I stumble. “What?”
He clears his throat as we continue to walk the small courtyard in front of my apartment. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I thought you were meek and soft. Which isn’t a bad thing to be. I didn’t want to see you crushed. This is a cutthroat business in a lot of ways. I didn’t want you to have to battle those lows. I honestly felt you weren’t suited to it.”
“Dad—”
He holds up his hand, and I swallow down my arguments. “I can see for myself I was wrong, and I’m ashamed that you felt you had to change yourself and hide so much away. I’ve become my father. The person I rebelled against. It didn’t sit right with me. You opened my eyes to a lot of things. I’m not a perfect man. I have flaws, and this highlighted a huge one. I like to control everything because then I feel like I can make sure things go my way. I should have listened. You made me see while I did an excellent job providing for you, I wasn’t always there for you emotionally. I don’t want to ruin any chance we have of reconciling and moving forward with a stronger bond and better understanding. The family is my life. Being at odds with you has been hell. I want to be there for you through this incredible experience.”
I can’t speak for fear that I’ll wake up from the dream I’m clearly in.
“I want you to know I’m behind you and whatever decisions you make I’ll support you. I lost sight of things. Families don’t run like a business. You can’t decide on one set of things and stick to it. I’ve spent enough time running my empire. I want more family time.”
“Dad. We’re all pretty old.”
“I know. I wanted to tell you first. Your mother’s pregnant. We’re going to do this again, and I plan on being up front and center for it. I’ll be cutting back my hours at the restaurant and handing over my duties to your brothers and a select few who’ve proven themselves.”
My jaw drops. “Mom’s pregnant?”
He nods. The joy dancing in his eyes steals my breath. “I have you to thank for everything. Your reaction to my pigheaded ways directed me toward the areas in my life that were lacking.”
I press my hand to my mouth. Happiness, excitement, and shock swirl together, leaving me mute. He holds out his arms, and I go to him like a homing pigeon. Resting my head on his chest, I inhale his scent. I could continue to be angry, but it’d be a waste of time. Life is short, and all I ever wanted was for my father to see the real me and accept it.
I’m a daddy’s girl, and right now, he’s apologizing and extending a hand to start a reconciliation. I can’t turn him away.
“I’m sorry, pumpkin. I can admit when I’ve screwed up. Please don’t hold it against your old man.”
“You really hurt me, Daddy.”
“I know, and I can’t go back, but I can be behind you one-hundred percent. I’ve been following along with the contest and rallying everyone at work for votes. You’re doing an amazing job, and I’m proud of you.”
The cracks in my heart enter the beginning stages of mending.
I feel alive and eager to celebrate as I make my way up to the apartment. The conversation with my father has renewed me. Rushing inside, I shed my clothing as I follow the sound of running water to the bathroom. I slip into the bathroom and admire his frame through the frosted shower door. Lean and chiseled in all the right places, he’s a temptation I can’t resist.
“Are you going to stare at me all day, or are you going to join me?”
He washes the shampoo from his hair, turning his head to face me.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I could feel your eyes on me. I think you should step inside and reenact those thoughts with me.”
When he opens the door, I step inside. “You good?”
“Yeah. He apologized and told me he was proud of me.”
He cups the side of my face. “No shit?”
“I swear. He thanked me for opening his eyes to personal flaws he needed to attend to. And get this! Mom’s pregnant again.”
He chuckles. “Damn.”
“I know. My brain is full, but my heart doesn’t ache the way it did before.”
“Sounds like we have a lot to celebrate.” Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulls me to stand in front of the warm spray. I groan as the water beats against my skin, relaxing me and loosening stiff muscles. I tip my head back, and he captures my lips with his clever tongue. He’s a drug I can get high off with one hit. I wrap my arms around his neck as I lose myself in the taste of him. He stretches up against my belly long and hard but never hurried.
We tilt our heads this way and that as we feed on each other—replenishing our souls and renewing our bond. I pull back breathing heavily as he grabs my soap wash. “Have to get you clean.” He pours a dollop into his hand and rubs up a lather before he covers my body with slow circles. Despite the steamy shower stall, goose bumps break out over my flesh.
He nips at my neck. His chest brushes against mine, and my nipples harden. My swollen breasts ache, and I grow wet. The light teasing touches are a torture of all their own. I trail my nails down his back, and he growls. You’re not the only one who can play this game. I wiggle my hips.