Page 28 of Snowbound with My Dad's Best Friend

Slipping them on, I giggle at how long they are as they hang over my feet.

It’s better than nothing, and it feels good to be wearing his clothing.

He stares at me as I walk over to the couch and take the empty seat next to him on the soft cushion.

As he slides his arm over me, my head instinctively nuzzles into his neck.

This is something I loved doing back in the day when we would sneak off and spend time together, either in one of our cars or under the stars at the park after dark.

He’s always felt like home to me, and now to feel that again is nostalgic…wonderful.

I’ve missed him so much, and I’m tired of lying to myself.

“Can I ask you something?” His voice is soft, almost as if he is treading lightly.

I already know that he wants answers.

And he deserves to know, but until I’m ready to tell him the real truth, he’s going to have to settle for lies.

“Sure.” I wait silently, my stomach whirling, anticipating what he wants to know.

“You left me high and dry five years ago with no explanation. Why?”

A sigh escapes my slightly parted lips, and I lift my head off his shoulder.

“I was scared, Steven. I was terrified that my dad would find out. I was scared of what that backlash would do to him, and us…everything. I fell for you, and it scared the hell out of me.”

None of what I tell him is a lie; it’s just not the main reason I left.

I was fully prepared for the backlash if it meant I could be happy with him.

But his parents…I know what they are capable of.

And while their threats didn’t seem too drastic, I feared for what they would actually do if I retaliated.

They are the wealthiest family in Grand Rapids.

They can make things happen with the snap of a finger.

But if I’m being honest, I still feel the same way about him I did all those years ago.

I am still very much in love with him.

Steven stays silent as the news continues to play in the background, giving updates about the storm.

Then he sits forward, his arms resting on his knees. “If you want, you can have the bed and I’ll take the couch.”

His response makes me laugh. “I appreciate you trying to be a gentleman, but after what we just did, I would honestly be offended if you didn’t sleep in the bed with me.”

He shakes his head and smiles. “That’s fair.”

I might as well enjoy my time with him, since I’m stuck here until morning, or until the roads are plowed.

If only it could always be this way.

Me living with him, Damian learning that Steven—who is an amazing man—is his father.

We would all be so happy.

It could be this way if I were honest with him about the entire situation.

Only time will tell, now.