Seducing Daddy's Best Friend

Chapter 13

Carl

I got up early to prepare breakfast, I couldn’t sleep well with everything that happened the previous day, or perhaps I was just excited to see Riley today.

I freshened up and went downstairs to prepare breakfast, making eggs and toast while listening for when Riley will come down.

Probably anticipating what she would wear today.

Fuck, Carl!

I shook the thought off my mind, I needed to remind myself every second that Riley was still seventeen and my best friend’s daughter who was left under my care.

I set the table, and before I could turn to call her, I heard her come down.

I blinked at the sight of Riley. She was dressed in a pale sweater and dark jeans, exposing nothing, which was the first. Her damp curls tucked behind her ears, and she quietly sat on the dining chair.

“Morning,” She said softly, there was no funny smirk, no sarcasm, or even flirtation, just the usual but unusual Riley.

“You’re joining me for breakfast today?” I pulled the chair across hers and sat down, well, the previous days, she left even when I made breakfast for two.

She nodded without looking up, picking up the spoon beside her bowl of oats.

“Morning,” I added, watching her closely, her fingers trembled slightly, and my brows furrowed. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “Yes, just tired.”

“Is this because of yesterday’s rain?” I set a coffee close to her. “You didn’t catch a cold, did you?”

“I am fine, Carl,” she said quickly and reached for the toast.

She wasn’t fine, she was quiet, withdrawn, this wasn’t the Riley I had grown used to, she used to be loud, she haven’t even looked at me at all, was it because I wouldn’t kiss her yesterday?

I suddenly didn’t like her mood, it made me uneasy.

“You want me to drop you off at school today?” I asked, hoping she would turn it down, speak up or something, but all she did was nod.

I didn’t like this. I didn’t like it at all.

After breakfast, I grabbed my car keys and we made it toward my car, she got into the passenger’s seat and I turned to the driver’s seat.

I reached over while she was fastening her seat belt and touched her forehead.

She flinched. “What are you doing?”

“Checking your temperature,” I didn’t take my hand off. I placed my other hand on my forehead. “If you feel lightheaded or develop a headache, you call me immediately.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re too caring.” She exhaled softly.

“I don’t see how that’s a problem.” She was under my care, I ought to be.

“I am not sick, Carl.” She pushed my hand away from her forehead and turned her face to the window.

I reluctantly took the wheel and drove to her school, she stared out the window all through the drive, and I couldn’t help but think if I had done something wrong.

I pulled over at a short distance from the entrance and turned to her. “Seriously, if anything feels off today, promise you’d call.”

“I will.” She gave me the faintest smile and stepped out of the car.

I turned to drive off but paused when I caught a glimpse of the same boy I had seen her making out with at the front of my apartment the previous night.

He grinned when he saw Riley, opened his arms and she didn’t hesitate, she embraced him and just like that, they kissed.

I scoffed, clenching my jaw so hard that it hurt. “Look who I thought was sick?” I muttered, gripping the steering wheel and cursed under my breath.

“What the hell is she thinking? Do they do that in high school now?”

I groaned, shoving a hand through my hair as I watched them disappear inside. “Get a grip, Carl.” I muttered to myself, and drove off.

At the office, I couldn’t concentrate at the project reports and software demo reviews, my mind kept circling back to her, her silence and the daze expression.

Was she sick? Was something wrong?

I just couldn’t understand her.

I pulled out my phone and typed. “Sudden mood changes in young women.”

Hundreds of articles flooded my screen, fatigue, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance or…

I paused. “Menstrual cramps.” Is she on her period?

That would explain her sudden change in mood. Perhaps she was having mood swings.

I leaned back in my chair and sighed. “Damn it.” If that’s what it was, she wouldn’t ask for my help.

I couldn’t stay at the office for long, I suspected Riley would be back home by now, so I left the office and headed for the grocery store.

I tossed everything I thought she might need, a heating pad, herbal teas, pain relievers, chocolate bars, and even a pint of her favorite strawberry ice cream, one I usually got for her when she was thirteen.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, it was sun down. My arms were full of bags. I unlocked the door with my elbow.

“Riley?” I called out, walking over to the kitchen, I placed the bags and turned to the stairs when there was no answer, but suddenly I heard faint giggles, a thud, and breathy moan.

I froze.

Is she touching herself again?

I slowly climbed the stairs, and walked over to her room, I paused halfway when the voice became louder.

“… don’t stop,” she whispered.

I stopped breathing, she was with someone.

The door was slightly opened, and through the gap, I saw the male figure, he was shirtless, her fingers curled into his shoulder, her legs straddling him, her lips on his.

Blood rushed to my ear as I saw them making out, I shoved the door open. “Get off her!”

It was the same boy I had seen earlier today kissing her at school.

He turned in alarm, scrambling for his shirt. Riley gasped and nearly fell back, the bed sheets were tangled between them.

“Carl…”

“Put on your shirt!” I said coldly, my eyes burning into him. He hesitated, then rushed to do so. “Out, now!” I ordered.

He glanced at Riley helplessly, and hurried to the door after saying he would see her in school the next day.

Once the door slammed shut behind me, I turned to Riley. “Two minutes,” I said coldly. “Downstairs.” Then I walked out without waiting for her to speak.

Damn it! I thought she was sick, I worried all day about her, only to find her tangled up with a boy and making out in my house.

How dare she? This has gone too far!