However, he and his ex raised a well-rounded, intelligent woman. As far as he knew, she had no issues with the LGBTQ+ community. However, her dad having a relationship with another man might hit a little too close to home.
He hoped he was worrying for nothing. “Nolan is more than my number two guy, Laurel. He’s my number one.”
She shook her head. “I know he’s your assistant head of security, but does that mean he’s taking over your spot?”
“No.”He’s taking over my heart.“We’re…more than friends.”
“Yes, you’re co-workers.”
“More than that.”
Every second ticked off in his head as he waited for her to figureit out.
“Dad!” Her eyes went wide and she did not temper her exasperation. “You’re lovers?”
Ding. Ding. Ding.“Yes.”
She snapped her gaping mouth closed. “Holy shit! I knew you two were close, but I had no idea you feltthat wayabout Nolan.”
“Neither did Nolan.”
She pressed her fingers to her lips. “Wow, so both of you are gay.” It wasn’t a question but a surprised statement.
“No, not gay. We both like women, too.”
“So, that’s how you kept it a secret. And Mom? Does she—didshe know?”
“Yes. It was something we discussed in depth when we separated. But nobody else knew.” He was now glad he’d had that in-depth conversation with his ex. Laurel might not like the idea that Cam hid his sexuality from her, but she would hate it even more if he had hidden it from her mother.
“Why did you feel the need to hide it?”
That answer was easy, and one she’d understand. “I did what I had to do while I worked at PSP.”
Her eyes filled with sorrow. “Dad…”
He hated when his baby girl was sad. He’d wiped too many of her tears away while she was growing up. He didn’t want to be the reason for more. Only, she wasn’t upset about him being bi, but because he had to hide it. He was proud of how she turned out to be so accepting of others.
“It’s fine, honey.”
Her shoulders pulled back and her chin raised. “Well, now you’re free to do what you want to do.”
Therewas the confident warrior he helped raise. “Yes and nobody here will look at me any differently.”
“Well then…I’m happy that you can finally live your truth, Dad.”
She sounded a lot more confident in that than what he felt. “We’ll see.”
“Did Nolan hide it, too?”
“He did.”
“So both of you wanted to be more than friends but never admitted it?”
Unfortunately.“Yes.”
Laurel rushed over, wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him tight. “Oh, Dad.” She rested her cheek on his chest. A good reminder that he was still shirtless.
He enveloped her more tightly, because what father didn’t love his girl’s hugs?
