My Father's Best Friend

Chapter 8

The next four days went by and before we knew it we were back home. On the flight back I bid Kole with one last kiss before life went back to before we went away. Dad was home when I got there, he didn't look at me as he spoke "tonight I invited Charlotte for dinner, Kole is invited."

I ignored him rushing up the stairs having a quick shower before dressing in a black dress I brought with Sophie for a party back in high school. It was a black lace dress that sat mid-thigh. I curled the end of my hair and applied lipgloss. I strapped on a thin pair of heels before climbing down the stairs in time to answer the door bell.

Kole stood at the door with a bottle of whiskey and another bottle of red wine. I smiled at him grabbing the bottle of wine placing it in the fridge. He stood close behind me as I placed it on the lower shelf "where's your dad?"

I looked over my shoulder at him "he's gone to grab dinner. I didn't have enough time to cook and dad can't cook."

Kole wrapped his warm strong arms around my waist kissing down my neck "he told me you are ignoring him. He's worried you won't be kind to Charlotte."

I turned around in his arms wrapping myself around his body "I will be kind to her but he thinks he can ignore me for a week and then act like nothing happened. I found a place online that I like, I think I might move out and give myself space from my dad."

Kole smiled "have you had anyone else checked it out first?"

I shook my head "it fits into my budget."

Kole pecked my lips quickly making sure my dad wasn't going to come in "you can always secretly come and stay with me if you like. You don't need to but until you find a place that suits you better."

I ran my fingers down his chest teasingly but before I could respond the door rang again. I pulled away from him regretfully. I sent Kole to answer the door whilst I got out a few wine glasses. Kole rejoined me moments later with Charlotte behind him.

He lead her to the stools where I was standing "Morgan, this is Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Robbie's daughter Morgan."

I held out my hand for her to shake but she pulled me into her arms hugging me tightly "your dad has told me many wonderful things about you."

I nodded "that same about you."

I pulled away from her coming to stand near Kole. He cleared his throat answering her unspoken question "Robbie went to get dinner, we arrived back today."

Charlotte beamed "Robbie mentioned your trip, how was it."

Kole and Charlotte spent the remainder of the time talking about the trip. Dad walked in with two large bags full of takeaway. I grabbed the plates and cutlery whilst Kole grabbed the glasses.

I took the seat next to Kole. I discretely placed by hand on his thigh. He placed his hand over top of mine giving it a reassuring squeeze. Dad broke my attention by calling my name "how was your trip honey?"

I glared at him "fine."

Dad laughed nervously "just fine?"

I nodded "yeah, Kole took me out to dinner and then I snuck into a bar and met a charming guy, the usually."

Kole shifted in his seat nervously. My fathers father blushed in anger at my bold statement "we will talk about this later."

I rolled my eyes taking a huge sip of my wine "how about we skip it entirely and you tell me why you asked Kole and I to dinner. I don't think it was just because you wanted me to meet Charlotte, although, lovely that's not usually your style."

He slammed his knife and fork down onto the table looking straight at me "I asked Charlotte to move in."

I nodded "I am honestly happy for you because I have an announcement of my own. I have taken your feedback to my recent behaviour seriously. I talked to Kole earlier and he said he would check it over with me but I am moving out."

I looked at Kole hopeful, he nodded his head "the place is in a good neighbourhood."

Dad sat blankly in his chair, I waited for him to exploded "I want to see the both of you in the kitchen now."

I took one last bite of my food before joining the boys in the kitchen. Kole was already slouching against them bench. I spoke before my dad could "I always said the moment you found someone that makes you happy here that it was my time to leave. I hated the thought of leaving you on this house all alone. I like Charlotte, she is good for you..."

Kole interrupted "let your dad speak."

I nodded finally shutting up "I don't want you to feel like I am kicking you out or moving on without you. I know I have been overprotective with you but I was only trying to do my best."

I threw my arms around my dads neck hugging him "being away has really shown how much I want to grow and find myself but I can do that here under your watchful eye."

Together the three of us walked back into the dinning room where Charlotte sat. I smiled at her reassuringly before we all finished our meal. After we had finished I sent Dad and Robbie to wash the dishes whilst I talked to Charlotte. I showed her to the lounge room away from prying ears "I like you, I think you are the best thing for my dad. Please don't hurt him. He's not as strong as he makes out. Before now he had a shot love life and it took him so long to jump back on the horse."

Charlotte grabbed my hand stopping me from rambling "I care deeply for your dad, I actually love him. I'm sorry if your dads news made you uncomfortable, that was never my intention."

I shook my head "I had that planned, I was talking to Kole about it before you arrived."