He’s right. He’s an adult, and he knew the consequences, taking full accountability.
A sigh heaves my chest. “What does that mean?”
He narrows his eyes at some point on the ceiling. “That means everyone is pissed at me. I swear, I’m going to prove everyonewrong.” His eyes seek mine, losing the hardness instantly. “But I also need my personal life to be in balance. And for that, I need you. This was a fucking incident, but I’ve played my best since you came back into my life.”
“Sure? I really don’t want to jeopardize your career.”
He scoots on his ass, causing some water to spill over the edge just like my emotions. He takes my hands in his. “I’m in love with you.”
The declaration has my heart erupting with millions of butterflies that tango in my chest.
“I love you,” he repeats.
I snap out of my trance, jumping into his arms as more water laps over the tub, splashing straight on the tiles. “I love you too. So much, Ian, like I never thought possible.”
His sigh of relief fans my neck as he hugs me, pulling me to him.
A comfortable silence follows as we wash each other, taking our time.
Getting out of the tub, blissfulness blankets me as we dry each other. Together, we’ll relish the good times and face the bad ones.
After brushing our teeth, we go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Touches accompanied by kisses here and there tattoo a smile on my face.
My phone rings, and when I see it’s my father, I pick it up right away.
“Hi, baby girl. How are you?”
Inhaling deeply, I steady myself. “Good.”
“Tell me what happened that night.”
I take that as a good sign and I rush to tell him. “There was this guy who kept bringing drinks to our table even though I kept refusing. When I left, he followed me outside. He said some stuff and groped me.”
“Then he deserved more than a shove,” he says gruffly.
Is that a sign of acceptance? I knew I got too excited too soon.
“He’s in the public eye.”
I glance at Ian, who leans against the counter, gripping the edges. I offer him a reassuring smile, and his muscles unknot, the stiffness vanishing.
“I know, Dad.”
“But are you aware of that? You’re all over the internet with people trying to find everything about you. Is this what you want your life to be?”
“Dad, I?—”
He cuts me off. “I had a meeting with the owner and it’s the first time in my career someone accused me of unprofessionalism. That my daughter is dating my player.”
“I’m sorry for that.”
I truly am sorry for the situation, but not for loving Ian. I can’t go on like this. I tried so hard at the expense of my happiness, but I can’t any longer.
As if he can read my mind, he exhales deeply. “See you on Tuesday.”
He hangs up, and I wrap my arms around myself. I love my father, but I hate his rigidity.
Ian pushes himself off the counter. Pulling me into his chest, he lifts my chin with his index finger, searching my eyes.
