Page 21 of Until Presley (Happily Ever Alpha World)

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

PRESLEY

I look down at the most perfect gift he could have gotten me.

I’ve been collecting unique compasses for years, and this beautiful box, with an old nautical map etched into the top, is a perfect addition.

The compass inside resembles an old pocket watch.

When I push the latch and the top opens, there is a picture of Ham and me from one of our many day trips snorkeling.

“It’s so you always find your way home to me,” he says before kissing me.

Between the compass and the beautiful compass necklace with “I’d be lost without you” engraved on the back, I’m worried what I got him isn’t as personal. He smiles and begins to unwrap the gift I got for him.

I had to contact an antiques dealer on the island to search for it, but I thought it was a good gift.

He opens the wooden box, similar to the one with my compass, and looks inside.

Nestled inside is an antique sextant. Just like I collect compasses, he collects sextants and other antique nautical items. I watch his long fingers brush over the surface, and he looks over his shoulder at me.

He sets it down and pulls me into his lap.

“I love it, sprite. It’s the best thing ever. I can’t believe you found it.”

“It’s a replica of an original J. Scott London. I tried to get you an original.”

“I don’t care; it’s the only one I don’t have.”

“I know.” I smile before he leans down and takes my lips in a deep kiss.

“Hello, kids, I’m still here.” Flo laughs, and we pull apart. “What time are your parents calling, Presley?” she asks me, and I look down at my watch and cringe. My father has been mad at me for weeks now.

My application to change my advisor was denied, and the university declared that I must return to Miami.

My father wants me to go, but I don’t. I’m tired of arguing with him.

Professor Blackman and he have been talking, trying to get me to focus completely on my studies.

I’m doing well and am still on track to graduate a year from May, exactly when I’m supposed to.

But my father wants me to push to graduate earlier because he’s got a research team in Australia that wants me to come down there. I don’t want to.

I called Morgan in New York to wish her a Merry Christmas. She and I discussed what’s going on with my dad. She’s mad at him and said he better come around or she’ll kick his butt.

“They should be calling in about thirty minutes.” I move off Ham’s lap, and he tries to grab for me again. I giggle and start cleaning up the living room.

Our small tree is lit up, and there are even twinkle lights over the pool. We are going to Walker and Hanna’s later for Christmas dinner. Not only did her parents come down, but so did her brother, his wife, and their daughter.

When my phone rings exactly twenty minutes later, I answer it and move outside.

“Hello, Dad, Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Presley,” he says, but his voice is tight.

“Merry Christmas, Thea,” I say, hearing her in the background.

“Merry Christmas, sweetie,” she says, and I hear her move away from the line.

“Did you call Griff and your sister?” he asks, and I bite my lip.

“I called Griff as soon as I woke up. He’s missing everyone.”

“He’ll be okay. These are the sacrifices he’ll have to learn to make for a career. Sacrifices you don’t seem to understand anymore.” His tone is bitter, and I want to argue, but what’s the point? Instead, I defend my little brother.

“He’s only ten, Dad. Give him a break. Let him be a kid. Please. He doesn’t need to be raised like Clara and I were.”

“I’m his father, just like I’m yours. I know what’s best for you kids. Speaking of which, I have an update for you.”

“Sean, we discussed this.” I hear Thea again. “This isn’t the time, and it’s her choice.”

“Thea, she’s my daughter. I’ll tell her what’s best for her.”

I hear a huff, followed by a door slamming in the background.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

“Professor Blackman and I have spoken to the doctoral board. Your request to change advisors and your path of study has been denied. However, if you return to Miami and take over teaching a class for one of the professors, you doctoral hours can be accelerated so you can graduate in December of next year, instead of a year and a half from now. There’s an Introduction to Marine Biology class starting in January that would be perfect for you.

Professor Blackman is looking forward to working with you on this course. ”

“No, Dad. I’m appealing the decision. I think Dr. Miller would be a better advisor.

He looks out for what’s in my best interest, not yours.

” I defend myself for the first time ever.

“Besides, Dad, I don’t want to go back to Miami.

I just got a call from the FBI agents; another body was found.

This one was petite and looked like me, but they dyed her hair blond. I don’t want to risk myself or others.”

“Clara told Thea there isn’t a serial killer.

She said you’re making it up for attention.

Darling, what do I need to prove to you to show that you don’t need attention like that?

” His words hurt because it’s not true. The only thing I’ve ever wanted from him is his time and complete attention, even if for just a moment. That’s all, just a short moment.

“Someday you’ll believe me. Just look it up.” I’m about to hang up, but he stops me.

“Presley, think about what your mother would want you to do. You only have until the January term starts to make this decision. Merry Christmas.” He hangs up, and I just sit there, staring at the phone.

I can’t believe he just said that to me.

He hasn’t mentioned my mother in years, and this is when he does it.

Ham

I step out through the sliding glass doors and see Presley sitting on the lounger.

She’s staring at her phone, and tears are rolling down her face.

I don’t know why her father is so against us being in a relationship.

I overheard her arguing with him recently, saying I’m not keeping her from her studies.

“Presley.”

She startles when I say her name. I walk over, slide onto the chaise behind her, and pull her into my chest. She is stiff at first, but then softens and leans back into me.

“I don’t understand. I’ve always done what I’m asked. I’ve never gotten into trouble, but he acts like I’m a disappointment to him.”

“Baby, you aren’t a disappointment.”

“I was denied my doctoral advisor change because my father and Professor Blackman told the doctoral board not to approve it. They are demanding I come back to Miami.”

“We can do that, babe. It’s only a four-hour drive. I’m not worried about distance. Are you?”

She tips her head back and looks up at me.

I twist her around so she’s facing me and we’re lying back on the lounger.

Presley rests her chin on her hands on my chest. “I’m not afraid of the distance.

I trust you. It’s just going to be hard to be without you all the time.

I also hate that my father says I’m being overly dramatic about the serial killer. ”

“On that, I will have a talk with him.”

I brush my hand through her hair. I really just want to take her upstairs and make love to her, but I know we have to leave soon.

I hate that she’s going through this with her father.

He won’t believe her about the serial killer because her stepsister is saying it’s a lie.

Why he won’t look it up for himself is beyond me.

I’m going to contact one of the Special Agents and have them get ahold of her father.

They can confirm they are looking at her being the object of this psycho.

“Please don’t. I need to do this. I need to stand up to him.” I don’t tell her about my plan to contact the FBI.

“Okay, baby.” I’ll give her this chance, but one more time, and I’ll be interfering.

We sit here, just her cuddled on my chest, and I feel complete with her in my arms and in our space.

“Merry Christmas, Ham,” she coos as she slides up my body.

Her lips connect with mine, and I kiss her deeply.

My tongue dances with hers, and my body comes alive.

Every time I kiss her, my skin tingles with awareness.

She’s mine, and I know it to my core. This woman is my forever. I’ll do everything I can to keep her.