“It’s okay,” he said to Fran. “He should be leery of any guy. I assure you I’m a gentleman.”
“That’s your first mistake,” I bit out.
“Come again?” His light-brown eyebrows squished together.
Fran grabbed his hand. “Rye, I’ll see you later.”
“I have practice anyway,” he said to Fran. Then he pecked her on the cheek.
That’s right, asshole. You better take off before I pluck out your eyeballs.
She let out a sigh that sounded like she was in love.
My heart couldn’t take this. My baby—smart, beautiful, and innocent—was all grown up and had a boyfriend. I couldn’t blame the boy for liking my daughter. She was stunning. Tall like her father, although five feet eight and not six feet two, with long blond curls and stunning green eyes.
She huffed. “Why were you rude?”
I shrugged, feeling like the worst dad in the world. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a boy touching you.”
“It was just a kiss, Dad. Nothing more.”
The one between Grace and me hadn’t been just a kiss. The passion, the need, and the desire weren’t things I had experienced with any other woman. I’d always kept my walls up and my heart protected. But with Grace, it was the opposite. Replaying that long, slow, wet kiss, I felt as if I could still taste her on my tongue and smell her sweet vanilla essence.
I laughed. I was as bad as my daughter. Maybe I was the one who needed scolding.
“What’s so funny?” Fran asked.
Aw, man.“Just recalling something Grace said.”
“Grace? Is she coming to the banquet?”
“Is she supposed to?” My mouth hung slightly open, catching a snowflake as others fluttered to the ground while my body heated and my heart sputtered. “I didn’t invite her.”
I would love to see her, but the problem was I couldn’t touch her again. Not only because of guilt that I was betraying Duke, but if Grace and I shared another kiss like that, I would be a goner.
“I did,” Fran said. “I called her Monday. She said she would let me know. Then I called her today, but she didn’t answer.” Fran sighed. “I guess she didn’t tell you.”
“It’s not like we’re seeing each other,” I replied.
“You should.”
Fran’s words once again sent shock waves through me.
“What are you saying?” I asked. “Are you trying to set us up?”
“Maybe.She’s beautiful, Dad. She needs someone like you in her life and vice versa. You two would make the perfect couple.” She swept her gaze around campus.
Not many students were out. They were probably in classes.
“Did she say anything about me?” I could feel the creases forming in my forehead.
“No, but I see the way you look at her when we’re at holiday dinners.”
I studied my daughter’s mischievous smile. “What way is that?”
“Do I have to explain it?”
“Yes,” I insisted. “You’re sixteen and shouldn’t know any types of looks.”
