Mack Daddy(52)

Even though she was apparently speechless, tears were forming in her eyes.

“You don’t have to say anything,” I said. “I just needed you to know.”

Frankie looked like she wanted to say something, but things were quiet for a long time.

She finally admitted, “Victor said part of the purpose of his going away was to give me some space to figure things out. But I’m more confused and afraid than ever.”

My heart nearly stopped in that moment.

“Wait…he actually said he was giving you space? I thought he was just going on a trip for work. He’s actually expecting something to happen between us while he’s gone?”

“He says he doesn’t want to know what happens this week but that he hopes in the end, I choose him.”

It felt like a vain had popped in my head. “Like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell?’ Holy shit.” My voice grew louder. “He thinks we’re f*cking while he’s away?”

“I’m not certain that he definitely thinks that. I think he might wonder if something happened, though. That’s not to say he wouldn’t care. I think he’d be devastated if he believed that we crossed that line. But I got this vibe that he almost expected something to happen between us. But that doesn’t make it okay. I wouldn’t do that as long as I’m technically still with him.”

I didn’t know what to do with this information. I felt like I’d missed an opportunity I didn’t even know I had. That made me furious.

“So, let me get this straight. He gave you a ticket to explore things with me? So, basically, we’re sitting here talking when you could be sitting on my face instead?”

Frankie looked flustered. “Um…”

I was starting to lose it a little. My anger rose upon another realization. “You know what? The fact that he also mentioned wanting to marry you before he left means he thinks the likelihood of anything lasting between us is nil. Is he hoping that you would just be able to f*ck me out of your system then go on your merry way with him?”

Her voice was basically a whimper. “I don’t know.”

“Any man who would let you out of his sight long enough to test the waters with someone else is a goddamn fool. He’s hoping one good f*ck might be all you need to get over me? Maybe we should test it.”

She swallowed. “Test it?”

“Yes. Give me one night. We’ll go up to my room right now and have hot, sweaty, amazing f*cking sex. It will be the best of your life.”

Her breathing quickened. “I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t make my decision any easier.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure there would be no decision anymore if that happened. I think that scares the hell out of you because you’re afraid to want me even more than you already do.” I placed my hand on her knee, causing her to flinch. “Do you want to know what you said to me the night you were drunk all those years ago?”

“What?”

“You said you wished I could f*ck you so hard that you would feel me for days. It might have been the alcohol talking, but I got the impression that maybe that was always one of your fantasies. You like it rough? Is that what you prefer?” I raised my voice. “Does he give you what you want?”

Fuck. I was letting my anger show and needed to stop myself. Despite my rage, blood still rushed to my cock from the mere thought of getting to f*ck her.

The news that Victor had basically given her permission to be with me had floored me. But that wasn’t what upset me the most. I was angry because she chose not to take advantage of it, not to take the risk. That told me that whether she realized it yet or not, she probably planned on staying with him. Things weren’t really in my favor like I’d hoped they were. In fact, I may have already lost her. Suddenly, the need to protect my heart from getting shattered seemed stronger than ever.

I stood up. “I’m sorry. This was supposed to be a low-key, relaxing night, and I’ve f*cked it all up. It’s late. I want you to take my bed upstairs. I’m gonna sleep down here.”

“You’re angry at me.”

“Not angry at you. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re trying to do the right thing. I’m just angry at life, in general, and I’m trying to stop myself from saying anything else tonight that I might regret.”

Her eyes were glistening. “You regret telling me you love me?”

Yes.

I ignored her question. “Goodnight, Frankie.”





I hadn’t seen Mack since he dropped me off to pick up my car at the school in the wee hours of the morning that Friday. He’d continued to act guarded during the entire ride.

He also hadn’t texted or called since. It was clear my admitting that I’d chosen not to take full advantage of the apparent pass Victor had given me really pissed him off.

Now, it was Saturday, and I was going to not only have to face him but also Torrie at the winter carnival. My stomach was churning just thinking about it.

As I sat alone in the kitchen sipping my morning coffee, the last thing I expected was the door to latch open suddenly. A cold burst of air entered the room as Victor walked in. He hadn’t been expected back until late Sunday night.

“Francesca…” he simply said.

I put down my mug and lifted myself up. “What are you doing back?”