"Have a seat, pumpkin. We need to talk."

I sit down on the couch and fold my hands in my lap. Here it comes, he knows and he is angry.

"What's up, daddy?"

"So Officer Jenkins said he saw you this morning, having breakfast with someone."

"He did?"

"Yes he did, and apparently it is someone I asked you to stay away from."

"Who did he say it was?"

"Eric, I asked you to stay away. He's no good for you."

"What makes you think you know what's good for me or not?"

"Because I am your father, that's why."

"Dad, you don't even know him."
"I know enough."

"He is really a nice guy though, daddy. You just need to get to know him."

"I don't need to and I forbid you to see him."

"You can't do that! I am an adult and I can do what I want."

"As long as you're under my roof, you will do as I say."

"You are just horrible." I cry as I grab my bag and run out the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Out, I need some air!" I quickly get in my jeep and pull out of the driveway. As I leave I see him come out on the porch and I could see the sadness as he watched me leave. I didn't know where I was going but I had to get out of there. I couldn't believe he did that. He doesn't even know Eric and he is judging him like that. He always told me never to judge a book by it's cover and he was doing it himself. I had been driving aimlessly for a while and realized I had driven to Eric's house. I pull in and I see him coming out.

"Hey, sweetheart. What are you doing here? Don't get me wrong, I love that you're here, but I wasn't expecting it.

I look up with a tear stained face and puffy eyes.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" He said as he quickly came to me and wrapped his arms around me.

"My dad and I had a fight."

"What about?"

"You"

"Oh!"

"Officer Jenkins told him that he saw us together this morning, and he told me to stay away from you. That you were bad news."

"That's what the whole town thinks. I can't get away from it."

"I don't think so."

"At least one person doesn't.
""I'm sure there are others. Does it matter what other people think?"

"Sometimes it does."

We walk back into his house and we sit down on the couch. I snuggle into him as I sob. He doesn't say anything, just runs his fingers through my hair. Eventually I calm down and I have cried so much that I am exhausted and I fall asleep on his chest. He carries me up to his bedroom and places me in his bed. He climbs in behind me and wraps himself around me and falls asleep himself. I eventually wake up and realize I am in his bed. He is nowhere in his room. I get up and head downstairs. I find Eric in the kitchen and he is cooking dinner.

"Hey sweetheart, are you feeling?"

"Better, still sad. I just can't believe he would do that."

"He is your father and worries about you. He has been blowing up your phone though. Maybe you should call him?"

"Not right now. I am still angry. So what are you cooking?"

"Just something simple. Some spaghetti and meatballs."

"It smells yummy."

"Thanks, it's my aunt's recipe."

Just then my stomach grumbles and he chuckles.

"Sounds like someone is hungry."

"I guess I'm hungrier than I thought."

"Well, it's just about ready."

I sit and watch as he prepares our plates and sits them in front of us. He makes a small salad and also garlic bread. Once everything is placed, he sits down next to me at the kitchen island. He leans over and kisses me on the cheek. We dig in and it's amazing as usual.

"MMM, this is so good."

"Thank you. It's simple and quick. You know you should go back and talk to your dad. I know he is worried about you."

"I know I should. It's just that I am so mad at him right now.I just need to think about things right now."
"I know, you just need to calm down and get your head straight. I don't want you to lose your dad over this. I'm not worth it."

I turn and place a hand on either of his cheeks, making him look at me.

"You are worth everything to me. Don't ever doubt yourself again. I love my dad and he needs to see me as an adult and can make my own decisions."

"He's just looking out for you."

"Why don't you think you're good enough for me?"

"I have done a lot of bad in my life, made a lot of bad choices. I don't deserve happiness."

"Everyone deserves happiness, even you."

We sit there just looking into each other's eyes. He leans over to me and captures my lips. It starts off soft and sweet and soon it becomes deep and passionate as he swipes his tongue over my lip and I open them as he slides his tongue in over mine, as they dance together. He pulls me into him as his hands roam my body and a fire ignites within me. Goosebumps arise as his fingers move across my skin.

"Make love to me, Eric."

"Oh sweetheart, I can't."

"You don't want me?" I ask as tears threaten to fall from my eyes.

"Yes, I want you so much." He answers as his hands cups my cheek.

"Then why not?"

"Right now you are angry at your dad. You are vulnerable. I don't want to take advantage of your situation."

"Please."

"When you are truly ready and in the right mind. I will make love to you, and treat you like the goddess you are."

I look into his eyes as tears fall from my eyes. He pulls me into his chest and kisses the top of my head, holding me close until the tears once again quit falling.

"You are worth everything and more."

"You need to go home and talk with your dad. I wouldn't feel right if I were the reason that you never talked to your dad again."

"You're right, I have let him stew long enough. Thank you Eric for being there for me and getting my head straight. What would I do without you?"

"Have a normal life." He chuckled.

"And be bored."

We both laugh together as we clean up the dishes and head into the living room for a bit. It was starting to get late and I finally decided it is time to go back home and face my dad.

"I guess I should go home and talk to him."

"It would be the best for both of you. I know you love your dad and I don't want you to lose him over me. He loves you too."

"I know and I thank you again. You both mean so much to me. I should go home now."

"Let me walk you to your car."

We head out to my car and he pulls me into a hug and softly kisses my lips.

"Call me later?"

"I will."

I climbed into my car and he watched me as I left. I head back home and eventually walk into the house.It is dark except for the living room. I see him sitting in his favorite chair. He stands up and walks over to me. He wraps me in a hug, and I immediately start crying.

"I thought you had left me.I didn't think I would ever see you again. I tried calling you and you never answered. I just want what is best for you and I don't think he is."

"You can't choose who you love daddy. I have to make that decision myself."

"You love him?"

"I don't know if I do. It's all still very new and I'm trying to figure it out. I know I care for him very much."

"You haven't slept with him have you?"

"Dad! No I haven't. He respects me."

"Good girl. I just don't trust him. I can't lose you over this. I don't like it, but I have to respect your decisions. I will always be here for you. I will be here when you fall."
"Thank you daddy. Now I am going to bed. I am exhausted."

"Good night, pumpkin."

I head up to my room and as I close the door, I call Eric.

"Hello, sweetheart. How did it go?"

"Better than expected, actually."
"So he has accepted us?"

"Yes, I believe he has. I don't think he likes it, but he is ok I guess."

"That's great. I don't want to hide us ever again."

"Me either."

"You sound tired. Go to sleep. I will see you in the morning."

"I am. See you tomorrow. Good night." We hang up and I quickly fall asleep.

...................................................

Phone call- "She is home. I want you to follow him." Mr Stevens commands.

"I can do that." Officer Jenkins returns.

"Make his life uncomfortable, until he leaves her alone."

"Will do, sir. I can harass him."

"Good, I don't want him anywhere near my baby girl."

"You got it sir. Good night."

"Goodnight."

End of phone conversation.