“I take it he’s not happy about gaining a daughter-in-law.” I bit my bottom lip, nervous now that I knew I was going to have to meet his dad.
“That would be a negative.”
The doorbell rang at that moment, causing my nerves to skyrocket. “Thanks for the warning. Maybe I can charm him?”
“Doubtful,” he murmured as he turned to walk away.
Following behind, I plastered on a smile and tried my best not to let my nerves show. Reeves had barely opened the door before his father pushed through. He glared down at me and then turned his harsh glare to Reeves. His face was red with anger. Even his ears were tinged pink.
“So, this is the woman who’s going to ruin our lives.”
Chapter Six
Jenner
I had a hate/hate relationship with my father. He’d been my manager since I was a child, controlling everything I did. He still tried to this day to keep me under his thumb, which is where our animosity stemmed from. While we didn’t get along, I hated lying to him, but he would do anything for the spotlight, and if he knew the details involving how Abbi and I got married, he’d blab to anyone who would listen.
It sucked not being able to trust my dad.
“We’re in love, so there will be no divorce,” I gritted through my teeth. He was making my hangover worse. If he didn’t have such a keen eye, I would have popped a few Advil to try and alleviate the pain, but I knew if he caught me, I’d get a lecture on my drinking. And he’d be right after last night.
“I can’t believe you’d fall for some gold digger with big tits,” he spat. He sneered as he looked Abbi up and down.
I felt violated on her behalf and stepped between them. I didn’t like the way his eyes raked over her every curve. I felt Abbi’s shaky hand ball up the back of my t-shirt, making me puff up my chest. I liked knowing that she looked to me to protect her.
“How can you say that? She’s the furthest thing from a gold digger. You’ve been in the same room with her for all of five seconds and made the worst first impression a father-in-law could.” It made me wonder what Abbi’s parents were like. I really didn’t look forward to meeting them and hearing what they thought of me.
My father looked shocked that I’d spoken back to him before he made his way into the living room and made himself comfortable on one of the couches. I was hoping he’d leave, but it looked like I wasn’t going to get my wish.
With a sigh, I followed after him, wanting to get this over with. Abbi trailed behind with her hand still fisted in my shirt until I guided her onto the couch opposite my father and sat beside her. She shoved her hands underneath her thighs. Was she holding herself back from slapping my father? I didn’t blame her; I would have liked to have seen it. I only hoped that my dad didn’t insult her again.
Placing my hand on her knee, I looked up to find my father glaring at us. His nostrils flared as he watched us. “When are you going to grow up? You’re thirty fucking years old and still acting like a dumb ass all because of your stupid floozy of an ex-wife.”
I didn’t need dear old Dad to remind me about Poppy. The internet did a good enough job reminding me of all the mistakes I’d made since I found out my wife hadn’t been faithful for the entirety of our marriage and had become a drug addict.
“Are you ever going to let me live that down?” I growled out. Leaning back, I stared out at the pool. What I wouldn’t give to do a few laps right now to burn away some of the frustration coursing through my body.
“Not when you keep making mistakes. How could you get married to this . . . this—”
“I’d shut your mouth right now if you know what’s good for you. That’s no way to speak to my wife and your daughter-in-law.”
“You’re getting this annulled first thing tomorrow,” he ordered.
“No can do,” I gritted out.
“Did you knock her up? Is that why you got married? If that’s the case, I’ll pay for the abortion myself.”
Abbi tensed beside me and slowly turned to look at me. The look on her face was one of shock and disbelief. I couldn’t believe those words had come out of my father’s mouth. I started to say something, but Abbi beat me to it.
“For your information, I’m not knocked up, and while I’m sorry you’re not happy with our joyous news, I plan to make your son happy for a very long time.”
Damn, Abbi was a good actor. I actually believed her for a second.
If you counted three hundred and sixty-five days as a long time. It made me wonder if there was a countdown app I could install on my phone for the day when I’d be rid of her.
I stood with my arm extended as an invitation for him to leave. “Now that you’ve met Abbi, it’s time for you to go. We’ve got some celebrating to do if you know what I mean.” I waggled my eyebrows as I started toward the front door.
Without even a goodbye, my father left, slamming the front door behind him. I wanted a beer and to chill out, but I knew that wasn’t an option, so I made my way back into the living room.
“I’m sorry about my father. I tried to warn you, but I don’t think any amount of warning would have prepared you for him.”
“You’re right. There’s not.” She still looked like she was in shock from her encounter with dear old dad.
Holding out my hand, I helped Abbi up. “Would you like a tour of the house?” How did she smell like the most amazing dessert? I swear it was to disarm me.
“That would be nice. As I said before, your house is beautiful.” She bit her bottom lip, making my dick twitch. How could something so innocent be so sexy?
“This is the living room,” I walked a few steps before I turned to her. “And this is the kitchen and dining room.” I let her follow me outside, where I pointed to the outdoor kitchen. “Barbeque. There are plenty of places to sit and relax. I hope you know how to swim.” I winked at her as we moved along the side of the house.
“You have Koi.” Abbi looked down at them in their little pond. “This is really peaceful. If I was you, I’d never want to leave.”
Most days, I didn’t.
Walking around the Koi pond with a waterfall, I stepped onto the patio and inside my bedroom. “This is the master, and around there is the bathroom.” My bathroom sat on the other side of the fireplace and had a long tub where I could sit and relax while listening to the waterfall outside.
“Oh, wow, Reeves, this place is so calming.” Abbi eyed the room in wonder.
I walked out of my bedroom and down the hall to stop in front of the bedroom she’d been in before. “Do you find your room satisfactory?” I felt bad that her bedroom didn’t have an opening to the backyard, but she could always go out through the living room.
“Yes, thank you. It’s wonderful, and I love that it feels like I’m at the beach.” She walked inside and sat on the bed. Her hands trailed over the comforter as she stared up at the TV on the wall that showed a beach scene.
I’d only been in the room once, and that was before it had been decorated. I didn’t care what the guest rooms looked like since I never had anyone stay at my house. Now I was glad I’d had my interior designer and that she’d done a good job in keeping it like the rest of the house.