Foul Play 🩷

Fourteen

"That's for indulging me, dad," Millicent said with a warm smile, her voice filled with gratitude. Darren smiled back at her, his heart swelling with affection. It was a term of endearment she had grown more comfortable using, something that had evolved naturally over time. He leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her deftly handle the turkey she had just pulled from the oven. The delicious aroma of roasted turkey filled the air, making his mouth water.

She had insisted on cooking despite being in London, far away from her usual Thanksgiving setting. The tradition held a special place in her heart, and he respected that. He knew how important it was for her to recreate a slice of home, even in a foreign land.

Gently placing the turkey on the counter, Millicent's father let out a soft chuckle. "Well, I'm never one to turn down indulgence, especially when it results in a feast like this."

Her face lit up with a mixture of satisfaction and excitement. "I can assure you, it's going to be well worth the wait."

Nodding toward the table where three places were meticulously set for dinner, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "So, a young man is joining us, I presume?"

Millicent's voice wavered with a touch of uncertainty. As she settled the turkey onto the table with the various sides, she asked, "Is that alright?"

A warm smile spread across her father's face, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "Absolutely. After all these years, you've finally brought someone home."

With a blend of gratitude and shyness, Millicent took a seat at the table. It was a significant step for her, and she couldn't help the hint of a blush that graced her cheeks.

Leaning back in his chair, her father's smile remained steady. Before he could ask if it was Henry joining them, there was a knock on the door. He watched his daughter flit away to let the guy in. He tensed slightly when he came face to face with Ben, expecting Henry. "Mr. Walker..." He held his hand out to Ben with a smile.

"Thank you for inviting me into your home, Mr. Parker." Ben handed over a bottle of wine to Darren which Millicent grabbed and took to the kitchen to open for everyone.

"Darren is fine." He led them to the table, insisting they both sit first before he sat at the head of the table. He glanced between them as they both began to fill their plates. "I have to say, I'm a bit surprised to see you here, Ben. Milly has never mentioned you."

"I have never mentioned any guy, dad." She countered, shooting him a glare as he sighed.

"Maybe not, but you're always with Henry... I thought..." Darren's words trailed off, his gaze shifting from Ben to Millicent and back again. There was a mix of concern and curiosity in his eyes. He watched Ben tense at the mention of Henry's name and he wondered about their connection as Ben frowned.

"Dad!" Millicent whined slightly as Ben chuckled across from her.

"It's fine, Milly. I know you and Henry are friends. And we're on the rugby team together. It's okay."

Darren nodded, though there was a faint sense of skepticism lingering. There was something about Ben that he couldn't quite put his finger on, but he brushed it off, thinking he might be simply being an overprotective father.

"So what are your plans after graduation, Ben?"

"Actually, I'm planning on moving to New York. I've been there a few times, and I love it. I'm going to try and find a job in finance."

Millicent smiled at Ben, her curiosity piqued by his revelation. Her father continued his questioning, showing genuine interest. "And what about Christmas? Any plans?"

"I usually go skiing up in Scotland with some friends."

Darren nodded, though he could feel Millicent's silent plea for him to stop with the questions. He decided to ease off and simply enjoy the rest of the dinner. After all, it seemed that Ben had made quite an impression on his daughter.

Conversation flowed more smoothly as dinner continued. Darren and Ben discussed a range of topics, from sports to travel, while Millicent occasionally chimed in, her demeanor a mix of happiness and cautiousness. Ben appeared charming, courteous, and confident – the type of person many parents would find suitable for their child. But Darren's instincts still nagged at him, a subtle unease he couldn't shake.

As dinner, concluded, Darren offered to clean the dishes so that Millicent could be alone with Ben in the living room. She settled onto the couch beside him as he turned to her with a smile, resting his hand on her thigh. "So, I was thinking you could come over at the end of term. We could have dinner. Before I leave for my trip?"

She nodded, a new nervous energy filling her at the prospect. "I'd really like that."

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. "And you can sleep over? Just tell your dad you're staying with a friend."

"Okay," she responded quickly before he pulled her mouth hard against his, wrapping his arms around her. She groaned when he pushed her hips down against his cock in his jeans before she pulled away. "I should help him with the dishes. Thanks for coming today to have dinner with me and my dad."

"Yeah, of course." Ben smiles, watching her walk away before pulling out his phone to text his friend, Kyle: We're good to go

Millicent stood by her father, grabbing a towel to dry dishes as he watched her. He turned to her with a sigh. "He seems like a nice young man."

"He is, dad," Millicent replied, her expression soft. "I really like him."

Darren placed a hand on her shoulder. "Just remember, Milly, to always trust your instincts."

She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "I will, dad. I promise."