Back in the kitchen, my eyes catch on the doorpost where Alisha and I shared that mind-bending kiss.I'm not some fucking male escort.I remove my jacket, tossing it on the counter, and pace.Time to focus on Samantha and fix things with her before even thinking about the other blonde.With these two women, I need to measure every word twice—they're like emotional landmines waiting to explode.
At the hot plate warmer, I lift the foil.The sweet smell of Jessica's cinnamon pancakes hits me, and words I've held back spill out."God, Jess, why didn't you tell me about our daughter?I'd have loved to meet her before...She's beautiful.You did an amazing job raising her, and I'll try not to mess her up too bad."
I load a tray with two plates, syrup, and a stack of pancakes, then head for Samantha's room.Balancing the tray, I knock."Samantha?"
The door opens an inch, and I'm faced with a younger, feminine version of my own skepticism.Like father, like daughter.
"Room service," I attempt humor.When she spots the tray, a ghost of a smile appears, making my heart leap."Can I please come in?"
She steps back, and I enter.Clothes and stuff litter the floor, but I ignore the chaos.The TV's on, and her rumpled bed sheets tell me where she's been hiding.I set the tray on the covers and face my daughter, who watches me like I might sprout horns.
"I'm sorry if I made you think boys won't like you, because they will.You've got the Walker genes."I try for a grin."They'll fight to date you.But I've been fifteen myself, Samantha, and guys of that age think..."I glance up when she giggles.
"Breathe, Cole.I know most fifteen-year-old boys think with their dicks.Mom already gave me the sex talk and a whole lecture about men and their hormonal behavior.So you're off the hook."
I scratch my neck, silently thanking Jessica."Hungry?"
"Yeah..."She offers a shy smile."Sorry for blowing up.You didn't deserve it.But..."She releases a heavy breath."I talked to Rachel, and I miss her."
The longing in her voice squeezes my chest.When I brought her to Boston, I knew she was leaving her life behind, but I never considered how deeply it would affect her.
An idea forms."I'm sorry, Samantha.I didn't know.But maybe I can suggest something?"
She nods.
"Ask Rachel if she wants to visit for a few days.She can stay here."
"What?"Her head snaps up, eyes wide as saucers."Are you serious?"
"Yeah."
She launches herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist."Thank you, thank you, thank you, Cole!"The pure joy in her voice makes something in my chest expand."Oh, I can't wait to tell her!"
My phone's wail shatters the moment.I step onto the terrace to answer.
"What's wrong?"I keep my voice low."Couldn't it wait until tomorrow?"
"No, it can't."Brian's tone sets me on edge."It's about Alisha."
My mind kicks into overdrive."What?Has something happened?"
Brian chuckles, but there's tension underneath."Oh, you could say that.She's here and stirring things up."
"What?She's at Six-Pack?"Heat floods my system."What the hell is she doing there?"
"Well, she arrived in a taxi.Vince recognized her and let her in.When she asked for me, he called.I found her, and..."He pauses."It was clear she'd been drinking.She hugged me and said I was exactly who she was looking for."
My pulse speeds up, blood rushing in my ears."What do you mean?"
"She asked me to have sex with her."
The words hit like a physical blow.Images of Brian's hands on Alisha's skin flash through my mind, and something primitive and possessive roars to life in my chest."I'll be there in thirty minutes."
I hang up before he can respond, already moving.The note I leave for Samantha is barely legible, my hands shaking with a mixture of rage and fear.Fear for Alisha, fear of what I might do if someone takes advantage of her vulnerable state.
The city lights blur past my window as I race toward Six-Pack.Each passing minute feeds the fire in my veins.She's drunk.Vulnerable.Asking men for sex.My hands tighten on the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white.
The gravel crunches under my shoes as I storm across the parking lot.Emotions—hot as lava—boil through my system.Vince catches my eye and straightens.
