Lover in Lingerie (Lingerie 15)

“I came to talk to my father, but I guess he’s busy today.”

His smile immediately fell. “Oh…”

“It seems like he’s stressed about something, so I’ll try tomorrow or another day.”

Crow sighed then gave me a gentle pat on the back. “Yeah…maybe a different day.”

Bosco was standing in the living room when the elevator doors opened. “That was fast—too fast.”

“I didn’t talk to him.” I walked inside then kissed him on the mouth, greeting him like a woman greeted her husband. “He said he was too busy today, which is strange for him because it doesn’t seem like he’s ever busy. He always says having Griffin around had made him and my uncle bored, so…I don’t know.”

Bosco’s expression hardened, a clear look of sadness on his face. It was obvious in the way his eyes narrowed slightly, in the way his shoulder slumped as he wrapped his arm around my waist. “I’m sorry, Beautiful.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t want to talk to him about this if he’s in a bad mood anyway. I’ll wait for a better time.”

“Yeah…good idea.”

A few days later, I stopped by the winery again.

I came to my father’s office and knocked, but once again, I was met with a version of him I hardly recognized.

“I’m sorry, Carmen. I’m heading to a business meeting right now, and I won’t be back until the end of the day.” Like he was about to walk out the door, he grabbed his jacket and his coat. Just like the other day, I wasn’t greeted with a hug or even a smile.

It was as if he couldn’t wait to get away from me.

“Oh…” I didn’t hide my disappointment this time, annoyed that it was this hard to get fifteen minutes of my father’s time. “Maybe I can come by for dinner—”

“Your mother and I are pretty busy. We’re doing some stuff with Luca.” He had an excuse for everything, blocking me at every opportunity.

It seemed disrespectful to accuse him of doing this on purpose, so I held back my assumption, knowing my father would never avoid me on purpose. It used to seem like he couldn’t spend enough time with me. He gave me a diamond necklace just a couple months ago. What could have changed in that time? “Well, could you let me know when there’s a good time? You must have some time this week…”

He wouldn’t look me in the eye, treating me like a gnat that wouldn’t go away. “I’ll let you know, Carmen. I really should get going.” He walked out of his office like he couldn’t get away from me quick enough.

As if someone had punched me in the stomach, I felt winded and sick. I considered myself lucky because I always knew how much parents loved me. My classmates weren’t always so fortunate. My parents loved me no matter what, regardless of the decisions I made in life. That was something invaluable, something I couldn’t put a price on. But now it’d been taken away from me—overnight.

I had no idea what I’d done wrong.

When I stepped off the elevator, I tossed my purse onto the couch and yanked off my boots.

Bosco rose from the couch and watched me, concern in his eyes. “Couldn’t talk to him today either?”

“Nope.” I threw my boot on the ground because I was so annoyed. “He said he had to go to a meeting. When I suggested we have dinner, he said he was too busy for that too. Then I told him to pick a time that was good for him…and he pretty much blew me off. What the hell?” I kicked off my other shoe then placed my hands on my hips. “I love my father and think he’s a great man, but…why is he being such an asshole? It’s not in his character at all. I just don’t understand. I keep thinking I did something to piss him off, but if I did, he would just tell me. He’d always been honest and straight to the point.” I marched toward the bedroom, not caring about the mess I’d just made in his million-dollar penthouse. Clothes dropped on the way, and by the time I made it to the bed, I was in my underwear. It wasn’t even five yet, but I was ready for bed. I was ready for this day to end. I was questioning my relationship with my father entirely, something I’d never done before.

Not once.

Bosco joined me a minute later, getting into bed next to me and spooning me from behind. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed his face into the back of my neck. He didn’t try to comfort me with words. He didn’t try to take off the rest of my clothes either. He just lay with me.

Making me feel less alone.