Henceforth, call me Justin

Sadie's pov

The first thing that crossed my mind was, what’s wrong with me? I didn’t want to dwell on it because I knew overthinking could lead to uncomfortable answers. So, instead, I leaned back against the car seat, closing my eyes, hoping to block out my strange thoughts. So strange that I was surprised that these thoughts were taking longer to leave.

"You must be tired," Daisy said, gently touching my shoulder as she sat in the back seat next to me. Before I could even respond, Justin—her father—chimed in from the front seat.

"She’s been flying all day. Of course, she’s exhausted."

His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine. Stop. Stop thinking like this, I warned myself. What if Daisy could read my thoughts? What would she think of me if she knew? Since I decided to pursue older men, I’ve found myself drawn to men like Justin—so much older, so much more... experienced.

I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, but even then, all I could see was him—his broad shoulders, his chiseled jawline, the way his shirt clung to his muscles. I felt a rush of warmth spread through me. Was this just infatuation? Or something deeper? Justin was unlike any man I’d ever met, handsome in a way that seemed almost unfair. He felt... perfect, like he’d been crafted specifically for temptation.

I slowly opened my eyes, catching his reflection in the rearview mirror. Instantly, my heart raced. Even in that small glimpse, he looked too good to be real. I closed my eyes again quickly, hoping no one noticed the heat creeping up my neck.

I couldn’t tell if this was just a temporary crush or something more, but why did it have to be him? My best friend’s father. Of all people, why him? If he were a stranger, I could ask him out without hesitation. Older men are more understanding, more considerate of your feelings. They don’t rush things, and they know how to make you feel safe. Justin seemed like he could be all that and more.

But Daisy didn’t know. She had no idea that, while she was looking for a guy to set me up with—someone young, fit, and hot—her father had already captivated me. The moment I laid eyes on him, it was like everything changed. When Daisy went to load my suitcase into the car, I stood close to Justin, and I felt... something. It was like an unspoken connection. His gaze lingered on me longer than it should have, and in those few seconds, I was done for.

Every movement he made exuded confidence and masculinity, his shirt subtly revealing the muscles beneath. His smile—was it just friendly, or was there something else behind it? His voice, low and husky, sent a thrill through me. He was everything I’d imagined in those late-night fantasies. It was impossible not to be drawn to him.

I tried to shake off the feeling, but it wouldn’t leave. If only he weren’t married. If only he weren’t my best friend’s father. But deep down, I knew that if he ever held me, even just once, I’d be breathless. The memory of our handshake earlier made me shiver; I hadn’t wanted to let go until Daisy came back. It was like being chosen by the most popular guy in school. That’s exactly how I felt inside.

“Sadie, we’re home, sleepyhead,” Daisy teased, snapping me out of my trance. Her smile was warm, but I could barely focus. I glanced outside, confirming that we were at their house. Daisy hopped out of the car first, and I lingered, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Justin. When I looked into the rearview mirror, his eyes were already on me, and I couldn’t help but wonder... What was he thinking?

He smiled, and I hurried out of the car, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. Daisy grabbed my hand, pulling me towards the house, but halfway there, Justin called out to her.

"Daisy, come here for a second."

She left me standing alone, my heart pounding. They whispered quietly, occasionally glancing in my direction. Were they talking about me? Daisy shrugged and then returned to me, leading me inside.

"Mom, we’re home!" Daisy shouted as we entered the living room, but it was empty. Disappointment flashed across her face as she realized her mother wasn’t waiting for us. Daisy sighed, giving me a sheepish smile. “She’s probably in her room,” she explained, tugging me towards the guest room downstairs.

I raised an eyebrow—usually, Daisy insisted I stay upstairs with her. But I didn’t say anything as she led me into the guest room, setting my suitcase down by the door.

"Come on, let’s go say hi to Mom," Daisy said, already pulling me back out into the house. We found her mother, Juliana, in her room, buried in paperwork. Daisy rushed over to hug her, and I followed awkwardly, not sure where to look.

"Sadie, dear!" Juliana smiled warmly and pulled me into a hug. “Daisy told me about your breakup. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. But don’t worry, someone who truly loves you will come along.”

I glanced at Daisy, feeling embarrassed. She looked uncomfortable, like she hadn’t expected her mother to bring it up. I forced a smile, but inside, all I could think was how lucky Juliana was to have Justin. Did she even realize what she had? Justin was... everything. Did she feel the same intense desire when he was around? How could she not?

We didn’t stay long, and soon Daisy and I were back in my guest room, sorting through my clothes when suddenly, a loud shout echoed from downstairs.

“You have no right to sign that document!”

It was Justin’s voice, followed closely by Juliana’s. “I do have the right. If things go on like this, I’m divorcing you…”

Daisy’s expression shifted, and she excused herself, leaving me alone in the unsettling silence. My heart raced with anxiety. What was happening between Daisy’s parents?

A few minutes later, the door creaked open. I assumed it was Daisy returning, so I didn’t look up. I had already unzipped my gown to my waist, my fingers poised to unhook my bra.

“Please, help me unlock my bra…”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were in here,” Justin’s voice startled me as he stepped inside. “I thought Daisy would’ve put you in the other guest room,” he added.

I turned, a rush of shock came through me.

“No problem, sir.” I struggled to pull my gown back up to my shoulders, but his gaze lingered on my red bra. What was he thinking after my awkward request?

He raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “Justin,” he corrected, his tone softening. “Henceforth, call me Justin.” He was just inches away and my hands so weak to raise up my gown, when a sudden knock on the door broke the moment.

Who could that be? My heart raced again, not just from Justin getting so close to me. What if either Daisy or Juliana walks into the room and sees us like this. I could even feel his breath.