“She has every right to be mad at me right now. I wasn’t very nice to her when we met, and I know that I owe her an explanation. I promise—”

My dad put his hand up to stop Drake mid-sentence. “Make your explanations and promises to her first. If she accepts what you’ve got to say and wants to date you, just understand that you’ll answer to me if you hurt her in any way. And that’s a big if, boy. She deserves someone good in her life, and you’ll be damn lucky if she gives you the chance to be that person.”

On that note, I stepped out of the shadows and started down the stairs. I was happy that Drake had thought to include my dad in the invitation for the party, and I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t want to go. I was surprised to hear my dad open up about me though. He must have been more concerned about my lack of a dating life than I’d realized. The experience with Brad hadn’t just affected me. It had hurt my dad, too.

Drake and my father heard me as I moved down the stairs and turned their heads toward me. My dad’s face was filled with pride as he looked at me with such love. I had no doubt that he would always have my back, supporting me through anything that might come my way. I reached for him as soon as I got near and hugged him tight. “Love you, Daddy,” I whispered into his ear.

I glanced towards Drake as my dad kissed my cheek, his arms tightening around me. He was staring at me, a look of hunger flashing across his face. As my dad let me go, Drake’s expression cleared and he smiled at both of us.

“Alexa.” He reached his hand out to me. “Ready? You look great.”

“It’s the outfit that’s great. Thanks for thinking of me.”

“No, it’s definitely you. Trust me on that at least.” He tugged me closer to him. “We’ve got some time before the party kicks off, and I’d like to show you around a bit. You up for a walk?”

“As long as talking is included with the walking, I’m fine with that. Bye, Dad.” I let Drake lead me out the door.

“Night, Alexa. I’ll be here if you need anything. Don’t forget, this might not be my roof, but I still expect you back at a decent hour. We have the flight back tomorrow, and you need your wits about you if you’re going to take the controls again.”

“Geesh, Dad. I know—” I started to respond. Drake’s hand tightened around mine, and he shook his head.

“No, Alexa. Your dad is only looking out for you. I understand where he’s coming from. I need to earn his trust as much as I do yours.” He looked my dad straight in the eyes with a determined look. “I swear she’ll come to no harm with me. Not now, not ever. I’ll have her back to you with plenty of time for a good night’s sleep tonight.”

“Glad to know you hear what I’m saying, Drake.” My dad stretched his hand out and offered it to Drake. As they shook hands, I could feel Drake relax beside me, as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Drake grabbed my hand again after their handshake ended. “C’mon, Alexa. We’d better head out so we have enough time to talk before my mom sends out a search party.”

We wandered past the stables and towards a gazebo surrounded by flowers. Drake explained that his mom loved gardening as much as his sister loved horses. By all appearances, what his dad must love is to indulge both his wife and daughter. Drake settled me onto a bench in the gazebo. With the garden around us and strings of lights twinkling above, the setting was terribly romantic. He sat down next to me and turned so he could look me in the eyes.

“I know I’ve been a bit of a jerk to you, Alexa. I’ve already apologized, but I haven’t had a chance to explain.” He leaned in towards me and wrapped his hands around mine.

“A bit? I think I have whiplash from your mood shifts. You seemed interested in the store this morning until I told you we’d met at the party. Then you flirted hard before you recognized me on the plane after that. What could I have possibly done to deserve that treatment?”

He lifted my hands to his lips and kissed them. I could feel his breath on them as he sighed. “Nothing. You didn’t do anything, and I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on you. I’ve noticed you around campus the last couple weeks. Couldn’t get you out of my head. There was just something about you that pulled me in. You stood out among all the other girls at school. It wasn’t just that you’re hot because there are plenty of hot girls at school. I hadn’t even talked to you, and I was already comparing chicks to you when they flirted with me. Couldn’t work up any interest for anyone else, so I decided to talk to you the next time I saw you. Ended up that it was at the party last night instead of on campus at lunch or in the quad. And then I saw Jackson with you, and I was pissed that he got to you first.”