My thumb slides across the screen, across my oldest and dearest friend’s smile, and think about Alexis. We could be as close as Lisa and I were, one day. We could form that bond.
Unless I blow it all up. Unless she hates me for what her father and I feel...
And what we’re going to do.
I return to my work, forcing myself to focus, even as Triston whispers at me from the corners of my mind.
I’m just down the hall. We could be creating our future right now.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Triston
I drag myself out of bed, my body feeling sore and my eyes feeling like pits. The lack of sleep tries to drag me back down to the mattress. It’s been a long time since I wasn’t able to get at least a few hours of sleep.
But last night was like no other time before as my head brought up countless scenarios to the forefront of my mind, all of them involving Tamia.
Every vivid fantasy struck me hard in the chest and lower, like Tamia, bent over with her hands reaching back, pulling those sweet ass cheeks apart to show me the soaked pinkness of her eager untouched pussy.
I’d slip my hand down my body to grab my engorged cock, unable to help myself but then Alexis would rise in my mind, eyes brimming with judgment.
“Are you serious? She’s my friend. This is so wrong.”
And every time my daughter's words would stop me when nothing else on earth could. I couldn’t give in to my desire when Alexis was as alive in my mind as Tamia.
I thought about stalking down the hallway, pushing Tamia’s door open, finding her in bed.
But I knew I wouldn’t be able to restrain myself, not now I know she’s a virgin. The primal need to claim her would take over, loud and hungry.
I’d tear the sheets away and flip her over, forcing her to her hands and knees, driving savagely into her as she creamed and whimpered.
Staring at myself in the ensuite mirror, I splash water on my face, willing it to wake me up a little. I’ll never sleep again if I don’t get to claim my woman.
I could laugh at the melodramatic sentiment. But it feels like the truth.
I’m dying, being apart from her.
After showering and brushing my teeth, I head downstairs to grab some breakfast. Tamia and Alexis are already sitting at the table. Tamia is wearing her cleaner’s uniform, different from her waitressing one, and that alone makes me want to roar.
She doesn’t need to work as either a cleaner or a waitress. I’m going to take care of her, give her all that she deserves, the chance to follow her dreams or find new ones.
“Coffee, Dad?” Alexis says, gesturing to the table.
“Sure.”
I sit down, trying my best not to stare at Tamia.
It’s difficult as her scent swirls around me. It’s like I can smell her tanginess, tempting me, hinting at me to reach under the table and find its source. It’s like her body is telling me to impregnate her, now, to stop delaying.
Her hair is down and around her shoulders, giving her that messily beautiful look I love so much.
I sip my coffee, willing the caffeine to zap me out of this funk.
“I might be staying out tonight,” Alexis says. “For the concert.”
“The concert?” I ask.
She nods, taking a bite from her toast. “Didn’t I mention it? Amy arranged the tickets.” She turns to Tamia. “She was one of my friends in high school. She arranged them ages ago. I’m sure I mentioned it.”
“Are you sure you’re up to that?” I ask.
“Dad.” She looks sternly at me. “I’m fine. Anyway, Amy said I can crash at her place, so I won’t need to make the journey back from the city. Tam, I can try and get you tickets if you want, but I think they’re sold out. I feel awful about leaving you.”
Tamia has a smile on her face, but it trembles at the edges. We both know what this means. If Alexis is gone for the night, we have the house entirely to ourselves.
How are we supposed to resist each other then?
We can’t do anything until Alexis knows the truth.
I imagine telling her now, and then I see her choking on her toast, her hand clasped her chest, trying to scream at me, but she can’t. All she can do is fall, staring angrily up at me.
“You don’t have to feel bad,” Tamia says. “I don’t mind, honestly. I want you to have fun.”
Alexis smiles through a sigh. “Okay, awesome. Because I already checked about extra tickets and they don’t have any. But believe me, if you want to go I will find a way to get you in. Even if it means sneaking around the back.”
“Go. Have fun.” Tamia's smile is gentle now. “I mean it. You deserve it.”