I rummage through the bag. “I’m more of a peanut M&M’s kind of gal.”
He takes both and opens the Snickers first. “Your loss. I’ll have both.”
“Should we feel bad for stealing her candy?”
He gives me a deadpan expression. “Seriously? Have you seen the loot she got? We’re saving her teeth and a future dental bill. I’ll slowly toss it out, and she won’t even notice.”
I playfully hit his stomach. “You wouldn’t.”
After popping the last bite of the mini Snickers in his mouth, he says, “Watch me.”
I shake my head, laughing under my breath as I pull out the M&M’s and pop one in my mouth.
“So, now that you have chocolate, want to talk about what happened today?” He lowers his head to catch my eyes with the most inviting smile I’ve seen all day.
I can’t help the grin that follows even though I don’t want to bring back the memories from today.
When I don’t say anything, he steps closer and grabs my hands in his. “Please tell me it wasn’t because of me. I wondered what would happen after meeting your mom today. Did she tell your dad we’re dating?”
I shake my head, still in disbelief. “No, actually, a mom from my class went to him.”
His eyes squint in confusion. “What? Why would she do that?”
I drop my shoulders and sigh into the air below me, trying to figure out how to help Adam understand the dynamics of this town. “This mom already came to me, saying she was unhappy about me seeing you.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” His eyes widen, making me feel guilty for not telling him sooner. “Sarah, why would you keep something like that from me?”
“I thought I had handled it. I didn’t want to worry you about me or Cailin at school.”
“This is more than just us. This is my daughter’s school. Sarah, you can’t keep this kind of stuff from me. I need to know what’s going on with Cailin and you.” His eyebrows rise, and I can tell he’s serious.
My stomach feels like it’s in my throat. I didn’t think he’d get so upset. I also wasn’t thinking about Cailin.
“I put her in her place, and she never went to the principal like she threatened. I saw her there today though. She knew how to get me back even worse than going to my boss.”
“By going to your dad? What is this, high school?”
I laugh out loud. “Some things never change in small towns. My dad might only be the pastor, but he runs this town. The mayor, the city council members, even the police chief turn to him for guidance. It’s like we’re stuck in the olden days.”
“Then, what did he say?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m an adult. God is watching him just as much as he says he’s watching me.”
“Sarah.” He leans down to meet my eyes, making sure he has my attention. “You can’t keep doing this. You have to let me in. I’ve watched you do this a few times, and I don’t like it, especially when it involves my daughter. I’m asking you, what did he say?”
“He said he forbids me from seeing you,” I shout louder than I should. I shouldn’t take my frustrations out on him, but I’m sick of having to lie and hide to save everyone else’s feelings.
He flinches back but narrows his eyes. “He can’t be serious.”
I stand up, reaching for my purse. “Yes, Adam, he’s very serious. You don’t understand my father.”
He grabs my wrist, keeping me there so I can’t run away. “Then, what did you say?”
“I told him he had no say in the matter, and there was nothing he could do to stop me.”
He places his hand on my cheek, forcing my eyes to him. “I don’t want to come between you and your dad. I’m a dad, remember? I’d die if some guy stole Cailin away from me.”
“What am I to do, Adam? He won’t even take the time to get to know you.”
