Matter Point
Page 26
My father shook his head. “No catch.”
I looked between them but kept quiet. I was still trying to register my father being so nice. My father smiled at the waitress as he accepted a cup of coffee. He took a drink then put it down, looking between us. “Now let’s talk about you two.”
“Dad—” I said, but he put up his hand.
“Let me speak.” He glanced at Jaxon. “Amanda and I spoke about it, and I may have changed my mind on a few points.”
“Really?” I asked skeptically.
“Really,” he said, trying not to smile. Looking back at Jaxon, his features hardened a bit. “You may see my daughter, but you have to do so properly.”
I almost fell out of the booth. Who is this man?
He cleared his throat. “That means picking her up at our house and coming in the front door. You also need to get to know our family and have dinner with us occasionally. I expect you to treat her with respect and have her home at a decent time.”
I had to hold back tears as I smiled at him. “Thank you, Dad. That means so much.”
Jaxon smiled. “I hear you, sir, and will treat Ariel with all the respect she deserves.” He looked at me then back at my dad. “I would also be grateful for the scholarship. I won’t let you down.”
He nodded. “You better not.” The waitress came by to get our order, and as soon as she left, my father turned to Jaxon. “There’s an art show next month. It’s a fundraiser. Maybe you and Ariel can go with Amanda and me?”
I looked at Jaxon as disbelief crossed his face. He swallowed hard. “I would like that.”
We ate our food and went back to the hotel. My dad gave us exactly ten minutes to say our good night or he was going to come get me.
I stood in Jaxon’s hotel room as my dad shut the door. “We only have ten minutes.”
Jaxon slid his arms around my waist. “It’s enough time for me to tell you how ecstatic I am right now. Your dad has utterly shocked me.”
“Me too. But I don’t want you to think you have to be with me if you don’t want to. The scholarship is yours regardless.”
“Ariel, I love you. Don’t you get it? I don’t want ten minutes—I want my life with you. I know we’re young, but you’re the one. I feel it.”
“I feel it too.”
He kissed me, and I opened my mouth and deepened the kiss. I felt a moan come out as someone knocked on the door. Jaxon laughed as he went to open it.
“Ten minutes is up.” My dad stood there with a crooked smile.
“I think that was only five minutes,” I complained.
“It’s enough,” he said in a warning tone forming a scowl.
Jaxon nodded. “Yes, sir.”
I followed my father toward the door. “Good night, Jaxon.”
He smiled then whispered in my ear near the doorway, “I want you to call me Slugger.”
“Huh?”
“Because I’m going to fight for you, Ariel.”
I held back my laughter as I kissed him quickly on the cheek while my father walked down the hall. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Jaxon said as I walked away.
The End
About the Author
GG Shalton has been writing short stories most of her life. Often entertaining friends and family. At their encouragement she wrote her first novel in 2016 for publication. Although, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, her real passion is history. Her fascination with different time periods is the inspiration for most her stories. GG is an avid reader and can often be found in various hiding places around her home enjoying a good book. She loves happy endings and most of her free time is spent developing story lines and writing. She is married to a wonderful husband who inspires her to pursue her passion. They met while both of them served in the US Navy. Her heart belongs to her two sons who both promise that one day they may read one of her books. She thanks Jesus for her multiple blessings each day, especially the gift of storytelling.
ggshaltonauthor@gmail.com