Fire zooms through my veins. I wish I could track down this asshole and punch his fucking face in.
I take a breath and push aside those feelings. This isn’t about me. It’s about making sure that Poppy feels safe and understood.
I cup her face in my hands. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“You don’t need to be sorry, Nick. Not like it was your fault.”
“I know, but I’m sorry that you have to deal with that as a woman. It’s not fair. And also fucking infuriating.”
A second later, her expression eases as she looks at me. “Guys like you help make up for it.”
I kiss her softly. Then I grab her hand in mine and keep walking.
“If you ever see that guy who called you a bitch, point him out to me, and I’ll run him over with my car.”
Poppy snorts out a laugh. “You’re such a caveman.”
We walk the rest of the way to her apartment. As we make our way to the entrance, I notice a guy in a suit in front of the building holding a small box, standing just a few feet away.
Poppy frowns at the guy. “Dad?”
Chapter 41
Nick
Iglance down at Poppy, trying to gauge her reaction.
Her brow furrows slightly, and her mouth is a straight line. I don’t think she’s happy to see him.
Which I can understand based on the one phone conversation I overheard between the two of them a month ago.
I think back to how he told off Poppy for not getting that internship. How Poppy explained how rigid and unforgiving her parents are in their expectations of her. How she’s amazing in every way, but they don’t seem to care at all.
“What are you doing here, Dad?” Poppy asks.
He walks up to us. “Your mother put together a care package for you. You’ve been so busy studying and going to class, she thought you could use some snacks and other treats so you wouldn’t have to go to the store.”
His gaze falls to our joined hands. The corners of his mouth turn down, like he’s disgusted at the sight of us together.
“But it looks like you’ve been out having some fun.” He clears his throat. “Who’s this…gentleman you’re spending time with?”
I almost laugh at the thinly veiled insult. This guy thinks I’m trash. And honestly? I don’t blame him. Because compared toPoppy, I am. She’s beautiful and brilliant and perfect. And I’m a dumbass whose one talent is smacking around a puck.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Poppy’s shoulders stiffen. She turns to me, her eyes sad.
I just wink at her, hoping my relaxed expression is the quiet support she needs in this moment.
“This is Nick. My boyfriend.” She turns to me. “Nick, this is my dad, Sterling Wylder.”
I let go of her hand and reach to shake his. The handshake he gives me is brief and firm, like he doesn’t want to waste a single extra second associating with me.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wylder.”
“Likewise.” He makes a face like he just tasted something bitter before turning back to his daughter. “I didn’t know you were dating someone.”
Poppy straightens up and rolls her shoulders back, like she’s prepping to go toe-to-toe with him. “We just started seeing each other,” she says. “But Nick and I have known each other for a while. He’s my best friend Anna’s twin brother.”
Recognition flashes in his eyes when he looks at me again. “Ah. The hockey player.” His tone is pointed. He’s not at all impressed. I’m not surprised.
