ADDICTED

61

The bartender returned with our drinks and placed them on the bar top.

Leah swallowed hard and snatched her vodka drink, slurping back a mouthful. I tsked her.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, I used my free hand to bring her chin toward me. She sucked in a little breath as our eyes locked.

"My sweet Leah," I chided her softly.

"I am!" she whispered. "I just didn't think you were gonna ask!"

I chuckled and pressed my lips to her temple.

Just as I leaned back to grab my glass of whiskey, a deep voice sounded from behind us.

"I recognize the back of this blonde head."

Leah nearly fell off her stool.

I turned to face her father head-on with a framed smile. We stood eye-to-eye.

I'd seen Michael Harris in person only once before.

He'd been sitting on of the benches of the courtroom behind the plaintiff's table. I studied him closely then, but for different reasons.

In the courtroom, I'd wondered how someone could stand behind her after what hell she'd dragged my brother through. Daughter or friend or otherwise.

Now, I wanted to thank him for how incredible she was as both a person and a significant other.

I shuddered to think what he must think of me.

"Mr. Harris," I greeted him, extending my hand.

His smile was small and forced. He made no motion to shake my palm. "You're Jarrod's brother."

I dropped my hand back to my side. Off to a great start, aren't we?

"Dad," Leah hissed. "Don't be rude."

He looked down at his daughter and his face softened. "Hi, sweetie. You look beautiful."

They hugged and then she took a deep breath.

"I know this is a lot to process," she told him, "but I need you to just bear with me, okay? James and I are seeing each other."

"More than professionally, I'm assuming," he said, voice dripping with disapproval.

She rolled her eyes. "Yes. Romantically."

"I let you get five steps ahead of me and you're already being an ass," Leah's mother snipped as she appeared at her husband's side. Her face first scrunched with an annoyed expression before softening at Leah. "Hi, honey."

One thing was clear. Her parents adored her and wanted to protect her.

I understood their feelings and hesitations about me. I just needed to show them that we want the same things—for Leah to be safe, healthy, and happy.

And by all regards, that combination existed in my arms.

The mother and daughter embraced before the older Harris looked at me. Her lips were slightly pursed as she appraised me. Then, tilting her chin up, she reached out to me.