captain—no, Justin—and I had stayed up long after Khloe and Sade had gone to bed.
I wondered if he was feeling as miserable as I was. I kind of hoped so. I felt like a lightweight. I drank, but I wasn’t a big tequila drinker. The tequila kicked my ass and was likely going to keep kicking it all damn day. I was grateful I had called and cleared my schedule for the day. There was no way I was in any condition to deal with people or numbers.
I threw off the blankets, pulled on my sweats and, because there were people in the condo, put on my T-shirt. I didn’t bother looking in the mirror after relieving myself in the bathroom. I already knew it was likely a rough situation.
“He’s alive,” Sade said when I walked into the kitchen.
“Barely,” I mumbled, looking around and only seeing Khloe at the table.
“Outside,” Sade answered my unspoken question.
I looked to the patio and saw Justin pacing the small balcony, his phone to his ear.
“What’s that about?” I asked.
Sade shrugged. “I have no idea.”
I went to the coffee pot that was half-full of dark liquid and poured myself a cup. I took the first sip and then another, letting the hot liquid run down my throat. I closed my eyes, imagining the coffee running through my veins, still running thick with tequila. I envisioned the coffee diluting the tequila and restoring balance to my poor body.
I took a seat at the table, letting the coffee absorb into my system as I stared out the window. “I’m sorry if we kept you up late,” I said to Sade.
She smiled. “Trust me. I will lose a little sleep if it means the two most important men in my life are bonding.”
I chuckled. “I’m not sure if we bonded with each other or that bottle.”
“He seems to like you,” Khloe commented.
“He liked me before. I just wasn’t sure if he’d like me still once he found out I was seeing his daughter.”
“I think you have your answer,” Sade said.
“I can’t believe he’s moving out here,” I said, shaking my head. “He always talked about Texas.”
“It’s the retirement thing,” Sade said. “He’s too young. He’s fifty-five and not ready to play golf the rest of his days. This job is exactly what he needs.”
“It’s an honorable job,” I agreed.
“I’m happy for him,” Sade said with a smile. “He can do a lot of good in the VA. I know he will feel valued and like he is still doing something for his country. My mom will be thrilled to have him on the same continent.”
“Do you think she’ll move here right away?” Khloe asked.
Sade shrugged. “I’m sure it will take a couple of months to get the house sold, but I don’t see her waiting too long.”
“You said they were struggling a bit to adjust,” I said. “Maybe this will help them both realize how much they miss one another.”
She smiled. “I think you might be right.” She got up from her chair and dropped a kiss on my lips. “I have to get ready for work.”
If there hadn’t been a full house, I would have followed her into the bedroom to get a little more than a basic kiss.
“Hey, Captain,” I greeted when her father came back inside.
He rolled his eyes. “You’re dating my daughter. Please quit calling me ’Captain.’ It’s Justin now.”
I nodded. “Sorry. Old habits.”
“I’m going to go and start the job search,” Khloe said, lacking all enthusiasm.
“Khloe, I wasn’t drunk last night when I offered you a job,” I said.
She shook her head. “No way. I don’t want a pity job.”
“It isn’t a pity job. I need a good PA.”
“Thanks, but I’m going to keep looking,” she said and walked away.
I looked at my former captain. Without a bottle of tequila between us, things were a little awkward. I did a quick mental rewind of the night before. I wasn’t the kind of man who talked about a woman and our private life together, but tequila was worse than any truth serum. If I had said anything offensive, I was sure I’d be sporting a black eye and a busted lip. I was in one piece.
It didn’t alleviate the tension I felt in the tiny dining area with Justin sitting across from me. He was sipping his coffee, acting nonchalantly, but he had that look. The look that said one wrong move and he’d knock me out of the chair.
Or maybe I was just being paranoid.
Justin looked at me. I braced myself for the real interrogation. “How are you feeling?” he asked.
It took me a split second to realize what he said. I breathed a mental sigh of relief before grinning widely. “Right as rain.”
“Liar.”
I chuckled. “I’m getting there. A little more coffee and maybe some toast, and I’ll be fine.”
“If you hire Khloe, you plan on setting her up in one of your hotels back in Lake Tahoe?” Justin asked.
I inwardly grimaced. Obviously, Sade hadn’t told him about my move. I felt like we were in a good place and he may as well know the whole story. I wanted him to know how serious I was about his daughter.
“Actually, I’m planning to buy a hotel here,” I said.
He raised both eyebrows. “Here?”
I slowly nodded. “Yes. I’m relocating. I put in a cash offer for a house this weekend.”
He studied me closely. “I see.”
“Justin, I know this seems fast, but I promise you, I will not do anything to hurt Sade,” I said. “We’re both in this for the long haul. We’re both crazy about each other, and I want to be closer to her. She’s got a good job, and I would never ask her to leave it.”
“So, you’re picking up and moving here,” he said, nodding.
“Yes, sir.”
“Here I was worried about her being out here all alone,” he said with a small laugh. “I show up, and she’s practically married and has a roommate.”
“She’ll be happy to have you around.”
“I’ll be pretty busy with my job,” he said.
“I think you’re the perfect man for the job. The soldiers will respect you. You’ve been there. You know what they’re dealing with. You are going to change lives.”
He shook his head. “I sure hope so. I’m tired of seeing my soldiers treated like shit.”
I smiled. “I know you are.”
“When is your big move?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I hope soon. Maybe a couple of weeks. You?”
“I’m going to be coming out next week. I need to start doing some house hunting.”
I nod
ded. “Sade will be thrilled.”
He laughed. “I don’t know about that. She’s got a man in her life now. Me and her mother will be an afterthought.”
“Nah, I wouldn’t let that happen.”
“I look forward to seeing you more often,” he said.
I smiled. “Me too. I can’t wait to meet the wife. I feel like I know her already.”
He chuckled. “She may not take this little arrangement as well as I did.”
“Really?” I asked with shock. “Sade was convinced it would be you that had a problem with it.”
He leaned forward. “Nah, I know you know I will rip your balls off and shove them down your throat if you hurt my little girl.”
I grinned, not at all bothered by his threat. “Yes, sir.”
We sipped coffee and fell into an easy conversation. I got the feeling things were going to be good between us. He could be the father I never had.
Sade came out and grabbed her purse. She moved close to me, and out of habit, I reached out and snaked my arm around her waist, pulling her to stand close to where I sat.
“I’m headed out,” she announced.
“Can I get you a cab?” I asked.
“No. I told you, I like the walk before work. It helps clear my thoughts.”
“Can I walk you to work?” I tried again.
She leaned down and dropped a kiss on the top of my head. “No.”
“I’ll see you when you get off work,” I told her.
“Really?”
I shrugged. “I’m already missing the day. I may as well stay until I can see you one last time before I leave.”
Khloe came into the room and made a gagging sound. “You two are too much.”
“Bye, Dad,” Sade said with a wave.
I walked her to the door and gave her a quick kiss before going back inside. I didn’t want to be gone too long and have Justin wondering what I was doing. Going to bed last night had been very awkward. Thankfully, the tequila helped make it more of a necessity and erased the apprehension I felt about going to bed with Justin’s daughter while he crashed on the couch.
I rejoined Khloe and Justin at the table. Khloe was lamenting the lack of job prospects in the area. I refilled my coffee cup before taking my seat again.
“My offer is still there,” I said. “I could really use some help, and since I know you and trust you, it would save me a lot of worry.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. I don’t want your job because you feel sorry for me.”
“I don’t feel sorry for you,” I said with a smile. “I feel sorry for me.”
Justin chuckled. “He’s always been a little bit of a crybaby.”
“Hey!” I protested.
“If I get totally desperate and I’m on the verge of becoming a serious burden to Sade, I’ll let you know,” Khloe said.
I nodded. “Deal. I think. I feel so valued.”
“All right,” Justin said, rising from the table. “I’m taking a shower. I need to get over to the VA and check some things out.”
“Can I make you something to eat before you go?” I offered.
He scowled at me. “You’re all domesticated now?”
“No, but I can make toast.”
“I’m fine,” he answered. “I want to see what they’re feeding our guys over there at the VA. I’m going to make a little surprise visit to the kitchen.”
“Good for you,” I said. “You’re going to have that place whipped into shape in no time.”
“Damn straight I will,” he said, his voice gruff as he grabbed his duffel bag and headed for the bathroom.
Khloe turned to look at me once the door was closed behind him. “That went a lot better than expected, huh?”
I blew out a long breath. “Yes, it did.”
She burst into a fit of giggles. “You have a healthy fear of him. That’s a good thing.”
I grinned. “I suppose.”
“It is. Now, I don’t have to be the one to cut you if you fuck over Sade.”
My eyes widened. “Damn. You’re kind of vicious.”
She laughed. “I am.”
I was very happy to know Sade had so many people looking out for her. It gave me comfort to know she had Khloe and now her dad around while I took care of things back in Tahoe.
Chapter 48
Sade
It was hard to focus on anything at work when all I wanted to do was be at home. It was a little strange to think my condo was full of people. I was here, and they were all there. I checked the time and was grateful to see I only had another hour.
I had been texting Trent all day, making sure he and my dad hadn’t decided to kill each other. My dad had taken the news about Trent and me surprisingly well. There had been some raised eyebrows and a frown, but ultimately, he seemed okay with it.
At least, that was what I was hoping. Part of me was convinced it was some war tactic. He was bluffing me into thinking he was okay with the situation in order to get me out of the house so he could be alone with my boyfriend. The texts throughout the day assured me I was wrong, and they were getting along fine.
It was strange. Very strange. My dad and my boyfriend were hanging out at my place. I never thought I would be saying that. I liked it. I liked knowing they could get along. It was certainly going to make things much easier when they both decided to move to Fresno. I imagined family dinners and Christmas and Sunday barbecues.
I checked the time again. Only five minutes had passed. I loved my job, but I really wanted to be with Trent and the others. I was torn. I had to work. I was happy he would be there when I got off, even if it was only going to be for a few minutes.
I pushed all thoughts of Trent and everyone else to the side and focused on my work. I couldn’t afford to be distracted. Fortunately, when I checked the time again, it was time to go. I was giddy as I raced to the breakroom and snatched my purse, pulling out my phone to make sure all was well.
Just as I was walking out of the building, my dad called. “Hi, Dad,” I answered.
“Hey, just wanted you to know we’ve got dinner handled. You don’t need to stop for anything.”
“Okay, I’m on my way,” I said, unable to hide the elation I felt.
I practically ran home. I was so looking forward to my full house. I pushed open my front door and immediately felt like I had stepped into the Olive Garden. It smelled amazing.
“Hey there!” my dad greeted.
He was opening a bottle of wine and looking completely at home. I saw Trent on the balcony, his phone to his ear. He gave me a slight wave as I walked into the kitchen. Khloe was at the stove, stirring what smelled an awful lot like pasta sauce.
“It smells amazing in here,” I commented.
She turned to look at me and smiled. “Your dad ordered me to keep stirring. I cannot stop.”
“You guys cooked?” I asked with disbelief.
“Of course, we cooked,” my dad said. “You don’t need to be eating out every meal, and you certainly don’t need to be living on those freezer meals.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Trent came in and walked directly to me, pulling me in for a warm hug. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I said, feeling a little awkward hugging in front of my dad.
“How was work?”
“Too long,” I answered.
He smiled. “Smells good in here, huh?”
“Amazing.”
“Now that we’re all here, we can eat,” my dad announced.
“Does that mean I can stop stirring?” Khloe asked.
My dad chuckled and moved to the stove to turn off the burner. A few minutes later, we were all sitting around my small table, feasting on the homemade sauce over pasta and some delicious breadsticks from the local bakery.
“Did you get any more details about the job?” I asked my dad.
He nodded. “Yes, and unfortunately, we won’t be in Fresno. I’ll be in San Francisco.”
I was a little bumme
d. “Really?”
“Yes. That’s where I’m needed.”
“When will you be moving?” I asked.
“Next month. I’ll talk to your mom and see what she’s thinking, but I’m sure she’ll enjoy the beaches and want to come out very soon.”
“I guess it is a lot closer than Texas,” I said.
“I got a job,” Khloe announced.
“What?” I exclaimed. “No way! Already? That’s amazing! I knew you would.”
She gave me a dry look. “Don’t get too excited. I’m working for him.” She hooked her thumb at Trent.
He grinned. “She practically made me beg.”
“I’m happy for you both,” I said, feeling like all the pieces of my life were just magically falling into place.
“Me too. She can manage things for me here while I deal with stuff back home.”
“Are you leaving tonight?” I asked, hoping he would say no.
“After dinner,” he replied. “I have to. Trust me. I don’t want to, but I have an early meeting.”
“I understand,” I said. “What about you, Dad?”
“I’ll be around for the week, and then I need to go home and discuss the next step with your mom.”
I smiled. “I’m happy to have you for as long as you can stay.”
“I’ll be busy, but I hope we can have at least one more dinner together before I go back.”
“I’d like that,” I answered.
“Tell me about this house you bought,” my dad said to Trent.
Trent wiped his mouth with a napkin. “It’s not far from here. It has a nice backyard and a pool. I have a dog, and she needs plenty of room to run.”
He nodded. I could see him sizing Trent up. He’d been accepting so far, but I knew he likely had a lot more questions about our relationship and what it meant that Trent was moving close to me. My dad looked at me. I looked down at my plate. I knew he wanted to ask about the living arrangements. I wasn’t prepared to get into all of that just then.
“How long will Khloe be working for you?” I asked.
He shrugged a shoulder. “I suppose as long as she’ll stay on.”
