“Did I see Miles Wallace talking to you earlier?” Dad asks as he drives us back to the hotel.
The experience was loud, but a lot better than I expected it to be. I had my bubble of safety at the booth, and Rían and Roger were fun to be around. I’m having better days as the medication leaves my system.
I’m distracted now because I can’t stop thinking about how good those three alphas smelled and what that means.
Do not get aroused while talking to your dad.Nope, absolutely not. Crossing my legs, I’m thankful for how thick these leggings under my jeans are. I need a really cold shower tonight before bed.
“You did,” I reply to my dad. “It was fine. He came over with a hockey player for his team and someone else. Santo is his name. I think they’re in a relationship. They were nice.”
My mind is reeling with that fact, because I have no idea what it means.
“Just nice?” Dad asks innocently.
“Ah, I don’t know what you’re fishing for, old man,” I tease him.
“Caelia, we don’t keep secrets from each other,” he says sternly. “I know they’re your scent matches because they told me.”
Blinking, I realize he’s right. “I hadn’t quite come to that realization,” I mutter. “I just thought they smelled really… nevermind.”
“I get it,” he grunts as my cheeks flame.
“When did you have time to talk to them?” I ask.
“I caught them on their way out. I chase everyone away from you,” he says. “I want you to have time to figure out what you want before people come in to complicate things. It doesn’t appear as if either of us have a choice in that.”
“There’s always a choice,” I say unthinkingly.
“I mean, you could reject them,” Dad agrees.
My body shudders, and I whine at the thought. God, now I’m even more embarrassed.
“I didn’t say you should,” he adds. “I don’t think we have any games with them until the end of January so you have some time to figure things out. You’re an adult, I can’t tell you what to do?—”
“Where is this going?” I ask, confused. “I haven’t had any interactions with them to speak of, other than a very intense panic attack when I saw Miles. I still don’t know how I feel about him.”
“I don’t either,” he says. “He reminded me that he hasn’t changed since he played for me. Miles was always a good man, but what happened really fucked with me. It never should have happened.”
“You’re right,” I whisper, forcing myself to take a breath. I curl my toes in my boots until they cramp, forcing myself to stay in the present. I’ve started doing this whenever I think about something unpleasant. “I honestly thought I’d never date a hockey player. If I had the option to be a lesbian, I would be.”
Dad snorts at my words, and I hide my face. “Trust me, women can be just as bad,” he says.
I nod because I know he’s right. Everyone has the ability to be a terrible person, regardless of gender. I suppose the same is true of being a good person, but my anxiety isn’t rational.
“My job is to keep you safe, not run your life,” he says. “It’s just really hard not to want to do both.”
“I know,” I agree. “I’ve been working for the Dragons for the last three weeks, and living with you for almost a month. I honestly appreciate you because it’s been a rough transition.”
“You’re still doing it with more grace than most people,” he says, pulling into the hotel. At my hum of disagreement, he chuckles. “Cae, you could be the most sour person there is, and I wouldn’t blame you for it. You’ve been as flexible as possible about all the changes. Never once have you complained about all the travel either.”
“It’s my job,” I shrug. “I signed up for my butt to go numb on car rides.”
Dad snorts as he turned off the SUV in the parking lot. “There are little donut pillows we can get you, Cae.”
“That my ass will gratefully accept,” I grin, getting out of the vehicle with him. “The days are crazy, but I am really enjoying this. It’s easier every day.”
Dad seems to understand I mean being around players and nods as we walk.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop being overprotective,” he grumbles.
