Fat Cat Liar

“I fucking love you,” I choke out over the knot in my throat and crash my mouth to hers.

She lets out a surprised cry, gripping my shoulder and going completely stiff. My mouth moves urgently, greedily against hers, coaxing her to part her lips. Her breath hitches, giving me enough room to slide my tongue inside and find hers easily. There is no control to my actions, no power to stop.

The world around us fades away, and I pour all my feelings into this kiss. She makes a low sound, bringing me back to my senses, and I realize I’m crushing her. Slowly, I loosen my hold and end the kiss, still keeping her close.

Her eyes flutter open and sparkle with amusement. “I don’t have to see his expression to know my dad is probably plotting your murder right now.”

I spy him leering at me and chuckle. “You’re right. But I don’t care.”

“Now that you’ve thoroughly embarrassed us both, can you put me down and formally introduce me to your father?”

“I’m not embarrassed.” I start walking.

“Put me down!” She wrestles to get free, and Jenny and Bessie laugh as we pass them.

Once we are in front of Dad and Clay, I comply. Placing her on her feet, I turn her while keeping our hands joined across her chest. “Greer, you know Clay. This is my dad, Jarod Hall.”

She tries again to get free, but when I don’t let her go, she huffs in aggravation. I’m too busy enjoying her irritation that I groan when she elbows me low in the stomach and stomps on my foot with such strength I bow in pain.

“Nice to meet you.” She walks into Dad’s arms and kisses him on the cheek then moves to Clay, who embraces her longer than needed, winking at me.

“Thank you for coming.” She moves to her dad, who scoops her into a bear hug then tucks her under his arm.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Dad responds with full pleasure at my discomfort.

“I see you still look like a homeless hobo,” Clay tells me.

“I like that a lot more than lumberjack,” Jonas calls, loading bags in the trunk.

The next few minutes are a whirlwind of introductions, good-byes, Christmas greetings, and hugs as Greer’s friends prepare to leave. My senses go on alert when Enrique ushers Greer to the other side of the car and out of earshot.

I’m ready to jump at any sign of discomfort, but instead, she throws herself into a hug, saying something only he can hear. His eyes slice to mine, and the hostility from earlier is only slightly softened. However, he’s sending a message; he may detest me, but he wants what’s best for Greer. He loves her in his own way, and she does the same.

I can deal with that.

When they finally drive away, Greer links her arms through Dad and Clay’s, insisting on showing them their rooms.

I take a step to follow when a firm hand lands on my shoulder, stopping me. Kevin’s casual attitude from a few minutes ago is gone, his expression now severe and icy.

“This is still my house, and she is still my daughter.” His meaning is clear; he’s not a fan of my display of affection.

“I’ll try to control myself,” I lie.

His eyes narrow in disapproval, and the vein in his jaw starts to tick. “You are an arrogant bastard, aren’t you?”

“Not at all, I’m a man in love.”

He holds the stare for a minute, his eyes roaming over my face. I remain still, prepared for his verbal bashing. Instead, he blows out a breath and tips his head to the sky.

“Jesus, I don’t know what the hell my daughter is thinking, but I’m stuck with you, aren’t I?”

I cough back a laugh and take my chances by slapping his shoulder. “Should I call you Dad?”

He flinches, moving fast and twisting my arm unnaturally until I groan.

“I’ll take that as a no?” I hiss.

His eyes dance with enjoyment. Without a word, he releases me and disappears inside, but not before I catch his grin.