20. Dominic
CHAPTER 20
Dominic
THIS OUGHTA BE GOOD
17 YEARS OLD
“ E lyse is picking up the twins from practice,” Jack says, shutting the door in my face.
Right before it fully shuts, I stop it. “I know. I—I came to talk to you,” I stammer.
Fuck, I’m nervous. My palms are slick, my heart feels like it’s going to give out, it’s beating so fast, and my knees would be shaking if I didn’t have them locked. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my life.
Jack swings the door open wide and stares at me, letting out a grunt as he gives me a once-over.
This is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be.
“Can we talk, Ja— I mean sir—err…Mr. Ledger?”
God, I don’t even know what I’m allowed to call him now.
He jerks his head with an eye roll. “Come on in.”
As I follow behind him, I’m pretty sure he mutters, “This oughta be good.”
He leads me to his office, which already feels like a bad sign. Not the welcoming living room, not the open kitchen. His office. A room tucked away in the back, down a dark hallway. There’s a good chance I’m not walking out of here alive.
He takes his seat behind the desk, and I take the one opposite of him, hoping the barrier of the desk buys me enough time to make a run for it if needed.
With a misleading smirk, he leans back in his chair, crossing his legs, and giving me his full attention. “You wanted to talk. So, talk.”
Shit. Now I’m not sure what to say.
I open and close my mouth a few times, a nervous croak tumbling out of me.
He must take pity on me, because some of the stiffness in his jaw loosens and he lets out a breath. “Jesus Christ,” he mumbles. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he lets out a strained sigh. “Listen, I probably came down a little too hard on you and Elyse, but you’ve got to see things from my perspective.” Uncrossing his legs, he scoots closer, resting his elbows on the desk. “It’s not that I don’t like you. It’s just that she’s my little girl and well, if I’m being honest, you’ve scared the shit out of me since you were seven years old.”
My head rears back, caught off guard. “What?”
He huffs a laugh. “The day Elle showed up with you trotting right behind her like a puppy, I knew.”
“Knew what?” I ask, hesitantly.
“That she liked you. An innocent little crush, but you were the first boy she ever liked. The only boy she’s ever liked. No dad is ready to see stars in his baby’s eyes. And those stars just kept getting bigger and bigger, and here we are.”
I work a swallow down, unsure of what to say. So I say the only thing I think can even salvage this mess. “I love your daughter, sir. I would never do anything to hurt her. We might do some stupid shi-- stuff, and I know we’re young, but I fully intend to marry her one day.” I pause, gauging him. “With your permission, of course.” When he doesn’t react or say anything, I keep going. “I would never do anything to get her in real trouble. I promise. I really did try to stop her from getting the tattoo, but you know how she gets and?—”
He cuts me off by raising his hand. “I know. She’s headstrong, takes after me I’m afraid,” he says with a light laugh. “Did she have to get your name, though? Why not a butterfly?”
“She doesn’t like butterflies.”
Releasing an exhale, he groans. “I’m guessing you’re here because you two want to enjoy prom and graduation and all the festivities. Am I right?”
I nod, words lodged in my throat.
“I’ll make you a deal.”
I lean forward, certain my eyes are practically bugging out of my head. “Yes, anything!”
He smiles, a genuine smile this time. “But first, you have to make me a promise.”
“Whatever you want.”
“You want to marry Elyse, correct?”
“Yes, sir,” I reply in an instant, trying my best to not shake like a leaf in my seat.
He exhales, shaking his breath. “Can you just wait, please? Wait to propose. Can you two at least finish college before we start talking about marriage?”
“We’ll wait!” I nearly scream before regaining my composer. “I promise. No wedding anytime soon. You have my word.”
He smiles, satisfied with my answer. “Now, son, about that deal…”