Chapter 15 Kayla
KAYLA
It’s later that evening when I’m eating gooey, cheesy pasta straight out of the pan. Mom would never have let me eat this way at home and it’s still a novelty.
Seth’s at home tonight. He said he had some work to do, so I’m enjoying a night in my sweatpants in front of the TV.
I’m still wary of that thing, but there’ve been no more strange voices since Seth installed the updates, or whatever the heck he did.
Even though we’ve spent every night together for the last week, even though my pussy is sore and needing a break, and even though I know time apart is healthy, I miss him like hell. I miss his sturdy presence in my apartment, his shy smile, and his strong arms.
There’s a knock at the door, and I swing my legs off the couch as my heart leaps. I’m sure it’s Seth who’s changed his mind and come back for me. But it’s not Seth. It’s my dad who’s on the doorstep.
“Hi, Daddy.”
I give him a quick hug, hoping he doesn’t sense my disappointment. He pats my back in a tentative way, and I know straight away something’s wrong.
“What is it?” I clutch my throat, thinking of my sister. “Is it Jo?”
He shakes his head.
“Can I come in, sweet pea?”
It’s the pet name he’s called me by ever since I was a little girl bouncing on his knee.
“Of course.”
Dad follows me into the living room, and I sit on the couch while he remains standing. He sighs deeply and runs a hand through his hair. Seeing my dad worried like this puts me on edge.
“What is it?”
His gaze finally finds mine, and it’s a look tinged with worry and sympathy. He perches on the couch next to me and takes my hand.
“I don’t know how to tell you this, sweet pea, but that man you’re seeing isn’t who you think he is.”
It takes a moment for his words to process. Then what he’s saying hits my brain.
My chest constricts and my stomach drops.
There are so many things in that statement. Like, how does Dad know I’m seeing someone? I haven’t told my family about Seth yet. And how could Seth be anything but the sweet, caring, smart man that I know?
“How do you know I’m seeing someone?”
I pull my hand away from Dad’s because I don’t like the guilty look on his face.
“I was worried about you, Kayla.”
He says it like that explains everything, but it explains nothing.
“So you did…what?”
The possibilities are too much to imagine. “Did you spy on me?”
Dad looks away. “Not spy, no. But I wanted to make sure you were safe.”
“Tell me, Dad. What did you do?”
“I employed Seth to keep an eye on you.”
It takes a moment for my brain to catch up. “Seth works for you?”
It’s preposterous. He’s an IT guy, not a spy.
“I don’t believe you. You’ve never liked the idea of me moving away from home, and now you’re trying to sabotage what I’m doing.”
Dad puts his head in his hands. “I wish it wasn’t true, sweet pea. I really do.”
“It’s not true. Seth’s a good guy, Daddy. He’s smart and funny, and he’s got a good heart. I know he does.”
And I love him, I want to add. Because it’s the truth.
“If you don’t believe me, then come with me. I want to show you something.”
Dad looks pained and tired. So tired. It’s been hard for him to process what happened to Jo. No wonder he’s coming here and making wild accusations.
I suddenly feel sorry for Dad. He’s feeling guilty about what happened to my sister like it was somehow his fault that he couldn’t protect her. And now he’s being overprotective with me, inventing stories to make me come home. Well, I’ll humor him.
“Fine.” I stand up. “Show me whatever it is you think you know about Seth because I can guarantee he’s not what you think he is.”