She tilts her head and steps closer to me. “Seriously? My ringtone?”
A small grin forms on my lips. “Yes, your ringtone that teaches your daughter it’s okay to be a stripper. What does he say?Go make that money? Now tell me, what kind of message is that teaching your daughter?”
“Oh come on, it’s just a song, don’t be ridiculous.” She shakes her head, trying to blow me off.
“How is that fair? You came in here, saying the same kind of things about Adam without knowing one bit about the person he actually is.”
Her eyes narrow. I know she’s trying to find something to say but falling short.
I purse my lips and nod my head as I talk down to her. “I’ll tell you what. You goactuallylisten to his lyrics and come back to me when you find something that’s degrading to women or involves sex or drinking, and then we can talk. Just because popular music glorifies partying and sex, it doesn’t make it right. Devil’s Breed might have a harsh approach, but their music helps heal people. You might actually find some happiness through their songs, so you don’t have to come in here, making unfounded claims against him as a person and a father.”
Mrs. Everson swings around and yanks open the door with sheer force and storms out. At this point, I hope she does go to Principal McAllister because I got her so worked up that she’ll make a fool of herself.
Once I’m alone, I inhale deeply, loving the rush pushing through my veins. I’ve never stood up to anyone like that. It feels amazing to actually say what I feel and fight for what I want.
I’ve had conversations where, for days after, I go over every word said in my head, thinking about all the things I wish I’d said, but never once have I actually said it. There was no stopping me though.
If anyone deserves to have someone fight for him, it’s Adam, especially when it comes to him being a father. I’ve totally fallen for him because of the man he is, not because of who he is in this world.
More people need to see that man.
18
Adam
“How was your day, Miss Russo?” I ask as I reach for her hand and place a kiss on her cheek when I arrive at her place to pick up Cailin from school. I love that I get to see her every day before and after school like this.
Her head tilts to the side, giving me the cutest grin. “It was good. How about you?”
I rub my thumb over her hand that’s still in mine. “Better now. I was hoping you’d come shopping with us tonight to pick up a costume for Halloween. Cailin wants to be Cinderella. Sounds like she has another idol to look up to.”
Her expression as she glances over to Cailin is priceless. I know I’ve just met this woman, but knowing my daughter loves her only makes me fall harder.
“Are you saying you’re her first idol?” she teases.
“I’m her dad. Fuck yes, I’m her idol. I’m the man she’s going to judge every man against for the rest of her life.”
Her eyes narrow. “Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. I set the bar pretty high too.” I move closer, bringing her body into mine.Goddamn, she feels fucking good.“So, you’ll come?”
She grins. “Yeah, I can come.”
“Good. Then, dinner at my place too.” I leave her side before I have to adjust myself. “Ready, Cai?”
She pops up from the puzzle she’s doing on the coffee table. “Are you coming shopping with us, Miss Russo?”
“Sure am, sweetie. I’ll see you soon, okay?”
Cailin runs over, wrapping her arms around Sarah to give her a hug. When she’s back standing next to me, I wink my good-bye.
“See you in a few, Sarah.”
I love the way her face flushes when I say her name.I can only imagine what that might look like when she’s under me.
I force myself to leave before I do something very inappropriate.
* * *
