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“And you,” he said. Unlike his wife, he seemed unconcerned by my connection to Dakota. “I guess I have you to thank for Joey getting his life together.”
“I’m sorry?”
“He’s been sticking with his job. Before you, he was floating from one place to the next. He’s got a real passion for those house projects. I wasn’t sure he’d ever care about anything again after prison, but he’s changed lately.”
“Oh, I can’t take credit for any of that,” I said, glancing at Joey’s tight expression. “That’s all him.”
“You’re a doctor over at the rehab center, aren’t you?” his dad said.
“Yes, a doctor of physical therapy.”
He nodded. “A good influence. Maybe you’ll give Joey the motivation to pursue a real career now, huh?”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
Joey thrust his popcorn box toward his dad. “Here, I got you some popcorn at the carnival. I figured you’d be watching movies.”
“Well, thanks,” he said. “That was thoughtful.”
His mom held up the cotton candy. “Very sweet of you to think of us.”
“You want to join us?” his dad asked. “This movie just got started.”
I glanced at the screen, recognizing an opening scene from John Wick. I didn’t want to stay any longer than we had to, and not only because Joey’s dad was a bit of a dick. I wanted to get Joey alone, to kiss him everywhere and reassure him that he was incredible just as he was. I didn’t care what job he worked or didn’t work. I didn’t care where his passion lay—in volunteer projects or a career or freaking origami crafts—as long as he shared it with me.
“Oh, I’m sure the boys want to get on with their night,” his mother said, rescuing us. “Go have fun, you two. It was very nice to meet you, Kit.”
I nodded. “And you.”
We retreated from the living room, and as soon as we did, Joey grabbed my hand, squeezing hard as he led me out of the house. We crossed the lawn—not bothering to move my car—and went into the pool house.
“Fuck, that was awkward.”
I pulled him into my arms and kissed his forehead. “First time is the hardest, right? Just wait until you meet my dad.”
He groaned into my neck, and not in a sexy way. “He already hates me.”
I squeezed him. “Just give him a chance to get to know you. You’re impossible not to love.”
He tipped his face up. “I’m a loser, Kit. Didn’t you hear my dad? I’ve got no passion.”
“Your father is an asshole.”
His lips parted in surprise. “No, he’s just…”
“An asshole,” I repeated. “You have to find your own way, Joey. It doesn’t have to be his way. Or my way.”
He swallowed hard. “Thanks, but… I really have been sort of flailing around since prison. I can’t blame my dad for being frustrated.”
“Maybe, but you’re doing better now, and he should give you credit for that, not me. He doesn’t even know me.”
Joey’s mouth tightened. “Yeah, I guess.”
I kissed him. His lips were a rigid, unyielding line. I wanted to comfort and reassure him, but I wondered if I’d miscalculated.
Until he sighed and softened, lips opening to me.
I kissed him softly, sweetly. It wasn’t anything like the first kiss we’d exchanged, which had tasted like forbidden fruit. This one held the promise of so much more than a hot night together.
