by Evie Monroe
By the time I headed downstairs, I had heard the Uber pull up in the drive, and when I opened the door, Johnny got out. My father stood back, letting me have my space, but I could tell he was just as anxious to meet my new man, as I was to introduce them.
As Johnny walked up to the door, he gave me a soft peck on the cheek and then held out his hand to greet my father. “Hello, Mr. Carroll, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
My father glanced down at his hand, and his eyes hardened. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but you’re too damned old for my little girl.” I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat as Johnny lowered his hand.
Chapter 19
Johnny
Her father’s unwillingness to shake my hand was one thing but asking me who the hell I thought I was really rubbed me the wrong way. I could understand the guy being upset that I was much older, but it seemed he should know his daughter better and trust her judgment. Not to mention, I was as capable as him of taking care of her. He had to realize that she was growing up and not a little girl anymore.
“Excuse me, sir,” I said, dropping my hand. I didn’t know what else to say.
“You’ve got some nerve going for a girl half your age. Why she’s only out of college and—
“Daddy!” Liss looked back and forth between us and then fixed on her father. “Johnny is a good man, and he’s been nothing but hospitable and kind.”
“Only so he could get you into bed. I know his type, Liss, he’s manipulated you. Probably only got you down there to seduce you and steal your designs.”
“I bought that line and paid plenty for it.” I had my entire reputation in jeopardy because of it.
“Well, I don’t know if that makes it any better.”
“Daddy, that’s enough! I made the decision to be with Johnny, and you’re acting like I had no say in the matter. He didn’t manipulate me. I care about him, and I want to be with him. I am going to be with him!” She crossed her arms in front of her and shifted on her feet.
“Well, I guess you’ve done made up your mind.” He crossed his arms in front too, and they seemed to be in a strange kind of stand-off, father, and daughter, going head to head.
“I’ve made up my mind. In fact, I’m not staying here while I’m down, I’m staying with Johnny. And I’m closing my shop and moving to Los Angeles with him. I can make a good life for myself there.”
“I guess you are big money now and don’t need your old man.” He turned to face me. “I guess you’re going to keep stringing her along. Your type doesn’t get married. You probably don’t even love her.” He stepped closer, his brows lifting in a challenge. “Well, do you?”
I hadn’t expected him to catch me off-guard with his questions and I wasn’t about to falter. “I do care about your daughter very much, and yes, I love her. I’d like to think we’ll spend the rest of our lives together, but I’ve never been one to jump the gun. I’d like to let this grow, and I would never rush Alice into anything.” Liss’s head snapped around so fast; I could tell she was surprised by the declaration. A slow smile played on her lips, and it turned to a blushing grin as she took my hand.
He let out a huff and turned back to Liss. “I just don’t want you to make a big mistake. He’s nearly my age! What do you want with an older man, anyway? You should settle down with someone your own age, someone you can grow old with.”
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I will grow older with him if that’s what we choose. You’re making it like this has to be the rest of my life. Like this decision is the end. Well, I think it’s the beginning. So, what if I’ve found love with someone a little older. I’m happy, Daddy. I’d hoped that you’d be happy for me too.”
“I don’t think it’s ever going to work. His past is too long, and there’s no telling the experiences he’s had over you. You’ll have nothing in common, and it will fail. What will you have missed in all that time?”
“What will I have gained?” She was good and mad, and I had to admit it was a total turn on to see her so defiant, posturing against her father in my defense. “I’ve always appreciated your help and respected your opinion, Daddy, but I think you’re wrong about Johnny and me. I think you’re just mad because I’m leaving home.”
The older man shook his head. “I’ve always known you’d leave me, Liss. I never made any false dreams based on you being here forever, but I never wanted you to leave like this. Not with some older man taking charge of you.”
“I’m not taking charge of her. She’s free to do as she pleases and has. But I can promise you this; I’ll look out for her. I’ll make sure she’s cared for and loved.”
His eyes were a cold, steel blue that burned through me. “I don’t need you to tell me false promises that are only good until you’re done with her. Don’t you come back home pregnant or broke and not expect an I told you so.”
Tears stung her eyes. “I think I’ve heard all I care to hear from you, Daddy. Johnny, let’s go. I’m afraid I can’t stand the sight of my father right now.” She turned and walked toward the kitchen and then stormed back through, lugging her bags. I took the largest as she passed and then she left the door open. I hated to see things end that way with her father.
I turned and faced him. “This isn’t what I wanted. I brought her here to talk to you, not to fight. I know you hate me right now, but I care for your daughter.”
“Then do right by her. Shacking up and making her your concubine isn’t going to do her justice. I don’t want her to end up another notch in your belt. She’s special, and if I didn’t love her, I’d not want to pound your face in.” He threw his arms down to his side and doubled his fists.
And as if that wasn’t my cue telling me it was time to leave, Liss had pulled her car around and was honking the horn for me to hurry. “Have a good day. I hope that one day, things can be better.” I turned and headed out and found Liss angry and crying behind the wheel.
I approached the driver’s side door and tapped on the window. She lowered it, wiping her tears. “You shouldn’t be driving. Slide over.” I opened the door, and she slid across the seat of her small SUV. As I climbed in, she turned her head and lay it against the window beside her.
“I can’t believe him. I’ve spent my whole life trying to make sure he was happy, and I don’t understand how he could be so hateful about me and you. I’d think he’d want me happy, you know?” She turned, and as I saw the tears that soaked her cheeks, I wanted to make it all better.
She reached into the glove box and found a tissue. “How can he be so selfish? It’s not like he’s not seeing anyone. There were two glasses, and one had lipstick on it. I’d hoped he’d tell me about her, but no; his life doesn’t have to be approved, only mine!”
“Calm down. I don’t like to see you cry and you don’t want to go saying anything you’ll regret out of anger. Your dad’s a good man, Liss. He’s only concerned for you, and while I don’t think he's the most rational, he’s no different from any other father when it comes to his little girl.”
“I’m not a little girl.” The pout of her full lips had me trying to decide if I should call them to attention or kiss them.
“To him you are. My mother once told me I’d always be her little boy, even until long after I was gray.”
“Well, he didn’t have to be so rude to you. It kills him that I sold for a million and that I had all of that money and got it on my own without his help.”
“Your father’s been supportive, so he did help in a sense, but you have to see it his way, Liss. He’s always taken care of you. Your whole life, you’ve needed him. And now, not so much. How does a man compete with that kind of security? Money does strange things to people.”
“You're too good to defend him. You don’t have to, you know. I know the anger will pass, and he’ll still be my father, just like I’ll always be his daughter, but I want to be mad at him right now.” She turned her nose up and gave me the side eye. I d
idn’t say a word. I knew better.
I decided a subject change was in order, especially since I realized I had no idea where I was going. “You’re really going to have to tell me where to go. I’ve gone about as far as I remember.”
She burst out laughing and wiped her eyes. “Pull over. I’ll drive us back to your room, assuming you got one.”
“I did. It’s at the Bird’s Nest Motel uptown. You know it?”
“I know this town like the back of my hand, of course. We had our prom there. Nicest place in this little town and I know the owner.”
“Oh? Is that going to be a problem?” I didn’t want her to get a bad reputation in town for shacking up with an old man. I guess I could see what her father had meant. It might look a little strange to anyone who knew her as a Daddy’s girl. I pulled the car over, and she slid back into the drivers seat.
She took my hand once I sat beside her. “I’m not worried about what people think, Johnny. I care about you, and I want to be with you.” She searched my eyes. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m not saying that just because you paid me a million dollars.” She let loose a little giggle, and I put her hand to my lips.
“I know. And I’m glad you want to be with me too.”
We went back to the motel, and she parked in front of my room. “I wish we had a better place to stay here in town. I know a hotel would’ve been more what you’re used to probably.”
“I don’t mind, and the place is clean, so that’s always a bonus. As long as I’m with you, I’ll stay anywhere.” I leaned over and kissed her, and when she pulled away, she let out a long breath.
“Did you mean what you said, Johnny? I mean, I understand if it’s too soon for those feelings and you were just trying to prove something to my father.”
“I meant them. It’s new, but it’s growing stronger by the minute. We can take all of that slow if you like. We have time.” I brushed her hair back from her face. “Now, let’s go inside because I really want to get you naked right now.” I ran my hand up her thigh. “We can see how thick those motel room walls are and see if we piss anyone off.” She laughed, rolling her eyes and slapping my hand away.
“You’re such a dirty old man.” She opened her door, and I got my key out and grabbed her bags. She came around and took the lightest, and we hurried into our room.
“I was really hoping to go to the shop sometime today,” she said as she dropped her bags on the floor by the bed.
I walked up behind her and moved her hair away from her neck to kiss it. She relaxed against me as I brought my arms around her and let her head loll to the side. “We’ll go later.” I kissed as I stepped to meet her front as she turned and soon we were in each other’s arms, making our way to the bed. “I’ve been waiting for this since the plane. You have no idea how hard it is to keep my hands off of you.”
She turned and situated on the end of the bed, and as I leaned down to pull her top off, she grinned. “You’re so eager to have me naked. I think I’ll have to reciprocate.” She reached and tugged me forward and undid my pants. “I do owe you from the plane, so maybe I’ll start here.” She gripped my rigid length and stroked it in her soft hands. Then she looked up and gave me a sly grin as her tongue slipped out, and she licked the entire length of my cock from my balls to my tip which was already glistening from desire.
She dragged her tongue across it and spread it around my head. She lowered herself and took me into her mouth, rolling her head and slurping every last inch.
It felt amazing and I pushed my hips forward to fuck her mouth a little. She stilled, allowing me to hold her head and thrust in and out, going a bit deeper with each stroke. Soon enough, I was working a steady rhythm, and she moaned against my flesh. The vibrations had me so close, but I knew I wanted to be inside of her.
I reached down and pinched her nipples, and when I looked down, I could see that she was pleasuring herself as she sucked me. Her hand moved up and down between her legs, and I knew that little pussy was probably already nice and wet for me.
She seemed so into her task with her eyes closed and the look of intense pleasure on her lips that I hated to interrupt her, but at the same time, it made me want more.
I reached down and stepped back, pulling out of her mouth, and she looked up at me with that same sly grin she started with and still stroking her clit. “I am so ready for you.”
Knowing that had my blood pumping and my cock grew diamond hard. I kissed her lips and brought her closer, lifting her into my arms only to lay her back on the bed. I used my knees to nudge her legs apart and rubbed my cock up her slit, parting her lips and pressing into her wet channel.
“You are ready for me,” I said, as the last inch slid home.
Chapter 20
Liss
I brought my hands up his chest and rubbed his pecs, trailing up around his shoulders and down his arms to his hands where he massaged my breasts. I cupped them, and he leaned down to pull a taut nipple into his lips, sucking it like he had hunger that wouldn’t quench. I felt the pinch, and it was so good it had me aching deep in my core as if a knot had cinched in my tummy.
He had handled my father quite well. And though my emotions were still running high, I was glad to have this moment with him. Knowing his feelings made things so much better. Even though things were too new to determine what was love or lust, it felt good knowing we were both optimistic about where things would lead for our future.
We moved together in a sensual dance, and I rolled him over, straddling his hips without him ever leaving me. I lifted myself up until the rim of his cock was popping in and out of me. He moaned at my teasing and then hissed in a breath as I went down on it hard. I rode him, my breasts bounding in a steady rhythm until we were so into it, we were grinding against one another.
I lay across his chest, and he held my ass, taking control and thrusting from below me.
“I want to go home,” I said against his shoulder as he thrust into me harder. His cock grazed my g-spot, and he slowed his pace to look into my eyes.
“Now?” His expression was priceless as if I’d want to stop.
I shook my head and gave him a quick peck. “First thing tomorrow. There’s nothing for me here now, and with Daddy so angry, I just want to get back to you and me.”
“Whatever you want.” He leaned down to kiss me, and his cock hit my spot so good it sent me into a moaning frenzy.
I came hard and pulsed around him, milking him. “Fuck.” He tensed up, and soon I felt the pulse of his own release. He kissed me, hard and deep and then lay beside me gathering me up in his arms. I lay there with him, tears filling my eyes at everything that had changed in my life.
After an hour of resting from our busy day, we got up and headed out in search of food and to stop by the shop.
The place still excited me knowing it was mine and despite my latest achievements, I was still proud of my first ones. I was really nervous to let Johnny see it, but he walked in and smiled as he took in the room around him. “You did all of this?”
“Yes, I know it’s kind of simple, but I wanted to make it easy for myself.” I hadn’t gone crazy with décor and knew I’d spend most of my time in the back working instead of out front.
“It’s nice and efficient. I’m impressed with this space. You’re right on the strip with what looks like a few other nice businesses. It’s not easy to score a place like this in the city.” He walked over to one of the displays where a few of my originals were still on display.
“I think you should keep it. We could sell merchandise here, and you could make it into anything you like.” The possibility was intriguing, and I wondered if I should, considering I’d be living in L.A.
“Don’t you think it would be hard to manage from afar?”
He ran his hand across the fabric of a dress. “Not if you hire a staff to run it for you.”
I leaned against my counter and contemplated a moment before my phone rang. I wen
t to the back as it hung up, but I found a notepad full of messages Dad had jotted down while I was gone. There were so many names of people wanting me to make something special for them and when Johnny joined me, he was shocked to see the number.
“Those are your orders?” He glanced down at the list. “Liss, that’s impressive. You have enough business right here to keep you working through the year if you wanted.”
“Assuming they all booked, yes, But, I’m not changing my mind.” I had a feeling he was about to ask me if I was certain. “I’ve got a great big future ahead, and these women will all find someone else to make the perfect wedding gown for them.”
“Okay, as long as you know what you want.”
“You’re letting everything my dad said get under your skin. Stop it.” I met his eyes with a scolding look, and he gave a tired chuckle.
“I just didn’t want there to be drama. That’s not why I brought you home, and I don’t want to take you back home until you’ve straightened things out with your old man.”
“You’re my old man.” I gave him a teasing smile, and he rolled his eyes up to the ceiling and huffed.
“I'm serious. And I’ve never used my age against you.” He pulled me closer, and that’s when the chimes on the door sounded.
“Shit, someone’s here.” I pulled away and walked out to find Sabrina looking around the shop.
As I walked out, she let out a big squeal. “Liss! How have you been?” I went to the counter and gave her a big hug.
“I’m good for the most part.” Johnny stepped out and leaned against the door jamb of the back room.
Sabrina’s eyes widened. “Well, hello.” She looked him up and down and smiled like he was some loser she’d met in a club.
