After we land in a subject, Clara drives us again to Sizzling Rides in her sizzling pink van with a stencil of a balloon on the aspect.

As soon as she pulls into the lot outdoors the hangar and cuts the engine, I startle.

My father’s on the opposite aspect of the asphalt, leaning towards the hood of his restored Ford Mustang, ready for me.

His eyes flicker with questions.

52

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE COTTAGE

Briar

“H-hi, Dad?” I ask it slightly than say it.

Stress flares in each cell in my physique. My dad hardly approves of romance in any respect. What would he consider me with three males?

You’re not with them. They’re simply associates. Nobody must know what occurs on the cottage.

As Clara putters within the van, my dad strides over to me, forehead knitted throughout his weathered face, worn from the years and the work. “Hey, kiddo. What are you doing in these elements?” He goes along with his customary greeting, but it surely means a lot extra as he glances at one, two, three guys with me, then provides, “Moonlighting?”

Sure, that’s it! I seize onto the lifeline he probably doesn’t even understand he’s throwing. “I assumed it’d be enjoyable to indicate my associates how I fly a balloon,” I say brightly.

However as quickly as that excuse comes out of my mouth it deflates, due to course that’s not what really occurred. Clara flew the balloon whereas three hockey studs whispered candy nothings in my ear and murmured guarantees of tying me up later.

Did she message him? Inform him what I used to be as much as? Ship him to verify on me? My abdomen churns with fear and I strive once more to clarify what I’m as much as. “I used to be…”

However the sentence dies on my tongue since I’ve acquired nothing. Can he inform I’m concerned with these guys? He might all the time sense how I’m doing. Perhaps as a result of I don’t conceal my emotions from him. However I don’t know what to say to him now.

Hollis takes over, striding throughout the asphalt, extending a hand to my dad. “I hear you are an enormous Sea Canines fan, Mr. Delaney. And I’m questioning what we are able to do to get you to change loyalties.”

I’m so glad he’s main with sports activities. Sports activities is the common lubricant.

Dad shakes his head, buzzing doubtfully. “In all probability nothing. As soon as a Sea Canines fan, all the time a Sea Canines fan. I used to be fairly dang pleased when my daughter switched to that workforce,” he says, cautious, like he doesn’t belief them. “I by no means preferred the Foxes even once they had been the Avengers.”

Okaaaay.

A lot for that valiant try.

My dad ideas his chin towards me. “Didn’t understand you had been taking a balloon trip.”

A press release however actually a query—what’s occurring?

Nerves prickle over my neck like I’m a child caught stealing from his pockets, regardless that I by no means did that. I by no means took his automobile. Broke a curfew. Or drank a beer.

Is that this my dangerous woman part now? Hooking up with three guys?

“We thought it’d be enjoyable,” I say breezily, to cowl up how unsettled I really feel.

“We had a good time,” Rhys seconds, however Gavin stays quiet. I get that. He’s most likely not nice with dad and mom. He’d slightly let the opposite guys lead.

“It was actually lovely, Dad. The view was wonderful. I feel I even noticed our house,” I say, making an attempt once more to clean over this uncomfortable second. “I pointed it out to…my associates.”

Perhaps I’m promoting the friendship too exhausting, however I don’t need to have the I’m having a fling with three sizzling hockey guys without delay convo.

“That’s nice,” my dad says in his no-nonsense tone as Clara’s work boots clunk throughout the driveway.

My dad’s eyes swing to her instantly after which his mouth softens. “Hello, Clara,” he says, his tone virtually tender.

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