"Susan, stop," he choked out. "You’re like a daughter to me. I watched you grow up. I carried you in my arms."
I stood up, my short dress falling back into place. I didn't care about his excuses. I walked toward him, my bare feet silent on the floor. I reached out and pressed my palms flat against his bare, sweat-slicked chest. His heart was hammering against his ribs—fast and hard, just like mine.
"But I’m not your daughter," I whispered. I looked up into his eyes, daring him to lie. "I’m not a baby anymore, Marcus. I'm not that tiny 'pumpkin' you knew. I'm a woman. And… I'm sure you can see it.” My gaze dropped to his lips. “My father is at the clubhouse. He won’t be back for two hours. We have time, Marcus."
"Susan," he said, his voice dropping to a warning growl. "No."
I moved my h
