“Summer? What. Was. That. About?”
His words were gruff and tight, compelling me to open my eyes and meet his sapphire ones. They seemed to almost glow in the dim light of the living room, and I held his gaze, captivated by the different facets of blue.
His dog whined, and I felt a cold nose nudge my palm, jolting me out of my stupor.
“Sorry. Nothing. It was nothing.”
“That sure as shit didn’t sound like nothing,” Dad hollered from the living room.
I shook my head and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before dropping to my knees and scratching Maverick’s large dog under her chin, loving how she pushed herself into my hand and whined for more pets.
“And who is this lovely girl?” I asked, desperate for a change of subject.
“This is Malibu, but you didn’t answer my question.”
“No, I didn’t. She’s beautiful, and so well behaved.”
Maverick grunted in what I assumed was his version of thanks as I stood and motioned for him to follow me into the living room. Malibu sniffed the corner of Dad’s chair before placing a paw on his lap and tilting her head, demanding attention.
Dad set his coffee mug beside the book and chess set he kept on a small table next to his recliner and used both hands to scratch her ears. She whimpered and panted as he cooed over her, using a tone of voice I hadn’t heard since I was in elementary school.
“That man resembling human garbage better not have spoken to you like that through your marriage. If so, I’ll have this pretty girl neuter him. Oh, yes, I will.”
“Dad—”
“Don’t you ‘Dad’ me,” he said in the same baby voice, not taking his eyes off Malibu, and I couldn’t help but smile even though my mood had sunk lower than the Titanic. “If you’ve been dealing with that attitude for the ten years you were married, we are going to have a serious conversation about self-worth, young lady.”
“That dipshit was your ex?”
My eyes shot to Maverick, and I scowled, biting my lower lip as he crossed his arms and widened his stance like he expected me to defend that asshole.
“That dipshit was none of your business,” I said, trying to put more authority in my voice than I felt. “And I was handling him perfectly fine before you showed up. Why did you show up, anyway? Weren’t you just here yesterday?”
“You weren’t handling anything,” he said, barely letting me finish the last syllable before responding. “You were floundering, and a thank you would be appreciated.”
“Floundering, Cinnamon Roll? Floundering? Even if I was floundering,which I wasn’t,it’s not your business to butt in. You don’t know me, and you don’t know the situation.”
“I know enough to recognize hownotto speak to a woman.” He snatched his hat off his head and crushed the brim between his large hands, scowling.
Did he really expect a thank you? And should I thank him for intervening when I felt more vulnerable than I had in years? Or perhaps he expected me to fawn over him like a lovesick fool, grateful that a big, burly man came to save the day?
“Well, duh. I couldn’t imagine your mom tolerating that kind of disrespect. And I know you don’t deserve my crummy mood, but don’t act like you did me some huge favor.” I tugged the elastic out of my hair and slid it onto my wrist, waiting for him to make another smartass comment about my need for rescue.
“Fine, be like that. I’m only here because I need to take some measurements.”
“Yes, of course you do. I assumed that’s why you brought over a dog instead of tools.” I motioned to his empty hands, arching an eyebrow before grabbing Dad’s coffee cup and scooting a white pawn forward two spaces on his chessboard.
“Don’t bother distracting me with your lack of chess skills, Summer. We’ll be discussing Trey later.”
“Sure, Dad. Boss this unsung hero around a little, will you? I have work to do and a casserole to prep. See you, Cinnamon Roll.”
“Don’t call me that,” he barked, tossing his hat on the couch and then widening his eyes before stepping closer to retrieve it.
“Then don’t butt into conversations you’re not a part of.”
“How about not getting into situations requiring someone to step in and assist?”
“I haven’t yet, but if I do, you’ll be the first person I call.” I matched his stance and dug a knuckle into my right eye in frustration, dropping my head to my chest, wishing that when I opened my eyes, I’d be in my full-size bed upstairs, alone.
