Many times.
Like, lots.
Like lots and lots.
So, yeah, I gave in.
Again.
Just like the night before.
But, come on—he’d said he’d wanted to marry me before he touched me.
Tell me one woman who wouldn’t totally swoon from that?
Exactly.
Zero.
I was only human.
So, when Trey Turner walked into my room wearing nothing but a white towel and a gorgeous smile—just like the first poster of him I’d ever bought—I was powerless.
I’d been so grateful for his help with my dad—I’d let my emotions get the better of me.
Anyway, I wandered up the stairs and into the kitchen. After I set up the coffee maker, I went in search of my dad.
When he wasn’t in his room, I panicked. I’d taken all the car keys and hidden them.
He couldn’t go anywhere without a vehicle.
I hustled back downstairs to the kitchen and noticed the doors to the deck were unlocked.
I hurried outside to see my dad sitting in one of the chairs, and smoking.
He only smoked when he fell off the wagon.
“Have a good sleep?” I asked with more of a tone than I’d meant.
He glared at me. “Yeah, I feel fantastic. Can’t you tell?” He took another drag on his cigarette.
I watched him blow out the smoke, and it still irritated me. My dad was a healthy guy. He’d always instilled clean living in me. Watching him pollute his lungs like that hurt.
“What happened?” I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered from the cold. I’d grabbed a hoodie before I left my room. My yoga pants were thin though, and didn’t offer much protection from the cold, morning wind.
“The same thing that always happens. I fucked up.”
I shook my head, not believing what he said. “You and Marianne—I saw how happy you were—”
He interrupted me. “She can’t handle the real me, Alexis. Nobody can.” He kept smoking and looking out at the half snow filled yard.
“I have playoffs starting soon, so I can’t stay long. Are you ready to go back to the treatment center?” I crossed my fingers and my toes that he’d say yes.
“Fuck the treatment center.”
Great.
Why I thought he’d agree immediately, I had no clue. He never went when I first suggested it.