Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 25: Nonconventional Father

Back at the apartment, we ate and watched a movie. Hayden was quiet for the most part. He had his arms around me loosely. "Do you think your dad will like me?" he said out of nowhere. I only shrugged. "He already does," I answered. "He did a background check on you before he would let me live with you. He's known about you even before I did," I explained. Hayden looked at me curiously. I only shrugged. "A background check?" he asked for clarification. It was my turn to turn to him. I sat up and looked at him.

"Do you think we would've still fallen for each other if we didn't live together?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Definitely not; if we didn't live together, I wouldn't have been able to get to know you as well as I have, and I would've just ended up hurting you instead. You would've hated me and I still would've been a rock," he explained. He smiled lightly. "So it's a good think we live together," he added. I smiled lightly as well before I kissed him. He pulled on my waist and I hissed in a breath. He pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Jo," he apologized. I kissed him deeply. I didn't care. I laid on top of him as his hands traveled down my sides.

"Just... go easy this time... for real," I chuckled. "Oomph!" I let out as we fell off of the couch and on to the floor. He chuckled and pulled up. He picked me up and took me to his room. He pressed my back up against the wall next to the door and kissed my neck. I dung my nails into his shoulders. He groaned and nipped at my neck gently. He turned and practically threw me on to his bed. I giggled as he crawled over me and started kissing me again. God, I loved this boy.

The next morning, I wasn't as bruised as I had been. Hayden had listened to me and didn't grip or squeeze me as hard as he did the first few times. We lounged in bed again, like we normally did, until it was time to get ready for practice.

Practice went better. The lifts and grabs didn't hurt as much. I just sucked it up and did it. I wore my bruises proudly this time. Practice wasn't long this time so we headed home. I walked in and froze. My dad was there, sitting on the sofa that Hayden and I played on just last night.

"Dad?" I said curiously, letting go of Hayden's hand. I subconsciously covered my stomach with my arms. "I'm going to go change really quickly," I mumbled before I rushed to my room. I didn't mean to leave Hayden alone with my father, but I didn't want him to see my bruises. I put on some yoga pants and a long t-shirt. I walked back out to find Hayden cooking as he talked to my dad. They seemed to be getting along well.

"Hey, sweetheart," my dad smiled at me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. He smiled lovingly.

you with a visit. I had some time and I figured, why not?" he

me want to

ready in a few," Hayden said. I smiled back at him before I looked between the two of them. I was so happy to have both of them here. After dinner was ready, we ate

dad said calmly. I almost choked on

sorry, what?" Hayden spit out. My dad laughed

now, I knew it would happen eventually," he chuckled. "With her mother,

I said. He looked

her, and we'll be fine," my dad

here," I said. Hayden laughed and kissed my hand. I smiled

UCLA going so far?" my dad asked. I shrugged and looked

dance... maybe get a job. It's boring there," I answered honestly. My father only shrugged. "Whatever you want,

the details of the performance and agreed that my dad could watch our practice. My dad took us out for a day of shopping before we went to practice. We rolled up in his Benz and left the bags in

can't stay for this one," I said. She looked at me bewildered before she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. My dad walked in and her eyes widened before she left. I turned back to the others. "Everyone, this is my dad, Dr. McCormick. Dad, this is the other half of 3X3," I

and hugged her

walked up and introduced themselves properly. I took the time to stretch and get

who was sitting on the couch. We went full out with the routine and stood up once we'd finished. My dad

the middle of the dance floor. Oh! Maybe it could start spontaneously. Just start playing the song and people will clear out as you guys start to dance. It'll be like a flash mob! Oh, this is going

Luca said. My

and kissed my head gently. "I've got to go back to the office, sweetie, but I'll drop the bags off at the apartment first. I'll see you... all of you in a few weeks." And with that he was gone again. I sighed and watched the door close behind him. It was nice while it lasted. On the phone, I was always

shook my