The Boss' Daughter

Chapter 17

I finally got the nerve to go back out to the dining room. I spotted Mr. Adams and made my way over to the table. I was kind of surprised he was still there. I pulled out my chair and sat down, trying not to make eye contact with him. We sat there for what seemed like an eternity in silence.

"I didn't say yes to dinner to argue."

"Well, I didn't ask you to dinner to argue...or for a lecture for that matter." He was really starting to rest my patience.

"I just wanted you to know all of that." He didn't say anything, so I continued. "I didn't mean for it to seem like I was trying to tell you how to parent. That was never my intention. Molly had confided in me this week about some things and how she was feeling and I thought you might like to know." Mr. Adams didn't speak. We both continued to finish our meal. "I'm sorry. This night hasn't turned out to be anything like I thought it would be. It's my fault, honestly. I shouldn't have said anything...I should've just kept my mouth shut."

"No." I looked up, this time making eye contact with him. "I appreciate what you did. I'm glad you told me all of that about Molly. She and I never talk about things like that or about how we feel, so I'm glad to hear that she is at least talking to someone. You've been so good to her this week and I can't thank you enough. I know I'm not the best father and bringing home women from time to time that I know I will never have an actual relationship with probably isn't the best for Molly. It's always been easier for me to be with someone short term where there aren't any feelings. I wouldn't want to develop feelings for a woman and bring her around Molly, then she get attached and we break up. I couldn't put her through that." I was surprised. I could tell how much he truly cared about Molly.

"Mr. Adams...sorry, John...I would never do anything to hurt Molly...or you." I paused, trying to figure out what to say. "If you don't think this could work or if you're afraid that something might happen, I understand. I won't be hurt or have any hard feelings towards you if you decide to end this between us."

"Summer, I'm not sure what to do." That was a first. Mr. Adams always had the answers to everything. "I know I can be a pain, but I don't want to hurt anyone... at least not someone I care about." Was he trying to say that he cared about me?

"John, I care about you, too." He stretched his hand out on the table, opening it up. I placed my hand in his and he slightly entangled his fingers between mine. "Would you like to take things slow?"

"I think that would be best for now." I softly smiled at him and he smiled back. I was glad that the night had turned around. I hated getting upset. Mr. Adams and I left, making our way back to his home where I could get my car and drive home.

"Thank you again for dinner. I know it didn't start out great.

"I know. I apologize for my behavior at the beginning of dinner."

"I liked the ending, though."

"So did I. Next time I'll try not to be such a pain." I snickered at his comment and saw him do the same.

"Well, I guess I better go home and get some sleep. I only have two days left here."

"It doesn't seem like it has been that long already." He scratched his head, seeming like he wanted to ask me something but was afraid to.

"What is it, John?"

"Would you like to stay the night again?"

"John, I..."

"Taking things slow...I get it. I understand. It's probably not the best idea." I nodded, glad that he knew where I was going without me having to say it.

"Maybe some other time?" He nodded.

"That would be nice." I smiled.

"Well, goodnight." I turned, starting to walk towards my car when I felt hands around my waist. They turned me around and I felt lips touch mine. A hand gently grazed my cheek while the other stayed on my hip for a minute before inching up to the middle of my back. I felt release and opened my eyes.

"John..."

"I know...that wasn't taking it slow like we agreed, but I just couldn't let you leave without doing that." I could tell I was blushing. I leaned in and kissed his cheek. I smiled, turned, and walked to my car and left.