Paying My Dad's Debt, page 1
PAYING MY DAD’S DEBT
A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE
S.E. LAW
S.C. ADAMS
Copyright © 2022 by S.E. Law and S.C. Adams
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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CONTENTS
About This Book
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Sneak Peek: Big Neighbor Daddy
About S.E. Law
About S.C. Adams
ABOUT THIS BOOK
I thought my dad was paying my tuition, but instead it’s been his gorgeous Army friend footing the bill all along.
* * *
Lorraine:
Caleb Minor is my dad’s old Army buddy. He’s got a chest carved from wood and six pack abs that give new definition to the word “washboard.” Plus, I know he’s daddy material because …
… he’s packing some *serious heat* that I can’t wait to see!
But then I find out that my dad’s taken a loan of sorts. Actually, it’s not even a loan. Caleb’s been footing the bill for my college tuition because he says I’m the kind of woman who deserves to be appreciated. OMG! How did this happen? Of course, the businessman’s filthy rich so it’s not about the money …
… but still, I want to pay him back somehow.
I want to give Caleb something special and sweet, that belongs only to me …
… and if it ends in a baby, then the handsome veteran will be a daddy again!
* * *
This is a follow-up to Patty’s story in Too Hot To Handle. Here, we follow the tale of her sassy friend, Lorraine, who’s brainy, curvy, and a bad girl at heart. She’s got her sights on the hot DILF, but the feisty woman is far too clever for her own good, and ends up in a spot she never envisioned! This tale is filled with action, adventure, and a crazy over-the-top ending you’ll never believe! But of course, there’s a HEA for our couple filled with sparks, light shows, and even a daring rescue or two. Hang onto your hats for a ride into thrilling romance! No cheating, no cliffhangers, and always a HEA for my readers.
1
Lorraine
* * *
I pull into the all too familiar driveway at my parents’ house and park in front of the garage, but make no immediate moves to get out of my car. Instead, I check my reflection in the rearview mirror for the hundredth time. My stomach is curled in tight knots, a sure sign that I’m tense.
I rub at my cheeks, frustrated by my pale complexion and hoping that a quick pinch on either side will bring a little life to my face because I’m nervous about tonight’s family dinner, even though I’ve had weekly dinner with my parents every Sunday since I started college two years ago. I love our little tradition, and I really value seeing my parents each week, come rain or shine.
Except it’s not just family tonight, I remind myself grimly. On my drive over to my parents’ place, my mom called to let me know that Dad showed up after work with a guest for dinner, and I had better not be late. Despite my protestations that I needed to go home and change my clothes if we were going to have company, Mom insisted that I hightail it to the house and not stress about my appearance.
So now, here I am. I swipe at my hair, wishing I’d straightened it, but I basically rolled out of bed this morning in a rush. As a result, the brunette strands hang in large, full waves past my shoulders, but the impending cold weather has made them frizzier than usual.
It’s no use and I sit back against my seat in a huff. So what if I look terrible? So what if my hair is frizzy and untamable? So what if my outfit is all wrong? There are more important things in life than looks, right? I just have to suck it up and go inside.
But still, I glance down at my clothes with dismay. My excuse is that it was laundry day. Actually, it’s been laundry day for the last week and a half, so this morning I threw on some random items lying on the floor since I thought it was just going to be my parents and me hanging out tonight.
But now, I’m regretting it. I grimace as I take in my short skirt, usually reserved for the occasional night out on the town, and the soft, clingy sweater that’s a little too tight in the bust. I fidget with the neckline, desperate to hide my cleavage, but of course it’s no use. The scooped sweater dips low, and I guess I’m just going to have to smile and bear it, even if it’s embarrassing.
With another sigh, I scramble out of my car, shivering against the impending autumn air. There’s no way I can hide in my car forever. Leaves crunch underneath my knee-high boots as I cut across the grass towards the back of the house. The back door leads to a mudroom just off the kitchen, and it’s my normal entryway, but I’m also hoping to avoid immediate interaction with whomever my dad’s dragged home. Meanwhile, my mom smiles at me from the kitchen window and waves excitedly as she moves towards the mudroom door. It swings open in a rush.
“Hi sweetie,” Mom gushes warmly, pulling me in for a hug.
“Hey Mom,” I smile back, returning the embrace.
Margaret steps back, but keeps one hand on my shoulder. She eyes my outfit critically, pursing her lips ever so slightly.
“Hon, you look fine, but what exactly are you wearing?” she asks quizzically, her gaze sweeping from my knee-high boots to the short mini up to the tight top.
“It was laundry day and this is all I had,” I reply in a meek tone, feeling even more embarrassed now that my mom’s called me out on the odd outfit choice. “I’m sorry, I know we have a guest tonight.”
But then my mom clucks and smiles.
“No, no you look fine sweetheart, don’t even worry about it,” Mom insists, pulling me from the mudroom into the kitchen. The house is as I always remember it: warm, full of vibrant colors and a happy touch of love. I peer around the corner into the dining room, where the old table is indeed set for four people instead of our usual three. I notice with some surprise that my mom is using the good china and cloth napkins too – the items we normally reserve for holiday meals.
I do not, however, spot any special guests.
“In the living room,” my mom says in a low voice, as if reading my mind. “That way. Go say hi!”
I nod and drop my bag on the counter, biting my bottom lip as I prepare myself for company behavior.
“So who did Dad bring to dinner?” I ask, trying to smooth down my sweater top.
Margaret merely smiles.
“It’s a long story,” she says while checking on some rolls in the oven before straightening. “Is school going well?”
I shrug. “It’s almost midterms, so I think everyone’s a little panicked, but I feel good about my exams overall. It’s nice that I get to just focus on science courses now.”
My mom beams at me, pride written all over her lovely face.
“I’m glad to hear that sweetie. I knew you’d do well when you transferred to Lakeview College. You’re our smart girl.”
I nod and try to delay.
“Can I help in here?” I ask. “Do you need a hand?”
But my mom just shakes her head. “No, no. Come on, honey, let’s go say hi to the guest. We don’t want to be rude and stay in the kitchen all night,” she answers.
Actually, that’s exactly what I want to do, I think as I follow my mother into the other room. After all, I’m really not in the mood. I’d rather just grab a bite, chat with my parents a bit, and then leave, but that’s clearly not going to happen tonight.
It’s then that I hear a deep, throaty laugh that catches me off guard. The sound is quickly followed by the sound of my dad’s chuckling, less robust but equally mirthful.
“Damn, don’t you miss it, Caleb?” I hear my dad ask his guest.
“I’m still in it, Frank,” retorts a rich male tone. A shiver goes down my spine once more at the man’s voice – it’s deep, strong, and very alpha.
Alpha? I scoff to myself. Get a grip, Lori. You’ve been reading too many romance novels.
But then I completely forget what I’ve just said to myself because standing next to the fireplace is the most imposing man I’ve ever seen in my entire life. “Alpha” is right on the money, and my eyes run over him hungrily even with my parents in the room.
His jet-black hair is cut close, but with enough length on top so that a subtle wave shows through. It looks silky to the touch and my fingers itch to stroke through those dark locks. His eyes are piercing blue and take in everything with keen observation. Plus, the man’s body – oh my god his body – looks like it’s chiseled out of stone. Even though he’s wearing casual pants and a knit sweater, I can see the outline of thick muscle and a broad frame beneath the fabric.
The room that’s always seemed so large feels suddenly, incredibly small with this stranger in it. My knees go weak as I linger by the doorway, and I steady myself by leaning against the ba
However, no one seems to notice except for a subtle gleam in the man’s blue gaze.
“Lori!” my dad exclaims, a large smile spread across his face. Frank looks happy to see me, but is also clearly a couple of beers deep. He pats my hand affectionately. “How are you, sweetie? I didn’t know you’d arrived.”
“Hey Dad,” I murmur, planting a quick kiss on the top of his balding head.
“Caleb, this is my daughter, Lorraine, or Lori, as Margaret and I have always called her.” Dad flashes a proud smile up at me, and I smile weakly back at him. “Last time you saw her she was probably knee-high to a grasshopper.”
“Lori,” the man growls from across the room. A shiver runs down my spine and I wish that he’d say it again. Um hello? I’m mortified by my own insipidness and stand up a little straighter. I really have been getting too much into those romance novels.
“Um hi,” I manage in a cheery voice and do a little wave like I’m Miss America. “I’m Lori,” I parrot. OMG, I’m coming off like a complete idiot. Meanwhile, my dad burbles on, oblivious to my discomfort.
“Lori, this is Caleb Minor. He’s an old Army buddy of mine. You may have met before, but it would have been when you were still a tiny kiddo.”
Oh. I find myself fascinated that we’ve met before, and at the same time wonder what brought him back into my dad’s circle once more.
“Hi Mr. Minor,” I manage in a normal voice while extending my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Please, call me Caleb,” the older man growls before taking my hand his own. His grip swallows mine because his palm is so large, and another hot shiver runs up my spine. Our handshake only goes on a millisecond too long, but it’s enough to make me wonder what it would be like to have his touch on my body. I’m sure he’d fling me around like a rag doll before using me for his pleasure, and I’d love it so much.
But then my dad’s voice jerks me from my daydreams.
“Caleb was over at the shop today,” Frank continues, oblivious to the sparks flying around the room. “We get together – what Caleb? Every other month or so?”
“That sounds about right,” Caleb agrees.
I never really ask my dad too much about his Army days, mostly because he likes to keep that part of his life separate from his family life. I’ve met a couple of his buddies here and there, but never this man. Meanwhile, my dad continues brightly.
“Caleb moved back to Great Falls a few years back, and it’s been amazing hanging with you again, old friend,” my dad burbles. “I’m sure you guys would have crossed paths sooner except Lori is always busy with her science experiments, and you’re always traveling for work, so I’m glad this finally happened.”
Yeah, but none of Dad’s other Army buddies are this hot, I think to myself. Aloud, I smile and ask a presumably innocent question. “Where were you before coming back to Great Falls?”
Caleb’s eyes go slightly dark. “Here and there,” is all he offers in an off-hand manner. “I got around.”
Mysterious, I hum delightedly.
“Anyways, I thought it’d be nice to have Caleb over for a home- cooked meal,” my dad chortles. “Just for old times’ sake. And to finally have him meet my daughter since I brag about you all the time, sweetheart.”
I smile weakly. Oh no. My dad’s been boasting about me? I hate when he does that because sometimes my dad makes it sound like I deserve a Nobel prize, although of course I’m just a junior scientist. But our guest nods, blue eyes flashing.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Lorraine,” the big man growls. “I look forward to hearing more about your scientific discoveries.”
I smile as my pelvis floods with heat.
“Um, thanks, Mr. Minor,” I say in a quivering voice. “I’m glad you were able to come to dinner,” I manage in a calm tone before mentally patting myself on the back for sounding so collected. But the feeling immediately goes out the window when Caleb turns to me, those blue eyes seeing through my veneer of sanity.
“Call me Caleb,” he reiterates again, flashing a short but brilliant smile.
“Um, right,” I repeat. I swallow hard. “So, Caleb, you were at my dad’s shop today?” I ask, hoping that some mundane small talk will humanize this godlike man. Seriously, he looks like a movie star, he’s so gorgeous. It’s hard to fathom that he’s standing in our living room like nothing’s wrong.
“Yes,” he answers in a smooth tone. “I’m having some fixtures replaced in my house, and Frank is the best electrician in town. It’s useful to have a buddy in the business because serious professionals are always so hard to find.”
I smile warmly at his appreciation for my dad’s skill, finally feeling somewhat more at ease. “And are you in the reserves? I know Dad was in them for a long time, but recently got out.”
My dad nods.
“Even the reserves were many moons ago,” my father sighs. “But you didn’t go that route, right Caleb? Instead, this guy got out and did something genius. He began consulting and got his first contract with the Department of Defense straightway. He’s been running the show ever since.”
Caleb nods, a glimmer of a smile on his handsome face. “I’ve been fortunate,” is all he offers by way of elaboration. Hmm, that’s interesting. Is he doing top secret work? I wouldn’t be surprised because many consulting firms hold government contracts for things you wouldn’t believe. Then again, he could be providing payroll services to Uncle Sam, and I wouldn’t know.
Fortunately, my mom bustles into the room at just that moment. “Dinner is ready, if everyone’s ready to come to the dining room,” Margaret burbles.
With that, we wander into the adjacent dining room, and I slide into my usual seat at the table, keeping one eye on Caleb as he strolls into the room. His blue eyes take in everything from the food on the table, to the painting on the far wall, to the trim on the white tablecloth. That perceptive gaze rests on me for a moment, and when our eyes lock, he doesn’t look away immediately. My cheeks flush as I go hot inside. Stop it, Lori! my internal voice scolds. Seriously, this is your dad’s friend.
Then, Caleb takes the seat directly across from me, his huge form massive in the small room, and I can’t help but sneak furtive glances at him. If he notices, he doesn’t say anything, but instead waits politely for my mom to serve the meal. After that’s done, we dig into the scrumptious food, and I’m thankful to have something to occupy my hands and mind as we eat.
“You know,” my dad says between bites, “Lori really is a smart kid. She’s at the top of her class at Lakeview College, and that’s coming in as a transfer student. She knows more than those kids who’ve been there two years already.” Dad nods happily, practically bursting with pride. “Plus, the science program at Lakeview is topnotch, and that’s where my daughter belongs. I’m proud of you, honey.”
I blush, shooting a look at Caleb.
“Dad,” I say, looking down. “I just like science, so I work hard.”
“And you’re damn good at it too,” Frank chortles while taking a big bite of meatloaf. “I tell you, Caleb, I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t offered to pay Lori’s tuition because Lakeview is small, but they’re private. I couldn’t believe it when I got that tuition bill in the mail. Fifty-seven thousand dollars for one year? The top of my head practically blew off! It’s highway robbery.”
Suddenly, Frank’s mouth snaps shut and he looks at me. But it’s too late because the cat’s out of the bag.
“What do you mean?” I ask slowly, looking at dad before shooting a puzzled glance at Caleb. “Wait a minute. Mr. Minor, you’re the one paying my college tuition?”
