It’s a convertible full of teenagers I don’t recognize and… no, wait. That’s Zoey.
The top’s down on the flashy red car, and I can see her in the front passenger seat.
Who’s the nut sack driving? All spiked hair and flashing white teeth?
And what is my daughter doing?
She’s supposed to be taking the bus home.
Frowning, I watch her laugh at something the driver just said. He grins at her, and then she fucking takes out my world by leaning across and planting a kiss on his lips.
What the actual fuck!
Slapping my palms onto the counter, I gape out the window, my insides vibrating as she pulls away from him with a flirty little smile, then hops out of the car. Mr. Death Wish—who is way too old for her, by the way!—watches her walk down my driveway, his eyes glued directly to her ass.
Okay, so I need to find myself a hot poker. No, I need two. One for each of his eyeballs!
Crossing my arms, I glare at him, my nostrils flaring when he pulls out of my driveway, the two girls in the back squealing with laughter as they’re jolted in their seats. Because he’s driving too fucking fast! I should call the cops on his punk ass.
I will definitely be letting the guard of our gated community know that this dickhead is not to be let in again. Zoey must have flashed her smile, and he would have let them straight through, but like hell that’s happening a second time!
When my fourteen-year-old walks into the kitchen, giggling over a card in her hand, I am ready to slay something.
“Who was that?” I snap.
Zoey jumps a mile, slapping the card against her chest and blinking at me.
“Whowasthat!” I point out the kitchen window.
Her eyes bulge.
Yeah, that’s right, young lady. I saw you!
Clearing her throat, she stands up a little straighter. She’s not super tall yet, hasn’t overtaken Sienna or anything. I wonder if she’ll stay short like my mom or whether she still has a growth spurt to come. Watching her develop from my little girl into a curvy teenager has been a challenge. I mean, it’s wonderful, and I love that she’s growing into a beautiful woman like her mother, but I just saw her kiss some guy, and I suddenly hate the fact she has boobs and guys in school no doubt drool over my girl.
My sweet Zoey.
My lil’ love bug!
“Uh, that was, um…” She lifts her chin. “That was my valentine.”
“Your valentine?” I can’t help scoffing before my blood runs cold as sick realization dawns. “Wait, what? It’s Valentine’s Day?”
Zoey gives me a weird look, like I’ve lost my mind. “It’s tomorrow.”
“Shit!” I run a hand through my hair.
“Dad just swore!” Olly yells, running into the kitchen to point at me just as Logan and Cole pop out of the stairwell.
“Swear jar, Dad.” Logan laughs. “You know the rules.”
Cole snorts. “I’m pretty sure he’s the highest contributor to that thing.”
I throw a glare at my boys, so identical I still get them mixed up occasionally. Something they always try to use to their advantage.
Zoey giggles, then smirks. “Unless Mom’s having a rant.”
I snap my fingers, pointing at her with a frown. “Don’t be smiling. I’m still angry with you.”
