Liar

“Good. Maybe I find walkers kind of hot.”

His head fell back on a laugh, and I fought to not lean in and bite the strong chords of his neck.

Kent twirled me out, and the world spun as he tugged me back in.

“Have I told you how gorgeous you look?”

I bit my lip to hold back my smile. “I may have worn this dress to torture you.”

The rough pads of his fingers trailed down each ridge of my vertebrae until they rested just above my ass, where my dress dipped dangerously low.

“I want to rip this part,” he said against my ear, dragging his finger along the top crease of my bottom over the dress, “in half, and bend you over to fuck you.”

I exhaled shakily and pressed my thighs together to ease the ache only he could cause.

“You promised me anything, and I plan to collect. You know how much I love to bury myself in your tight ass.”

“Yes,” I hissed. “Do it.”

A rumble started low in his chest, and his eyes melted with promise. “Take me home, Olivia. Otherwise, I’m going to break one of Daniel’s rules and fuck you right here, and he’s already glaring enough.

“I can’t wait for home, Kent. I need you now.”

“How about one last time in our room.”

I was already turning to walk out when I answered. “If we make it.”

We didn’t end up making it. He made good on his promise and ripped my dress down the back and fucked me in the elevator.

It was perfect.

It was us.

Epilogue

Olivia

“I’m sorry. Who?” my mom asked as my dad choked on his wine.

“I’m seeing Kent.”

“Is this a boy from school?”

“No. This is Alexander Kent. Uncle Daniel’s friend.”

“I’m going to need something stronger,” my dad mumbled, downing his full glass. He rubbed a hand down his face, and then stood from the dining room table to go to the liquor cabinet, poured himself a glass, and downed that too.

My mom still sat there staring, her face frozen in a mix of shock and concern.

“I know it’s not what you would consider ideal, but I’m happy.” My chest expands to near exploding, and I can’t stop the full smile stretching my cheeks until they ache. “I’m really happy, Mom.”

Her face softened, taking in the joy pouring off me. “I mean…I—” she laughed softly. “I’m not really sure what to say.”

“Does Daniel know?” Dad asked.

“Yes.” They didn’t need to know how he found out.

“Jesus,” my dad mumbled again before taking another drink.

“Daddy?” I needed him on board. Or at least willing to climb on board. Daniel and Kent were on their way here for dinner, but I came early because I planned on kissing Kent hello and holding his hand through dinner. I would never hide my love for him again.

“He’s so old.”

“He’s hardly that old, but it doesn’t matter. As long as he makes me happy, that should be all you care about.”

“You know that’s all I want for you,” Dad said.

“As long as you’re happy, baby girl,” Mom added.

Happiness bubbled over, and a giggle broke free. “I really, really am. He pushes me to be better—challenges me. And I like to think I do the same for him.”

My dad gave a resigned sigh, but I could see that he was happy that I was happy. It was enough. My mom smiled and squeezed my hand.

The doorbell rang, and we all froze, knowing who was on the other side.

“I’ll get it.” Before I stepped out, I turned to my parents. “Please don’t make it weird.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” my dad said dryly.

My mom rolled her eyes. “I promise to keep the awkwardness to a minimum.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Opening the door, I only held back from jumping into Kent’s arms because Daniel stepped between us with a cocked eyebrow. “Remember. PDA to the bare minimum. Preferable to zero.”

Scoffing, I shoved him out of the way and tugged a nervous-looking Kent through the door and into my arms. “Relax,” I whispered against his ear.

“I’ll relax when your dad doesn’t shoot me.”

“They’re fine. I just got done talking to them. Dad may be drunk by now, but it will be fine. Besides, if Daniel didn’t shoot you, my dad surely wouldn’t.”

“True,” Daniel laughed. “Lucky for you, David is a happy drunk.”

Another nervous laugh from Kent and then I was tugging him to the dining room. My mom stood and briefly glanced at our joined hands before greeting Kent as she always did with a hug and a kiss to his cheek.

“Alexander, I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Thank you for having me.”

It all felt more formal, but I figured it would be for a while. It was new and not what anyone expected. At least it wasn’t awkward.

Or it wasn’t until Dad spoke up.

“You hurt her, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“David,” my mom gasped.