Colliding With My Mate(Book #2)

Chapter 8

We finally were back in California. As Reid would say, about fucking time. I  slowly came to realize that I hated all forms of travel, planes, cars, probably ships as well. I didn't like to sit still for periods of time.

First place Reid and I were dropped off was at my dad's house. I promised my dad I would visit as soon as I came back. Reid was noble for accompanying me, even though I basically had to beg him to. Their relationship was still very uncertain. It certainly improved after he rescued me, and one would even call it 'amicable'.  Still, they wouldn't be planning fishing trips together any time soon.

I used my key to get into the house."Cara?!" My dad came into the hallway from the kitchen. Shock and relief crossed his face at the same time. He picked me up and spun me around. "I can't believe you're back. How are you feeling honey?"

"Better dad. Much better!" I gasped. The wind was knocked out of me.

"You look better too. Florida has done well for you." He looked from me to my mate. His face dimmed only slightly. "Reid nice to see you've been taking good care of my daughter."

"Yes of course sir." They shook hands. "Plans for today?"

He scratched his head and looked at the clock on the wall. Had there always been a clock there, and if so why was I just realizing it now? "Believe it or not, I just got off the phone with a friend, we were supposed to go out for coffee but the plans had to be postponed until tomorrow.You guys are welcomed to stay."

"Thanks dad but we'll probably stay for an hour or two the most. We really have to go home and unpack."

We went into the kitchen and sat around the table. My dad asked if we wanted coffee and I declined. He made a cup for Reid and then returned to the table. I don't know if he did it on purpose or by accident but he put sugar and milk in Reid's coffee. Reid liked his coffee completely devoid of all "fluff". "Fluff" is what he referred to as sugar, milk, or anything else that altered the original flavor of coffee.

My dad asked Reid how he was and Reid answered politely. He took a sip of his coffee and set it down to rest. He didn't make a face but I knew it wasn't his preferred method.

I took his cup and moved it to my side of the table. Everyone watched in bemusement as I stood up to pour him another cup.

"He hates sugar and milk in his coffee dad." I explained. I set the newly made coffee in front of Reid. He just stared at me with this half amused mid laugh expression.

"Thanks Cara?" He laughed.

My dad just stared. He shook his head and started a new conversation."So how was Florida?"

"Good. We made friends, we walked around, we ate food, played a ton of volleyball." My shoulder knocked into Reid's and he smirked. I flipped the conversation to my dad."So your friend, who is he?"

"She." He corrected me.

Reid and I exchanged a look. My dad was inviting a woman to his place? He rolled his eyes and continued. "She's a photographer and a great cook."

"How did you two meet?" I sat up in my seat.

"Work. There was a dinner party and she was the friend of a coworker. We talked and we got along well. We have gone out a few times -."

"Human or Wolf?" I couldn't wait for him to finish. My eagerness prompted Reid to raise his eyebrows at me. What could I say, it wasn't everyday my dad brought someone home.