He’d probably fly into his house with a hot chick waiting. Most likely, she was topless because, well, who would want to keep their clothes on with this dude around? Then she’d be sexed up by the Hot One. I imagined how those amazing blue eyes would flicker as his muscley arms grabbed her and held her to the wall while he had his way with her. Sigh.
When I flashed back to reality, I realized I’d been staring at his hunky chest while he was staring at me with that panty-dropping grin. Ugh.
“I, uh, I’m sure my dad’s fiancé will be out in a minute. Thank you for driving me out here. Maybe we’ll meet again someday.”
“Sweetheart, I’m not going anywhere.” He let out a laugh. “I’m Daisy’s boy. Well, adopted son.”
WTF? He playfully shoved the twenty dollar bill in my pocket as I jumped. No, no, no. This wasn’t happening. My head throbbed as I digested his words. Studly dude couldnotbe Daisy’s son. After my toilet water ponytail, exploding suitcase, and the green panty incident, I’d been comforted knowing he’d ride off into the sunset and I’d never see the Hot One again. Son of a bitch. This week was going to be challenging enough, trying to do whatever I was hoping to accomplish without a guy whose hotness made me feel all jelloey.
I picked up my suitcase. “You should’ve said who you were.”
“Maybe you should’ve asked instead of just assuming. I’ve found it’s always better to ask others about themselves, don’t you think?”
I felt embarrassed and came to the conclusion that he was just plain rude. Yes, he was correct, but still.
I spun around as a high-pitched laugh hit my ears. I drew in a deep breath as I saw my dad standing on the porch with Daisy at his side.
My dad still looked strong but a little thicker around the middle, and the salt and pepper hair I’d remembered from our last encounter was mostly salt now. His hands were in his pockets, which was the stance he’d always had in my memories, so it seemed right. He looked as nervous as I felt. And then there was Daisy. She was average height and all curves with a little extra junk in the trunk. She was wearing jeans, high heels, and a low-cut shirt, serving up some serious cleavage. Her red hair was as big as the smile on her face as she waved enthusiastically.
I felt panic wash over me when she came down the steps and started running toward me. As she drew closer, I braced for impact. When she threw her arms around me, I was smothered by her bosom. I have to say she smelled delightful.
She released me and stepped back. Her head shook while she laughed. “Look at you! You’ve grown even more beautiful over the years!”
Her brown eyes shot to Jax.
“Isn’t she the most beautiful gal you’ve ever seen? Oh, good Lord, just stunning!”
My dad made his way over and stood in front of me.
“Isn’t this wonderful?” Daisy squeezed my father’s hand. “Come on, Madison, hug your daddy!”
First of all, I’m not a big hugger. Sure, my mom, a friend at a funeral, Steve before he became a cheating bastard, and maybe when I had a few drinks. Yes, I definitely got huggy when I drank, but that was about it.
Then it happened–an awkward slow-motion hug. He patted my head instead of my back. I was about as cuddly as a tree. Argh.
My eyes darted around and landed on Jax, who was shaking his head, still biting back a smile. What was he laughing at now? The Uber-gigolo joke was over. Hardy, har, har.
We went inside, and I was consumed by homeyness. There was big, comfortable furniture, a massive fireplace, and large windows that overlooked acres of land.
Daisy motioned for all of us to sit down as my eyes continued to travel the room. It appeared Joanna Gaines from HGTV had decorated with signs written in calligraphy all over the place.Our family, our home,Blessed to have you as my everything,andOur hearts beat as onewere just a few I saw in my first thirty seconds in the house.
Daisy had a pot of coffee on the coffee table and filled up four cups.
“Madison, Jax has been smoking ribs since the crack of dawn for dinner later. I hope you brought your appetite.”
“Absolutely. Did you know that airlines don’t give youanysnacks? Not a single one. Can you even believe that?”
“First class gave up snacks?” My dad’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, I flew coach.”
All six eyes in the room were blinking at me as if I was speaking Hungarian.
“Really?” Daisy walked over and grabbed a plate from the kitchen counter. “Well, that’s uh, very thrifty of you. I admire a woman who is smart with her money.”
My stomach clenched when she placed a cheese and sausage tray on the coffee table and gave me a pat on the back, her squinting eyes zeroing in on my ponytail.
“Oh, sweetie, there seems to be tissue paper or something in your hair.” She started plucking objects from my hair and opened her palm to reveal what looked like a few spitballs.
