If he’s like Mom, I’m much more like my dad. Only not quite as reserved. I wouldn’t be able to work at the shop if I never talked to anyone. What can I say? Dad is the yin to Mom’s yang. They make sense in an odd sort of way. I wonder if people think that about me and Adrian. Hell, the girls at the shop still haven’t said anything, though they definitely suspect something.
Dad studies Adrian, taking him in from head to toe. Adrian’s palm is sweating in my hand, and he’s rocking back and forth, clearly uncomfortable. The urge to wipe my hand on my dress is strong, but I push it aside. Adrian doesn’t need me pulling away from him while he’s under my dad’s scrutiny.
He points to Adrian’s forearm, “That’s some fine ink you have there. Did you design it?”
“Yes, sir,” Adrian’s voice cracks. “I design all of my tattoos to keep from being dissatisfied with the outcome. Bianca, Charleigh, and Corey have all done the artwork in the end.”
“You have talent,” Dad nods his head. “Have you ever tattooed Sophia?”
My boyfriend chuckles. This is territory he knows well, and I’m thankful to my dad for bringing up a subject he knew would calm Adrian down. “No, she hasn’t let me… yet. The time will come, though.” He gives me a sexy smirk. I want to drag him to my childhood room and let him show me where exactly he wants to put the ink. “Honestly, I think she’s scared. She didn’t actually talk to me until last week, and that’s only because I ordered supplies I didn’t need.”
“Hey,” my hand makes a thwack sound as it makes contact with his chest, “you weren’t exactly welcoming either.”
Dad smiles at our playful banter. “Can I steal my daughter from you for a moment?”
“There’s no need to steal her, she was yours first.” That puddle on the ground is totally me. He makes my heart melt and beat faster all at the same time.
Standing on my tiptoes, I press a quick peck to his cheek, and he heads toward Jay. The only person at this party that he really knows. At least they are getting along now. Once he’s out of earshot, I turn toward my dad. “What do you think of him? And be honest.” I don’t need them suppressing their thoughts this time around.
“I like him,” Dad smiles. “He seems like a good guy from what I can tell, and he’s been making sure you’re safe. That’s what matters the most to me.”
“Dad,” I roll my eyes. “I don’t need someone to take care of me. My life isn’t some fifties sitcom.”
“You think I don’t know that you’re capable of taking care of yourself,” he places his hands on my shoulders and waits until I give him my full attention. It’s hard because I want to know what my brother and boyfriend are laughing about. Please don’t let Jay be telling him any horrid childhood stories. Focus, Soph. My eyes land on my father. “You left a shitty relationship even though you were terrified. That takes guts, sweetheart. I like Adrian’s protectiveness. He hasn’t stopped looking at you since he joined your brother.”
I want to look back toward them, but don’t. Instead, I keep my eyes focused on Dad. “He makes me happy, and I feel safe with him. Not like he’s my protector,” I wave away my father’s concern. “He feels like home. The person I can rely on.”
“Just make sure you aren’t moving too fast, Sophia,” Dad pulls me in for a hug. “I know you feel the connection, and it’s possible that he’s it for you, like your mom was for me. I don’t want to see you hurting again.”
“I know, daddy,” I squeeze him. “The emotions I feel with him are real, though. He lifts me up, unlike Dawson who would constantly put me down. He’s the real deal.”
“As long as you’re sure,” he releases me. “Now, go have fun. Your brother is only here for a couple more days.”
Without another word I walk, well jog would be the more appropriate term, toward the man that I can see a future with. Who gives a damn if people think it’s too soon. My heart knows what it wants, and it wants him.