Free Daughter Trilogy Bundle by C.M. Owens Page B

front of me without so much as giving me a name?" Dad snarks.
    And there it is.  Mr. James Titan has reared his intimidating head, even though Devin towers over him by at least five inches.
    Devin smiles warmly as he sticks out his free hand to shake my dad's.
    "I'm Devin Cole.  I live in New York.  Adisia and I met this past weekend."
    No! I wish he hadn't told him when we met.
    Perfect.  Now my daddy knows I'm a slut.
    "And the two of you are sleeping together already?" my dad chokes out with a pale face.
    This is so frigging humiliating.
    Devin stifles a grin while shaking his head noncommittally.
    "She just slept in my room because she was sick.  She didn't want to go to the hospital, and I didn't want to leave her in her apartment alone.  I thought it might be somewhat rude to just invite myself to stay there, so I just kept her with me."
    "So you really got sick?" Dad worries, his eyes finding mine and forgetting about Devin.
    And my daddy is back.  Whew .
    "Yes.  I don't know what happened.  I got dizzy mostly.  I feel better today though.  Devin is taking me home because I rode with Clara last night."
    Dad looks at him curiously.
    "Is that your Mercedes out front?"
    Devin smirks.  "Yeah.  I got here yesterday so I could be Adisia's date for the rehearsal dinner.
    "Ah.  So the two of you are going to the wedding together?"
    "Yes, sir," Devin says with a cool tone.
    "So what do you do for a living?"
    This is so terrible.
    Now Dad is going to start with the interrogation.  I should have introduced him to my father before I conceded to the idea of us actually trying to make this work.
    Have I considered that?  Of course I have.  He just held me all night long while I was sick for the first time in my life.  I have to see him as something more than just a… well, an intimate friend.  I need a terminology book.
    "I have several businesses I'm a partner in.  It's all sort of complicated, but I do well for myself."
    "I see," Dad grumbles while shifting his weight to his other leg, trying to make himself look taller.
    "We're going to get going.  I'll be back in a little while to help out with the setup."
    "You don't have to do that honey, I can get it."
    His eyes glaze over with a genuine concern that reminds me how much he loves me.
    "Don't worry, Dad.  I'm fine.  I promise.  I feel much better, and you know how crazy Clara is going to be if one thing is out of place," I exasperate too dramatically.
    He starts laughing, and I can see his eyes lighting up a little.
    "I can't believe Clara is getting married.  It seems like just yesterday the two of you were playing princess."
    Devin's hand tightens around mine, and I smile at him.  He looks away shyly just before Dad grumbles uncomfortably.
    "We're going to head on out," I say before hugging Dad.
    He hugs me back, and then Devin and I start walking out hand in hand.
    "So is this guy your boyfriend or something?" Dad asks just before we escape.
    So close.  Damn it.
    I very warily turn back around and fidget awkwardly.  His burning, interrogating glare is back.  There's no escaping, but I don't know what to say right now.
    "Yes, I am," Devin says with a menacing grin.
    My head flips back around to catch his mischievous eyes toying with me.  My lips tighten, and I turn back to meet the softer gaze of my father.
    "Well, I hope you two have a good time at the wedding.  I'll see you after while, dear."
    Wow.  That went much smoother than I expected.
    "Bye," I murmur quickly while tugging at Devin's hand.
    We seize the opportunity to escape while it lingers.  He laughs a little as he follows me out with my rushed pace.
    Asshole .  Now my dad thinks we're dating.
    He walks over and opens the door for me.  I sit down, careful to avoid his playful grin.  I don't want to smile right now, and I know I will if I look at him.
    "Why did you tell him you're my boyfriend?" I scold.
    He chuckles mildly as he shuts my door and makes his way to the driver's