Page 60 of Singled Out
“The more I looked at those photos of you two…” He paused.
I waited.
I got up the nerve to meet his gaze, and he shook his head, exhaled, as if he was trying to figure out how to say something.
“The more I think about it, Max, the more I think you could be the best thing for my daughter.”
My brows shot up. I studied his face, looking for an explanation. There was a spark of challenge in his eyes.
“I’m not sure I heard you right,” I said.
“You did.” He stood tall, folded his hands behind his back, principal style, and paced. “You’re a few years older than her. A heck of a lot more settled. You’ve got a stable career, two of ’em, actually. You’ve lived in the same place for years. What I’m trying to say is that maybe what my daughter needs is a strong, stable influence in her life instead of these young punks who hook up and won’t commit to more.”
I knew fifty percent of that equation was that Harper didn’t want more, but it wasn’t my place to tell him that.
Still reeling from his one-eighty, I sat there dumbfounded. “I’m flattered you feel that way, Bob,” I finally said.
I couldn’t deny there was a part of me that was tempted by the idea of pursuing Harper. But it was a small part. Not a logical one.
“It’s hard for a father to let go of his daughters, in particular. Tough to think any man could be good enough for them. Scaring every male off is a knee-jerk reaction no matter how old she is.”
“I can imagine that now that I have a child.”
“Harper needs some stability in her life, whether it’s from a career path or a relationship. Hell, I don’t know. Between you and me, she could stand to grow up a little.”
I didn’t respond, knowing Harper herself was having similar realizations. I believed she’d get there. On her own.
“I appreciate what you’re saying, but I have to respectfully disagree that I’m the guy. Danny’s my focus. Now and in the future. My cousin trusted me to take care of his son.” I shook my head, those familiar heavy emotions rolling over me again. “I can’t put into words how that’s affected me, but it’s life changing.”
“Parenthood is like that no matter how you arrive at it,” my boss said.
“I’m sure it is,” I said, knowing no one would understand where I was coming from, and that was okay. “Bottom line, your daughter is an amazing woman who deserves a man who can give her the world.”
“Yes, she does.”
“That man’s not me.”
“I respect that, Max. I do.” He stopped his pacing, faced me, and slid his hands into his front pants pockets. Nodding once, he said, “That’s fair. I just wanted you to know I changed my mind. If you were to get involved with my daughter, you have my blessing.”
“That’s good to know, sir. I’ll take it as a compliment.”
Bob nodded, pivoted, and walked to the door. There he paused, looked at me, and asked, “You’re sure you’re not the guy?”
With a chuckle, I said, “I’m sure.”
He walked out, and I expelled a breath.
Holy hell.
My mind was thoroughly fucked with.
But I’d meant what I told him.
I had to be sure. I had to be resolute.
Harper was a temptation. A fucking wet dream. But I couldn’t be the man she deserved.
Being a single parent was hard as hell. Danny already lost out more than he should to my two jobs. Adding the distraction of a relationship would eat even more into time with my boy.