Page 85 of Property of Yak

“Exactly.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

Julie

I watch my dad yawn for the millionth time.

“You know you can go home, right? You don’t have to stick around here.”

“I like spending quality time with my daughter. Is that a crime?” Dad quips, giving me a tired smile.

“It’s never a crime, Dad. You know I like spending time with you too, but we both know it’s past your bedtime, and you have an early day tomorrow,” I point out.

He sighs. “You know today was serious, right?”

“You didn’t even find anyone. It was probably tripped by accident.”

At least that is what I’m telling myself. The truth is, there wasn’t a camera that caught whoever set the alarm off. All they know is that someone tried to breach a locked door at the back of the building. Or at least that’s the theory. We don’t even know if it was related to me or Henry.

Dad rolls his eyes. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were trying to push me out. Are you going to sneak someone over?”

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Last I checked, Dad, it’s my place, so I don’t have to sneak anyone over anymore.”

Dad groans. “Don’t remind me that you’re a fully grown adult. I can’t take it.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head.

As nice as it is to have some one-on-one time with him, I’m ready for him to head home. I’m antsy to see Yak, and I have a feeling he’s feeling just as needy as I am right about now. I wanted to tell him to come to me earlier. I wanted it to be his arms I found safety in, but logic won. I’m not ready for my dad to know about him.

Not yet.

Not because I’m ashamed, but because I know my dad will react badly. When you’re a daddy’s girl, you never want to disappoint them, and I know this might just push him over that edge.

Dad yawns again. “Okay, maybe you’re right, and I should head home.”

“Can you repeat that?” I tease, making him chuckle.

He slaps his thighs and stands. He holds out a hand and pulls me up as well, pulling me into a hug.

“I love you. I’m glad nothing happened to you today,” he murmurs against my hair.

“Me too. Thank you for coming so quickly,” I say against his chest.

He squeezes me tightly. “Always, sweetheart.”

We step away from each other and move toward the door.

“Lock the door behind me,” he demands.

“Yes, Dad. I always do.”

I watch as he walks down to his car and gets in. I wave as he drives away and then shut the door. After flipping the lock, I head over to the coffee table and pick up my phone.

Me

My dad left. You can come over if you want.