Billionaire's Stripper novel Chapter 19

My father left the subject alone. After breakfast, we watched a recording of Jeopardy. My father loved to test my knowledge.

The house phone rang. My father answered. "Hello. Yes. I see. Are you the reason Lydia was crying?"

My eyes shot over to my father.

My father put the call on speaker.

"Mr. Carmichael, it seems Lydia, and I had a misunderstanding. Our feelings for each other have progressed in a short period of time. I'm going to be frank, sir. Lydia is under the impression my feelings for her aren't real. I assure you they are. My sole purpose for courting your daughter, sir, is to eventually ask you for her hand in marriage. We haven't known each other long, but please hear me out."

"I'm listening."

"I don't know if you believe in love at first sight. I didn't until I laid eyes on Lydia. I can't think straight half the time. She makes me crazy. I've never been in love before. I long to be in her presence every chance I get. You raised a special woman Mr. Carmichael."

"Thank you. What is your last name Hayden?"

He paused. "Gaster."

"Hayden Gaster. The Billionaire, wanting to date my daughter. I know your father. Tell him Alastair said hello. We took a couple of courses together at Yale."

"I sure will, sir."

"I'll let you talk to Lydia. I look forward to meeting you, Hayden."

"Likewise, sir. Thank you."

I was floored. Hayden didn't know when to stop. I couldn't believe he told my father he wanted to marry me. I strolled onto the front porch.

"Hello."

"Hello, Lydia."

"Hayden, why did you do that?"

"It was only a matter of time. I told you a couple of times. I'm only seeing you and I have no desire to see other women because truthfully my goal is to make you my wife."

My mouth fell open.

"Lydia, I'm trying hard to do the right thing. I want to honor your wish. You want to give yourself to your husband. I'll wait until we're married to have sex with you."

I changed the subject. I glanced back into the house to make sure my father was still sitting in the living room. "Thank you for not mentioning to my father I'm a stripper. He doesn't know. He believes I work at a Law firm. I need to keep it that way."

"I understand."

The sun felt pleasant against my feet. I sat staring out into the street. A black Suburban came to a halt in front of the house.

Hayden climbed out walking toward me.

My heart plummeted to my feet. This man knew no boundaries. I placed the phone on the porch. Stepping toward him, my arms crossed my chest. He wasn't clean shaven. He wore a five o'clock shadow. Hayden appeared sleep deprived. His dark aviator sunglasses hid his tired eyes. The custom designer clothes masked the mad possessive man inside. He was dressed in navy dress slacks, a blazer, and a white and blue striped dress shirt. He thumbed my cheek as he gazed into my gray eyes. "I missed you, baby."

I sensed a part of him was lost without me. How could that be? I felt my cheeks heat. My nerves were all over the place. Hayden embraced me. "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere." Hayden kissed my hair. I shivered beneath his touch.

"Can I come in and officially meet your father?"

"She still hasn't told me what I did to upset her." He returned his attention to my father.

"Lydia took Uber to get here. I'm not happy with myself for not listening or pushing too hard. I'll take a step back. However, I won't leave my woman without transportation. I'll leave the truck for her or my driver will take her where she needs to go."

Hayden stood extending his hand for my father's. "Mr. Carmichael, it was a pleasure meeting you. I understand Sunday is a day reserved for you and Lydia. Have a good day."

"You too."

Hayden followed me out of the house. He sat on the porch steps. "Have a seat Lydia."

A white Bentley truck came to a stop behind the Suburban.

"Tell me what happened at work yesterday."

"What do you mean?"

"When I dropped you off at work yesterday you were in a good mood. I thought we were in a good place."

I sighed.

"One of the girls asked me who dropped me off at work. I told her a friend. She asked was it you, the guy who sits in the corner. I told her yes. Long story short. I told her we weren't having sex. She said that is why you keep hanging around because I'm a virgin. And, once we have sex you will drop me."

Hayden clenched his fists, dropping his head. "Lydia, I need you to form your own decision. I don't know what else I can do to make you understand. I'm not going anywhere. I have to wait until Thursday to get to know you. I won't ask you to sleep over anymore. If you want to, you will. If you don't, you won't. I'm losing my mind just thinking about it." Hayden rose walking to the bottom of the stairs.

The neighbors peeked out of their windows and walked past the house waving. They are nosey, wondering who Hayden is. It didn't help, Valen stood outside the Bentley truck awaiting Hayden.