Page 92 of Hard Rock Heat

"I brought some chicken and salad." I placed the food on the kitchen table. I'd made a brief stop at a grocery store with a pre-made section, hoping to find something not terribly unhealthy. "I know it's not your favorite, but you can't eat take-out all thetime."

"Thanks," he saidflatly.

My father wandered from the kitchen back to the living room. He still hadn't looked at me or Damon. I swallowed the lump in mythroat.

Damon took my arm and tugged measide.

"What the hell?" he whispered. "Is he always likethis?"

"Yeah," I said sadly. "Prettymuch."

Damon looked toward the living room with dismay. "He's actinglike—"

"Like I'm the last person in the world he wants tosee?"

Damon's eyes turned soft. He pulled me into a hug. I rested my cheek against his chest, letting myself enjoy in hisembrace.

The television in the living room clicked on. I pulledback.

"I'm going to put together a plate of food," I toldDamon.

I put the chicken on a plate and put it in the microwave. I got a knife and fork and some paper napkins. I turned and rested my back against the counter. Damon was watching mecarefully.

"So, now you've met the in-laws," I joked weakly. "There's a lot less drama on my side of the family, so I guess you're lucky thatway."

"Faith…" Damon spoke my name out loud, sympathy in his voice, but that was it. He didn't seem to know what else tosay.

The microwave beeped. I took out the plate, heaped on some salad, and brought it to the living room. Damonfollowed.

"Here you go, Dad." I put the plate on the coffee table next to his armchair. "Better eat it before it getscold."

My father finally turned to me. His eyes flicked over my shoulder, landing on Damon. The corners of his mouth turneddown.

"Damon, this is my dad, Justice Briars," I introduced. "Dad, this is Damon Drake. He'smy—"

I nearly choking on my tongue. I didn't know what to call him. We hadn't had any kind of conversation about this yet. He knew I was in love with him, and he seemed more than chuffed at the knowledge. I knew Damon liked me. He said he didn't want to be with anyone else. But did he mean forever, or did he just mean fornow?

Before I could continue with the noncommittal wordfriend, Damon jumpedin.

"I'm her boyfriend," Damon saidsmoothly.

I stared at him. Damon looked to me and winked. I pressed my lips together. That didn't stop a small smile from trying to creep across my face. I didn't know whether he was just saying that to save face — I couldn't very well introduce him as my fuck buddy — or if this was Damon's way of telling me he wanted to be serious.Committed.

My heart sang a little thrill at thethought.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir." Damon stuck his hand out for ashake.

My father eyed Damon's hand blandly before reaching out and giving it a single pump. He pulled his hand backquickly.

"Nice to meet you," my dad mumbled. He returned his attention back to thetelevision.

A muscle twitched in Damon's clenched jaw. I could practically see the question in his eyes.What the hell is hisdeal?

I wished Damon hadn't insisted oncoming.

"Okay, well, we're going to go now," I said, wanting to cut this visitshort.

"Mm," my fathergrunted.