{"id":17446,"date":"2023-05-08T08:42:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T08:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dreame.com\/resources\/?page_id=17446"},"modified":"2023-05-08T10:35:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T10:35:09","slug":"submitting-to-my-best-friends-dad-by-scarlett-rossi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dreame.com\/resources\/submitting-to-my-best-friends-dad-by-scarlett-rossi","title":{"rendered":"Submitting to My Best Friend\u2019s Dad by Scarlett Rossi"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Submitting<\/figure>\n

Becca.<\/strong>
\nTally\u2019s house was a dream home\u2014literally. Her father had built it from a dream he\u2019d had, or so he\u2019d told us when we were young girls. Looking at it now, I believed it. Little did I know that, in this house, all of my dreams would start to come true.<\/p>\n

Five years had gone by since the last time I came to Miami. Pulling up to Tally\u2019s house felt just like it had been so many times before. I had spent so many summers in this home, coming here was like greeting an old friend.<\/p>\n

The mansion had tall, white, towering columns lining the porch, accenting the huge archways over the doors. The architecture was unique to Tally\u2019s father\u2019s taste, which made sense since he had dreamed it up.<\/p>\n

The difference now was the roof had been redone in Mediterranean terracotta shingles, and the landscaping was completely different, now with an Italian flare. Mr. Valentino had even added a white marble fountain to the front yard that featured a goddess being worshiped. He had really outdone himself and based on the looks of the outside, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what he had changed inside. This was my home away from home.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my god!\u201d Tally screamed excitedly. \u201cLook at this place! Dad really did a number on the renovations, didn\u2019t he, Becca?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, totally awesome,\u201d I replied, glancing towards Tally, shaking my head.<\/p>\n

Thank god she has never been to my parents\u2019 house. As much as I didn\u2019t want to think Tally would judge the way I grew up\u2014she would. Prim and proper was Tally\u2019s norm. These sorts of luxuries weren\u2019t possible for someone like me.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t come from mansions or luxury cars or tight security. My family didn\u2019t have yachts and butlers and maids. All of which seemed to tend to any need Tally could possibly ever have. But it didn\u2019t matter to me in the end. I loved the life I lived, and I was grateful to have been able to take part in Tally\u2019s as well.<\/p>\n

How we had become friends I would never understand, but I was grateful to have her. We had been there for each other through a lot, and no matter how much we could irritate each other, we were like sisters.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m starving. I wonder if Dad has a small spread ready for our arrival,\u201d she murmured as she grabbed her stuff and glanced at me. \u201cReady to get this party started?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Shaking my head with a smile, I watched her move with excitement towards the front door. Its mahogany finish gleamed in the Miami sun. Beautiful. That\u2019s what it was.<\/p>\n

Passing the threshold, it was as if being instantly transported to Italy. The decor embellished every inch of the Tuscan Valley, highlighting every aspect of the magical home. The last time I had come here was when Tally\u2019s parents got divorced. At that point in time, the home was still wildly styled to Tally\u2019s mother\u2019s taste. So seeing her father\u2019s preference brought to life was a refreshing sight.
\n\u201cDaddy!\u201d Tally screamed, dropping all of her bags to the floor haphazardly as she moved towards the kitchen. \u201cI\u2019m home!\u201d<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t sure why Tally continued to act like she was five, but at the same time, I was too entranced with the decor to care. Carefully, I sat done my things next to Tally\u2019s while my eyes stared at the ceiling as I spun slowly in a circle, taking it all in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he isn\u2019t here,\u201d I said as my eyes met hers once more.
\n\u201cHe is here. His car was in the drive, and he told me he had a long meeting. That\u2019s why he didn\u2019t meet us at the airport.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling my eyes, my face must express a smirk as I took a seat on one of the tall vintage barstools. There was only so much Tally-drama I could deal with, and considering we hadn\u2019t even been here ten minutes, I would say this was a new record. Regardless, though, I didn\u2019t want to partake in the conversation she was about to have with him. I already knew where it would go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d I shrugged, \u201cmaybe he took another car?\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not like he is short on the money to afford it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not right!\u201d Tally screamed out in frustration. \u201cHe was supposed to greet me as soon as I got home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ah. There she is! Princess Tally at her finest. As my eyes cast towards the window in the kitchen, I caught sight of the Adonis-like figure swimming laps in the pool. There was no doubt in my mind who it was\u2026.Because I already knew. James Valentino. Tally\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

Since I was sixteen years old, I had thought about him. I knew it was wrong, but at the same time, it was a childish fantasy. One I never dared to share with Tally. Not to mention her father would never dare take advantage of a young girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, it looks like he is getting out of the pool,\u201d I breathed out, trying to divert my attention.
\nNo matter how many times I tried to take my eyes off of him, I couldn\u2019t. He was far too breathtaking. Oh dear God. Is he getting more attractive the older he gets?<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d She gasped as she glanced in the direction I was looking. \u201cSwimming instead of meeting me when I walked through the door?\u201d<\/p>\n

The disdain in her voice snapped me out of my trance and caused me to roll my eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand what the big deal is, Tally. Who cares? We are here now, and we have an entire summer to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She spun to face me; her gaze spoke volumes about her unhappiness. \u201cI know this.\u201d
\n\u201cSooo?\u201d I shrugged. \u201cThen what\u2019s the big deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Crossing her arms, she scoffed, \u201cBecause Daddy always greets me at the door. You don\u2019t think he has a new woman, do you?\u201d
\nLaughter escapes me as I stare at her in disbelief. \u201cSeriously? That\u2019s your go-to?\u201d
\n\u201cWell\u2014\u201d she shrugged in frustration, \u201cI read online that when men change their patterns, it\u2019s usually because of a big change\u2026 like a new woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Should have seen that. It\u2019s what happened with Chad, I silently noted with a sigh. I couldn\u2019t understand her reasoning. \u201cWould that honestly be a bad thing?\u201d
\n\u201cYes!\u201d she shrieked. \u201cOh, my god, Becca. That would be like the worst thing ever. If he wants a woman, he can get back with my mom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as she said the words, the sliding glass door opened, and the most attractive man I had ever laid my eyes on stepped through the doorway. The Italian Stallion has arrived. God, he is so charming.<\/p>\n

The unbelievable remark running through my mind caused me to hold myself as my eyes could not stop staring at him. No matter how much time passed, I still had the imagination to be around him into the new year. I would do anything to make him happy. I don\u2019t mind, I\u2019m not picky.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you?\u201d Tally snapped with disapproval, pulling me from my delicious thoughts. \u201cI expected to see you, and you weren\u2019t there. I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Confusion passed through his eyes as he stared at her with shock. \u201cSweetie, I didn\u2019t think your flight was supposed to be here for another hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2013no,\u201d she quipped. \u201cI sent you my flight info, and I texted you.\u201d
\n\u201cYou did?\u201d he replied, picking his phone off the bar and quickly scrolling through it.
\nStanding impatiently, she stared at him. \u201cYeah, I did.\u201d
\n\u201cI\u2019m sorry, sweetie,\u201d he shrugged. \u201cI guess it slipped my mind. I\u2019ll make it up to you.\u201d
\nSmart man. Smart man.<\/p>\n

When it came to Tally, we both knew how to act. Because if Tally didn\u2019t get her way, you would think World War III was breaking out due to her disregard and meltdowns.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d she sighed. \u201cBecca and I are hungry and tired. Can we order food?\u201d
\nAs his eyes slowly slid to me, he furrowed his brow in confusion, \u201cBecca?\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course, he doesn\u2019t recognize me. \u201cHey,\u201d I smiled, trying not to look down.<\/p>\n

This man was really difficult to ignore, and with my nonexistent romance for the past few weeks, I was completely distracted. Come on now, Becca. Stop thinking weird about your friend\u2019s dad. What on earth are you thinking!<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have grown up a lot, Becca,\u201d Mr. Valentino replied, his dark, sultry gaze scanning up and down me.<\/p>\n

Oh gosh. Was he checking me out?!<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d The breathlessness of my response caused me to clear my throat as I quickly averted my gaze, trying to look anywhere but at him. I wasn\u2019t trying to be rude, but if this conversation didn\u2019t end quickly, I was going to give away my unrealistic thoughts by looking at his charming look.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d he muttered, looking between the two of us. \u201cWhat are the plans for summer?\u201d
\nBefore I could even get a word in, Tally started rambling off about the parties and boating trips she wanted to take. Even though I was her guest, he was already accustomed to the fact we often did things apart.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Becca?\u201d he asked, bringing me back to the present. \u201cAnything you would like to do?\u201d
\nYeah, dreaming about you.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. I\u2019m not quite sure yet. Had some rough stuff happen a few weeks back, so kind of looking to relax and enjoy my summer? Then, it\u2019s back to school for my last year.\u201d I smiled, nodding my head as a glint of amusement crossed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, very nice,\u201d he said, crossing his arms. \u201cWhat was your degree again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStatistics and Data Science,\u201d I replied as I gazed down at my fidgeting hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a math nerd, Dad. You give her anything to do with numbers, and she is quick with a response. Bookkeeping and calculations and all that stuff. Kind of like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tally\u2019s response caused me to laugh before I cleared my throat, realizing I was finding amusement in her calling her dad a math nerd, basically.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that,\u201d his reply was followed by making a little expression on his face as my gaze met his once more. I didn\u2019t understand what was going through his head at that moment, but I was intrigued to find out.<\/p>\n

Pulling out her phone, I watched as Tally replied to whatever text she got while smacking on the bright pink bubble gum she had consumed at some point. \u201cOh dear. Becca, we need to get unpacked. Jesse wants us to meet for food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2013okay,\u201d I said, not really looking forward to it. \u201cI thought we were going to eat here.\u201d
\n\u201cI can order food,\u201d Mr. Valentino said happily as he glanced between Tally and I.
\n\u201cNo, no,\u201d Tally scoffed. \u201cWe are just going to go out.\u201d<\/p>\n

I felt bad about the situation overall. Mr. Valentino didn\u2019t know we were going to be here so soon, and Tally was acting childish. Even if I loved her dearly, the way she was acting was unacceptable.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then,\u201d he smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s really nice to have you home, sweetie. I hope we can spend some time together while you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The notion warmed my heart and made me miss my own father. But in true Tally fashion, she didn\u2019t hold the same sweet sentiment I did.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll fit something in,\u201d she replied as she made her way towards the stairs. \u201cCan Rosa bring our things upstairs, please? I need to unpack and take a shower.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Tally disappeared from sight, I shook my head, jumping off the barstool.
\n\u201cThanks for letting me stay for the summer, Mr. Valentino. I appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes drifted from where his daughter had disappeared to me, and as he looked at me, I couldn\u2019t help but feel small under his gaze. \u201cThere is no need to thank me, Becca. Also, will you please call me James?\u201d<\/p>\n

First name basis? Oh, gosh\u2026 Becca, stop, you\u2019re reading too much into it.
\n\u201cIf that\u2019s what you would like\u2026 James,\u201d I replied softly, fluttering my eyelashes. \u201cI better get going. I guess I\u2019ll see you around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising a brow, his smile never faltered as he nodded, \u201cOh, you definitely will.\u201d
\nGoing out with Tally had been more of a headache than I wanted it to be. What started out with dinner turned into an all-nighter at a local club. The stench of stale stuff littered my clothing from earlier in the night, as well as, the few droplets of puke Tally had managed to get on me when I was near her.
\nIt shouldn\u2019t have been much of a surprise how the evening turned out. Yet, once again, I was left to babysit her while she dabbled in the fun.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t the party girl Tally had become, and even though she knew that, she still tried to drag me around. Sometimes I wondered if that was simply a way to make sure she had a designated driver or if she genuinely enjoyed my company.<\/p>\n

By the time we had arrived back at her home, the lights were off, and it was dark. Tally was unable to carry herself up the stairs, which meant that it had been my job to do so.
\nLucky me!<\/p>\n

After I had helped Tally with her dress and put her in bed, and a hot shower had washed away the remainder of the night from myself, I lay on my bed, trying to find the will to go to sleep. Too much had happened over the past few weeks. My mind still reeled from my breakup with Chad, but I also couldn\u2019t stop thinking about James.<\/p>\n

James was different. Not only was he incredibly attractive, with his perfect look I wanted to be around him for days, but he was old school. He seemed like the kind of man who knew how to wine and dine a girl. Treat her special, and never cheat on her with some mystery girl like Chad did to me.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t know James that way, but my mind constantly wondered. I wondered how he would treat me and about all the wonderful things he could do to me. I didn\u2019t understand the rush of emotions he brought over me. I wasn\u2019t the bad girl type, and yet everything about him wanted to make me just be around him.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m an unreasonable person to think a man like James Valentino would be interested in me though. Allison, Tally\u2019s mom, is beautiful and classy. She has taste and is sophisticated\u2026 I can never be her.
\nTally had plenty of male friends in this city, and even though I didn\u2019t want another relationship, I couldn\u2019t help but wonder if one of them would want to be with me.
\nPicking up my phone, I scrolled through social media and took in the various photos of Chad and I that were posted on my account. I hadn\u2019t had the courage to get rid of them yet, and looking back at it now, I felt even more pathetic.<\/p>\n

With a push of a few buttons and much-needed courage, I deleted the history of my relationship with Chad. I welcomed the hollow feeling when I was finished, but at the same time, it hurt.
\n\u201cGod, why can\u2019t I sleep,\u201d I groaned as I looked at the clock, realizing I had spent two hours lying awake instead of sleeping.<\/p>\n

Slipping from bed, I padded my way out of my room and towards the stairs. The idea of hot tea and a snack to settle my mind seemed more enjoyable with every step I took.<\/p>\n

Through the darkness, I made my way to the kitchen. The dim light over the stove was enough for me to see what I was doing, and yet, not disturb anyone in the home. Not that anyone would likely wake. It was 3:00 in the morning, and normal people slept at this hour.<\/p>\n

As I moved around the kitchen setting the kettle, I hummed a tune from earlier in the night that had gotten stuck in my head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving fun?\u201d a voice called from behind me, causing a small scream to leave my throat as I spun around, coming face to face with James himself. His dark, brooding eyes stared at me with amusement.<\/p>\n

As much as I wanted to form a coherent sentence at that moment, my thoughts were lost in the realization that James, my best friend\u2019s father, was standing before me.
\nOh, sweet baby Jesus. \u201cUh-oh, hey. Sorry, just making tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see that,\u201d he hummed with amusement. \u201cCouldn\u2019t sleep either?\u201d
\nShaking my head, I shrugged my shoulders. \u201cNot lately. Plus, after all the excitement tonight, I had to wind down.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a moment of awkward silence that fell between us as James stood by the counter, simply staring at me. Clearing my throat, I turned back towards the kettle that was now hissing and poured the hot water over the tea bag so it could steep. Motion out of the corner of my eye made me freeze as I realized he had taken two steps towards me.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really have changed over the years\u2026 haven\u2019t you, Becca?\u201d he whispered softly, causing me to turn around and notice only a few feet between us.<\/p>\n

My heart raced with anticipation of what was happening. Was this what I hoped it was? But I couldn\u2019t do that to Tally, could I?<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d I replied uncomfortably, \u201cI guess I have. I\u2019m not really the dorky girl I was the last time I was here. Then again, I could say you have changed as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had changed. He had gotten older, obviously, but he didn\u2019t seem as sad as he once had. Instead, he seemed satisfied with his life. As if he finally found his calling after leaving his ex-wife, Allison.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting.\u201d His eyes took me in once more as he casually leaned against the counter. \u201cSo, did your boyfriend decide to join you this summer as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

My eyes kept drifting down on him. His figure was hard to ignore. I tried not to look, but I couldn\u2019t help it when he stood so willingly in front of me.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no.\u201d I shrugged, trying to remain calm. \u201cI don\u2019t have one. We broke up a few weeks ago.\u201d
\nIntrigue seemed to get to him as I responded. As if that had been the answer he was hoping for.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that right? Was it mutual then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing down, I shook my head. \u201cNo, not exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

No matter how innocent his question had been, the wound of Chad\u2019s betrayal was still fresh. So for James to bring it up was like pouring salt on an open wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry if I upset you, Becca. That wasn\u2019t my intention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. You\u2019re fine,\u201d I replied as my eyes met his again. \u201cJust, bad things happened, and it wasn\u2019t the most joyous moment in my life. Nothing I won\u2019t get over with in time, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was an unmistakable fire that crossed his gaze for a moment at my words. I wasn\u2019t sure what it was, but it was almost as if he was angry, but pleased at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was not smart enough for letting a beautiful woman like you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh gosh, he just called me beautiful. The compliment caused my cheeks to redden with embarrassment as I tried to hold myself and quickly turned back to my tea.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t sure why his remark surprised me like it did. Men from his generation were notorious for being this way, or at least, that was the assumption I had with most men I knew his age. My professors and even my dad\u2019s friends were from a generation of class. So why was it that his words caused me to react like this? Trying to wrap my head around what he was saying, I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your compliment. But I am not as pretty as other women. Plus, I am driven when it comes to my career. So I wasn\u2019t giving him the attention he wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Excuses. They were all excuses, but at the same time, these excuses were what allowed me to get past the pain I felt over Chad\u2019s betrayal. The excuses I made were ones I gave for his actions towards me. No matter how horrible they were.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t deserve you. Traits like that I think are attractive in a woman,\u201d James replied moving next to me, causing my breath to catch in my throat. I was highly aware of the distance between us in the kitchen. The fact that we were being alone made me excited, and I hoped he couldn\u2019t tell how much I felt.<\/p>\n

Slowly turning around, I faced him. In the time I hadn\u2019t been paying attention, he had got himself there near me, and the distance between us caused my heart to race.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t trying to be bad, but the smell of him wrapping around me made me want to do all kinds of bad things. \u201cPerhaps, someday, someone will show me what it is I deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

My words came off more suggestive than I\u2019d meant them to be, and he must have noticed, because his response was to look at me gently as he moved toward me. Being near him did not help me with my imagination to be just with him. I wanted it so bad to happen, but at the same time, there was no way a man like James Valentino wanted me. Not to mention, you ungrateful girl, that is your best friend\u2019s dad.<\/p>\n

As he pulled back, setting his cup on the counter, I tried to clear my mind. There was a boundary I didn\u2019t need to cross, and with the teasing moments around us, I was dangerously close to crossing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u201d he whispered, causing me to slowly look up at him to see the amusement dancing within his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, why wouldn\u2019t I be?\u201d I shifted uncomfortably. \u201cAre you?\u201d<\/p>\n

As his eyes drifted down, I felt the stir within me once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m more than alright, Becca.\u201d He grinned and his eyes met mine again. It took me a moment to process what he meant, and as I glanced down, I saw my little reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m so sorry,\u201d I stammered, wrapping my arms. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it isn\u2019t.\u201d He chuckled as he grabbed his glass and went to the fridge to pour a drink. He may have been right, but the arrogant response made me surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is. It\u2019s a bit chilly, and well, yeah\u2014\u201d
\nAs the door to the fridge closed, he turned to face me, sipping from his cup. The movement of his Adam\u2019s apple as he drank down the liquid caught my eye. I had never seen something as simple as that look so attractive before.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you want, Becca,\u201d he said, grasping my attention once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want anything,\u201d I replied, trying to play the moment off.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.\u201d Setting his cup down, he quickly cleared the space between us once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Valentino\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to call me James, Becca.\u201d His firm reply flipped the switch on the situation and instantly made me want to behave. \u201cI can see that you get excited, but I can promise you I\u2019m not what you want. The things I would do\u2026 well, they would be too much for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh gees. \u201cY-you have no idea what I can handle. You don\u2019t know me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

My stuttered response showed clearly how uneasy I was with this situation, and yet I wanted it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe a good girl, Becca. You need to go upstairs and go to bed,\u201d he whispered as he inhaled deeply and pushed himself back from where we stood.<\/p>\n

The distance he was placing between us gave me a chance to breathe once more. Without a moment of hesitation, my feet pushed me towards the stairs, only he stopped me again.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what I said,\u201d he all but growled in an amazing way that had frozen me.
\nTurning to face him, I tried to push him away. But the realization hit me that he was within my reach made everything worse. Snapping out of my daydream, I quickly freed myself from his grasp. He was there and he stared at me, making everything harder.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Mr. Valentino,\u201d I stuttered, forcing my gaze from his before I turned and fled from the kitchen, quickly running up the stairs.<\/p>\n

James Valentino was a mysterious man, and there was no telling what he truly meant by what he\u2019d said. Perhaps he was dangerous, but perhaps I would like it.
\nJames.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel, as you can see, there are numerous ways we can better help you profit from your industry if you use our company. Our importing and exporting section far surpasses that of our competitors.\u201d
\nI watched as the CEO of Citadel Furnishing thought about my proposal. I had spent months trying to close this deal, and with weeks of back and forth, I knew without a doubt I had this in the bag. A smile lined the man\u2019s face as he nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s do it,\u201d he replied, holding out his hand, which I quickly shook.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to our future business together. If you wait just a moment, I will have Evette bring in the paperwork for you to sign, and then we will have someone take you on a tour of the docks so you can see our company at its finest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evette brought in the paperwork, Daniel signed it, and then I sent him off for the promised tour. Once he was gone, I reached for my phone which had gone off a few different times during my meeting.<\/p>\n

Tally.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The girl was difficult, but as my only child, I loved her no matter what she did. She was the princess in my kingdom, and I was the king of my castle. For years I had tried to correct Tally\u2019s behavior, but her mother was always an obstacle.<\/p>\n

\u2018Having people over today for a pool party.\u2019
\nShaking my head, I sighed. There was no arguing with this girl.
\n\u2018That\u2019s fine. I will be home later this afternoon. Do you girls need anything?\u2019
\nA few moments passed, and I watched the small bubbles at the bottom of our chat move.
\n\u2018We\u2019re fine. See.\u2019
\nA photo pushed through on my screen, and I smiled at my beautiful daughter, Tally, dressed with a straw hat and cover-up over her bathing suit. She was beautiful, just like her mother.
\n\u2018You look beautiful, sweetie. Be safe, see you soon. Xx\u2019
\nAs soon as I sent the text, though, another photo came through, and it was one that made me internally groan. My hand was tightening on the phone as I stared down at the smiling face. It was of Becca. My daughter\u2019s beautiful friend who was supposed to be off limits.<\/p>\n

From the moment I laid eyes on Becca, I felt something towards her. A curiosity, a hunger that made me want to know more. I knew it was wrong, but god, was she the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, showing off her beauty. A black bathing suit looked very good on her. I enjoyed the sight very much.<\/p>\n

Never once before did an interest of the girl come across my mind until now, and yet, even though I tried my hardest not to take interest, I couldn\u2019t help it. The once ordinary young girl had grown into a beautiful tall brunette with blue eyes and a figure most women would die for.<\/p>\n

Seeing her the other night in the kitchen was a surprise, but remembering her stretching up into the cabinet, the thought of her made realize how bad I was attracted to her. She was very spectacular, and I wanted nothing more than to be with her.<\/p>\n

I was not proud with my own thought, but as if my charm prowess took over, it quickly dissipated. I wanted her more than I had ever wanted anyone. I needed to be happy. As if on cue, my office door opened, and in walked a tall blonde with a flashy make-up. Her tight blue dress matches her well, but the problem was she wasn\u2019t who I wanted to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cKatrine. To what do I owe the pleasure?\u201d
\nShe smiled as she pushed my chair back and sat next to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy haven\u2019t you come to see me?\u201d Her thick Russian accent washed over me as she leaned back batting her lashes. \u201cI had to wait a week and come see you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Katrine, I am busy right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her brows furrowed as she put on a pout which may have worked on most men, but not me. Tally had perfected that look, and I had grown well accustomed to not falling for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you would miss me,\u201d she whined as I exhaled with irritation.
\nPinching the bridge of my nose, I shook my head and moved away from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you that I don\u2019t do the emotions thing, Katrine.\u201d
\nShe looked surprised, and her eyes narrowed. \u201cWe have been seeing each other for months\u2013\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and as I told you the first time\u2026 there is nothing else that will happen. It\u2019s just fun, Katrine, and you told me you understood that. I don\u2019t understand why you came to my company.\u201d<\/p>\n

We had one rule, and she knows what it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are mine, James.\u201d Her response was firm as she crossed her arms. \u201cI don\u2019t understand why you are acting like this. Don\u2019t I make you happy?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was clear this conversation wasn\u2019t going anywhere, and with my next appointment arriving in less than an hour, I had things I needed to get done.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvette!\u201d I yelled, watching as the door opened to reveal my very punctual assistant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Valentino?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you please escort Katrine to her car?\u201d I asked her, watching as a look of shock crossed Katrine\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Evette reached out to Katrine but was quickly pushed back by the rage that began to build beneath her once enticing eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you throwing me out?!\u201d she shrieked. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Amusement filled me as I leaned back in my chair and watched her. That\u2019s unattractive. Perhaps this is for the best.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you will see that I can. I appreciate your attention, Katrine, but they will no longer be needed. I do wish you all the best for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cold. That was how I had to be. I never meant to hurt the women I had relations with, but I couldn\u2019t allow them to think it would be more.<\/p>\n

I was always cast as the bad guy. No matter how many times I told them from the start I didn\u2019t want an exclusive relationship, and there would be nothing more than fun, they never listened to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will regret doing this to me!\u201d Katrine warned, causing me to smile.
\n\u201cIs that a threat, Miss Solkova?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, she shook her head. \u201cNo, that\u2019s a promise. Karma will get you.\u201d
\nTurning on her heels, she stormed from my office with Evette left to stand there staring at me.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Valentino, may I say something?\u201d
\n\u201cOf course, Evette. What\u2019s on your mind?\u201d I replied.
\n\u201cIf I am going to start having to play defense for you when it comes to women like that\u2026 I am going to have to request a raise, bonus, or something.\u201d
\nI laughed at her statement. \u201cIs that right?\u201d
\n\u201cYes, sir. Call it hazard pay if you will.\u201d Evette sighed, shaking her head. \u201cWould you like your afternoon coffee, sir?\u201d
\n\u201cYes, yes. That would be wonderful. Also, I will take the hazard pay into consideration.\u201d
\n\u201cThank you, sir. I will be back in just a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the door closed, I couldn\u2019t help but laugh to myself at her comment. She wanted hazard pay if she had to deal with the women in my life, and honestly, I didn\u2019t blame her.<\/p>\n

As the afternoon carried on, I found myself caught within my work. That was, until I started scrolling through my phone looking for a document and came across Becca\u2019s photo again. Her beautiful figure and carefree smile\u2026 they captivated me.<\/p>\n

The thought of boys at my house partying with my daughter and Becca didn\u2019t sit well. I knew the girls were of age, but I didn\u2019t like the idea that Becca may take an interest in one of those young men. Especially, since the way she acted around me meant she could want me. Oh god! What\u2019s the matter with me? This girl has me all out of sorts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, your four o\u2019clock appointment is calling to cancel?\u201d my secretary stated from my office door, pulling me from my thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. I actually have an emergency that has come up, and I need to go home. See if you can get them to reschedule for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir. Do you need anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

My eyes met hers briefly, but I did not say a word. It was enough for her to understand I was being serious and close the door, giving me time to think through what I was about to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d I said into the receiver of my phone as I called my driver, \u201cbring the car around.\u201d
\nIt was time to head home and see how the girls were doing. After all, what kind of responsible adult would I be if I didn\u2019t?<\/p>\n

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