Don't Call Me Daddy

I wish I could actually say all of that out loud instead of just think it…

Chapter Six

Lawson

Ainsley intrigues me. I can’t deny that. She’s gorgeous, but there’s so much more. There’s a flicker in her beautiful emerald green eyes, a curiosity that makes me wish I could satisfy it. I don’t know why I didn’t just tell her to go instead of offering her a drink.

Maybe I just didn’t want to be alone tonight, despite how much I thought I did. Or the liquor is playing tricks with my head. I don’t know. Misery does love company, and I get the impression that she’s seen her fair share of it, even if she hasn’t told me much about herself.

Moths to the same flame maybe, but damn—she’s so young. I could tell that even before she took her zombie makeup off, but it’s really obvious now. I’m not even sure she’s old enough to be drinking the whiskey I poured her.

“Why don’t you tell me about yourself, Ainsley Andrews?” I narrow my eyes. “If you’re staying long enough to finish that drink.”

“This whiskey is too good to waste.” She looks down, and I see a hi

nt of a grin on the edge of her lips. “I wouldn’t say my life is that interesting. Certainly not as interesting as what you told me…”

“That’s okay.” I lean back in my chair. “It’s better than silence.”

“I’m from a small town called Cedar Grove. It’s not far from here, but you may not have even heard of it.” She lifts her head slightly. “Born and raised…”

“Can’t say that I have.” I shrug.

“Nothing interesting ever happens there, so I’m not surprised.” She laughs under her breath.

“Must be a few interesting things.” I lean forward. “You mentioned that tonight wouldn’t be the first time you had been arrested. Unless you come to the city just to spend the night in jail.”

“No, it was only once. A few days ago, actually.” She sighs. “I got caught trying to steal a Red Bull from a gas station.”

“Theft and then vandalism. What’s next? Murder?” I can’t help but laugh. “Or will you try manslaughter first and work your way up?”

“No.” She puts a hand over her mouth to suppress what appears to be a giggle. “I think I’m going to walk the straight and narrow from now on.”

“How old are you anyway?” I tilt my head inquisitively.

“Um, almost twenty…” She swallows hard, and I can see that she knows what I’m about to say next before I do.

“If you’re going to walk the straight and narrow, you should probably put that drink down.” I motion to it.

“I’ll start tomorrow.” She smiles and takes another sip.

“Yeah, spoken like a true delinquent.” I reach for the bottle. “I’m having another one. You probably shouldn’t…”

“I think you’re right.” She nods. “Where is your restroom?”

“Down that dark hall.” I motion ahead. “You can see the light for it when you turn the corner.”

“I’ll be back in a minute.” She puts down her drink and stands up.

Damn. Going on twenty with a body like that. She would definitely make a grown man beg for a taste. The sight of her is almost enough to make me want to do it. Fuck—my daughter is older than she is. I hated Bram for what he did to Kiana, and I’m sitting here having the same fucking thoughts about someone else’s daughter.

I need to bottle this shit up. It’s easy enough to be tempted by those pouty lips and gorgeous curves, but I’m a long way from being what she needs right now.

Telling myself that doesn’t stop my cock from reacting to the sight of her when she returns; just her damn silhouette in the hallway forces me to take a drink so I can pull my gaze away.

“I can go ahead and leave if you need to get some rest.” She motions to the couch.

I should accept her offer, but I can’t make myself do it.