“That assholehas been taken care of by Dad,” I pointed out.
“Nothim,”Cash hissed. “Huck.”
“Huck isnotan asshole, dickhead.” I jabbed a finger in his chest. “And if you say anythinglike that again, I’m going to cut your nut-sack off.”
“Children!”Mom admonished. “Enough!”
“Sorry, Mom,” wegrumbled, but I shot Cash a warning glare as he flopped onto my sofa.
I headed intothe kitchen and put on a pot of coffee, my emotions all over the place as Iinternally processed everything that had happened this morning. I was mad atmyself for kicking Huck out because I just wanted to crawl into bed and snuggleup against him. I felt safe with him. Something I didn’t think I’d ever feelagain with a man, at least in a romantic sense. Despite the fact I waswell-protected, I didn’t find it easy to trust, but I trustedhim,andI’d blown it.
Royally.
I squeezed myeyes shut. Huck was probably never going to speak to me again and that made mefeel sick to my stomach, but I’d made my proverbial bed, so I was stuck lyingin the cold, scratchy sheets.
Dad walked in afew minutes later, forcing me to shove my emotions down deep inside. Pasting onwhat I hoped was a genuine smile, I helped him unpack the bag of bagels andcream cheese, then joined my family for breakfast.
* * *
“You stillfreaked?” Dad asked once my brothers had said their goodbyes (convenientlywithout helping to clean up).
His arms werecrossed, and he was leaning against the counter while I loaded the dishwasher.Mom was currently in my bedroom because she’d insisted on folding at least oneload of my laundry before they left. Since I loved it when my mom did mylaundry, I didn’t object.
“About Stew?”
He nodded.
“No,” I said.
“Then what’sup?” he pressed.
I studied himfor a few seconds, debating on whether or not I should make up a story.Unfortunately, and because my dad wasn’t stupid and could read me like a bookanyway, I told him the truth in the end, because if I didn’t, he’d know I waslying, so subterfuge was futile.
“I think Ifucked up with Huck.”
He frowned. “Howso?”
“I was…well…me.”
“I really wishyou didn’t do that, Ducky,” Dad said with a sigh.
“I know. But I’ma lot for some people to take and I really like him, Daddy, so the fact that I mighthave lost him kind of hurts.”
He let out aheavy sigh and shook his head. “Baby girl, if you’ve lost him over this, he’snot the man for you.”
“Easier saidthan felt.”
“I get it.”
“How could youpossibly get it, Daddy?” I huffed out in frustration. “You’re a boy.”
He chuckled.“You’re right, I am. So, let me fill you in on a little something about usboys.”
I wrinkled my noseand slammed the dishwasher door closed. “Do tell.”
“When we find awoman who rocks us to our core, we will do whatever it takes to make her ours.And I’ve seen how Huck looks at you, baby girl.” He frowned. “I don’t like it,but I see it.”
“Ew,” I squealed.
