Page 80 of Truck Off
She nods and presses a light kiss on my cheek. “Thanks. I appreciate that. And I’ll try to manage my temper. If you haven’t noticed, it’s bad. I don’t always think straight when I get mad. And maybe … I shouldn’t get so mad when all you’re trying to do is help.”
A broad smile spreads across my face. “Look at us, talking it out like adults.”
She rolls her eyes and playfully slaps my chest. “Don’t be such a goof.”
“Can’t babe.” I slap her ass, this time with a loud smack, as she lifts off my lap. “Goof is my middle name.”
* * *
“You don’t have to come in,” Lina says as she rushes out of the truck before I even get it in park. I ignore her and hop out anyway.
“Nonsense. I need to officially meet your dad.” I grin as I wrap my arm around her shoulder.
“Chase.” She shoves my arm off her and turns to face me. Then she plants a firm hand on my chest. “Now might not be a good time. I don’t know what he’s doing.”
Rather than let her push me back, I place my hand over where hers is pressed against my chest and tug her flush against me. “I’m sure a quick introduction is fine.”
She shakes her head. “He might not even be dressed. Sometimes he’s slow to move in the morning.”
“Okay.” I drag out the word. “Does that mean he’s likely sitting inside naked or just in his pjs? ’Cause I gotta tell you, baby. Thinking about your dad walking around naked in front of you is kinda weird.”
Her eyes slowly fall shut with a look of exasperation, and I can’t help but chuckle. “This is not funny, Chase. My dad is a sick man.”
I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her forehead. “I know, babe. I just want to meet him. As your boyfriend. If he’s not interested in having a guest, I’ll leave.”
She growls and fists her hands against my chest. Then she grumbles something under her breath that I can’t make out.
“What was that?” I ask as I nuzzle my lips into her neck. I love her neck. It’s soft and sweet and feels damn good against my lips. I also love the way she shutters and sucks in a breath every time I kiss or nibble on her skin just below her ear.
She looks up at me with an expression I can’t quite read. “I said I’ve never introduced Dad to someone I’m dating.”
The smile that covers my face almost hurts. “You mean, I get to be the first at this too?”
She rolls her eyes. “Your smiles annoy me.”
I chuckle and plant a light kiss on her lips. “No, they don’t. You just wish your smile was as awesome as mine.”
She snorts. “Hardly.”
Before I have a chance to defend my smiles further, the screen door on the trailer creeks open. I shift my eyes to the man walking out onto the small landing.
“Lina,” his gruff voice calls out. “Everything okay out here?”
She extracts herself from my arms and then takes my hand before she turns to face the man. “Yeah, Dad. Everything is fine.”
He looks at her for a moment with a hard stare before his gaze softens. Then he looks at me. “You’re one of them Mutter boys, right?”
“Yes, sir.” I squeeze Lina’s hand and lead her to the steps. I offer him my hand. “I’m Chase. And you must be George Lange, Lina’s dad.”
He stares at my hand for several beats with a furrowed brow. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s not happy he found me with my arms around his daughter or because he’s not used to people offering him a handshake. Either way, I keep my hand out and wait.
He finally takes it and smiles. “It’s nice to meet you, son. Forgive my surprise. Can’t say Lina’s ever brought a boy home before.”
“Dad,” Lina groans, bringing another big smile from me.
“Yeah, she told me that. I think she’s nervous.” I tease.
She slaps my arm and frowns. “I am not nervous. Just …”