Chapter 10
EVAN
It feels like a heavy weight is crushing my chest. Have I really ruined everything already? I can't stop thinking of Zinnia for even one second. Can't stop seeing her beautiful face, so tense as she told me off.
I love that she has a spine. Love that she's strong enough to stand up to me. I just wish she could understand how important it is for me to know that she's safe and comfortable every second of the day.
Thinking it through again, I realize she's right. It's too much. I'm obsessed. Far too overprotective. But she's my precious, beautiful girl. How can I not be?
I slump in the seat of my truck after parking in front of my next job, and realize that's the problem: she's not actually mine yet. It's been less than a week. It's probably premature for me to be having thoughts like this, and feelings like this.
She has to forgive me, though. After everything we've already shared, and the way we've connected. Right?
Getting out of the truck, I wave to Douglas Morgan as she comes out of a store. "Hey, I haven't seen you in ages," I say with a warm smile. I've always liked her strong, steadfast nature. And her odd name.
Doug doesn't return my smile. "Evan, I'm so sorry."
"About what?"
She sighs heavily, shaking her head. "I was talking to my brother Albert. He was asking about the renovations on the apartment, and how the girls were. Then he asked me about the guy who replaced all the windows, and how much experience he had. And how old you were."
"Dammit," I mutter.
"I said probably early to mid thirties, I wasn't sure. Out of nowhere he started cursing a blue streak, going on about how you're too old for Zinnia. Then he hung up on me." She looks genuinely upset. "Evan, I'm so sorry. I had absolutely no idea that you two were dating."
"Of course you didn't. Why would you?"
"He's been checking up on the girls now and then, but I've been trying to keep it light, and not mention any details. They're grown women and they deserve their privacy."
"Of course they do."
My heart sinks as I realize that I'm just as bad, not respecting Zinnia's privacy during her meetings.
"Then Albert called me again just a few minutes ago, insisting that I threaten to kick the girls out of the apartment unless I can reassure him that Zinnia is not dating anyone." She bites her lip. "Plus, apparently I'm supposed to put Zinnia on a plane to London to go live with him."
Every muscle in my body locks up. "Not happening."
Doug holds up her hands. "You know I'd never do that. But I know what Albert's like. Once he gets something in his head and he's positive he's right about it, he will fight tooth and nail until he gets his way. He's a total control freak."
Staring down at the concrete, I try to think. "What does he respect? Is there anything that would make him listen to reason?"
Doug snorts in a delightfully unladylike way. "Order. Discipline. Control. He values those above everything else."
"Thanks. I'll think of something."
Doug claps me on the shoulder. "Again, I'm so sorry. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
"Will do. Thanks."
I finish a couple of quick repair jobs, then drive home in a daze. No wonder it upsets Zinnia so much when I'm over protective, if her father is so overbearing.
Well, I can work on that. If the alternative is losing her entirely, then I'm going to straighten myself out.
I know for a fact that Zinnia is not leaving Sandersville unless she truly wants to. He can threaten all he likes, but from a distance, her father has no power. He's certainly not going to convince Doug, Lily, and Rose to handcuff Zinnia and throw her onto a plane.
But if he was upset enough, there's every chance he might take a trip here before the girls get truly settled.
Before Zinnia and I are truly settled.