Under My Father's Friend

Chloe

“Mom, I’m in college now. I can absolutely take care of myself,” I say, even though internally, I’m doing a victory dance.

“We know, sweetie. But we’d feel so much more at ease if you stayed with Alexander. It’s just for a week,” my mother replies, giving me that pleading look that always reminds me of a lost puppy.

I glance at my dad. He has that silent, desperate look in his eyes while subtly checking his watch. I know he’s itching to leave and get this over with.

I let out an exaggerated sigh and let my shoulders slump. “Alright. Fine. If you insist.”

Mom instantly beams, looking over at Dad with a triumphant smile. They think they’ve won this round, but the truth is, this works out perfectly for me too.

“You’re an angel,” she says, planting a kiss on my cheek before grabbing her purse. “We’ll call you tonight, darling. Have a good day.”

I nod. “Bye, guys.”

The moment they’re out the door, I snatch my phone and text my best friend, Harper, with the incredible news. My heart had been soaring ever since my parents dropped the bombshell earlier. They had urgent business out of town and would be gone for the entire week. I’d just gotten home for summer break last night. Imagine my shock—and secret thrill—when they announced that the man I’ve been secretly obsessed with for years would be my ‘guardian’ for the next seven days. I had to play it cool, of course. I couldn’t seem too eager and risk making them reconsider. I suggested staying with Harper, but they pointed out she shares a room with her younger sister. Not ideal.

Then I proposed staying alone. But my parents are notoriously overprotective, especially with the recent spike in burglaries in our neighborhood. Their next logical choice was Dad’s closest friend, Alexander. They have no clue about my massive, years-long crush on him.

As I type out the message to Harper, my mind starts spinning with wild possibilities. I’ve always searched for the perfect opening to flirt, to make a move, but Alexander has never seen me as anything more than a kid. Being under his roof, in his space… that changes everything. I’ll show him exactly what I can offer. Or, at least, I’ll try my hardest—virginity and all.

Thirty minutes later, I’m sitting across from Harper, who’s staring at me with wide, disbelieving hazel eyes. Amusement is written all over her face as she waits for me to continue.

“It’s only a week, but I plan to make every second count,” I tell her, my voice low and determined.

“So… you’re actually going to try and seduce him?” she asks, her voice rising with excitement.

I bite my lower lip. “I’m going to try, yes.”

Harper lets out a choked laugh. “You’re dead serious.”

“Completely. Alexander is the only man I want, Harper. You know that. I’ve been in love with him for so long,” I say, the admission feeling both terrifying and liberating. Anyone else would think I’m insane, but after years of this feeling, I know it’s more than a crush. I’m in love with a man who is completely out of my reach.

“I know, I know,” she sighs. “But Chloe… what if this backfires? You could get really hurt.” Her expression softens with concern.

I swallow hard, refusing to entertain that thought. “No negativity. This is happening. I’m going to make Alexander see me as a desirable woman, not the little girl he probably thinks I am.” I’m saying it as much for my own benefit as for hers.

She offers a small smile, but I can see the lingering doubt in her eyes. I get it. Harper has been my confidante through every single one of my failed attempts to get Alexander to notice me. No matter what I wore or what I did, it never worked. He barely looked my way. I celebrated every time one of his flings ended, and cried when he started seeing someone new. Harper witnessed it all. She probably thinks I’m setting myself up for another heartbreak.

She sighs again. “Well, maybe this time will be different. You have filled out since last semester, that’s for sure.” Her eyes drift pointedly to my chest, and I can’t help but grin. It’s true.

I’m no longer all skin and bones. I’ve gained curves in all the right places, something several guys on campus have definitely noticed. But my interest begins and ends with Alexander Thorne.

“If this actually works, just promise me you’ll have protection ready,” she says with a wink, making me giggle.

I’m too exhilarated to think about anything except the potential of Alexander and me together. I want to start packing immediately, but I know Mom would find it suspicious if I did it too soon. So I wait. I order a pizza that Saturday evening and eat with my parents when they get home.

We’re at the dining table, chatting, when a sudden, terrifying thought freezes me mid-bite.

I swallow and look up at my parents. “Um… is Alexander actually okay with this?”

“Of course he is, honey. Why would we send you there otherwise?” Mom laughs, shaking her head. Joy bubbles inside me, but I keep my expression neutral.

“He doesn’t mind me being… in the way? I know he can be strict,” I press.

“Darling, he’s fine with it. Besides, he’ll be at work all day. By the time he gets home, you’ll both be retiring to your own rooms,” she says with a reassuring smile.

The idea of him being constantly at work worries me, but I know if I’m clever, I can find opportunities.

“We’re really sorry to leave during your break, sweetheart, but we’ll be back before you know it. We’ll have plenty of summer left to spend together,” Mom promises.

I nod, picking at the crust of my pizza. “It’s fine, Mom. I understand.”

And I do. I’ve understood since I was ten, when I finally grasped that my parents were successful art dealers whose work would often take them away at inconvenient times. They missed recitals, parent-teacher conferences, and lunch dates. But I’m eternally grateful to them. They’ve never let me want for anything.

A sharp pang of guilt shoots through me. I’m planning to seduce a man they’ve considered family for nearly a decade. The thought of them finding out nearly paralyzes me. For a split second, I consider abandoning this ridiculous plan and finding a way to move on.

But I can’t.

I’ve wanted this for too long.

Alexander occupies every corner of my mind.

Not trying… that would destroy me.

I don’t know how this will end, but I’m ready for anything, as long as I can make Alexander want me.

I fall asleep with thoughts of him and wake up with his name on my lips. Stretching, I roll over and grab my phone. Six AM. It takes me a moment to register the sound of torrential rain pounding against my window.

I mutter a curse and head to my closet to pack. I’d already mentally planned my outfits for the week. But when I open my underwear drawer, my hand hesitates. My heart starts to race.

I don’t own a single piece of sexy lingerie.

It’s pathetic, really. Here I am, plotting to seduce a gorgeous man, and my drawer is full of practical cotton panties and mismatched bras.

“Way to go, Chloe. So boring,” I mutter to myself, grabbing a handful and tossing them into my suitcase.

Twenty minutes later, I’m packed. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Doubt creeps in.

Am I actually capable of this?

I’m not unattractive, but do I have what it takes?

I can’t flirt. I can’t dirty talk. I’ve never even been properly kissed. A real, passionate kiss.

With my level of experience, I belong in a nunnery.

There’s no way a god-like, experienced bachelor like Alexander would want me. He’s dated countless women. He has more experience than I can even imagine.

All I have is desire.

My phone buzzes on the bed. It’s a message from Harper.

Today’s the day. Break a leg… or your hymen. LOL.

I can’t help but laugh, the tension easing slightly.

It’s still pouring when I get dressed in a long-sleeved top and shorts. I haul my suitcase downstairs. Mom and Dad are already packed, having breakfast at the kitchen island.

“Where did this storm come from?” I ask, glancing out the window before sitting down. “I hate summer rain.”

“It might stick around. I haven’t checked the forecast, but this kind of downpour usually means more is coming,” Mom says, sipping her coffee.

“We are in hurricane season, darling. This is Florida,” Dad adds with a chuckle.

I huff. “What time are you guys leaving?”

“In about thirty minutes. Our flight’s at eleven, and we need to drop you at Alexander’s first. The earlier, the better,” Dad says.

“Do you have everything, honey?”

“Yes. All set.”

“Okay. I just need to send one quick email,” Mom says, leaving the room.