Valerie crossed her arms in front of her and glared at him. “You’re not funny.”

Her dad chuckled. “Alright, make it coffee.”

“I’ll go brew some,” Norma said, motioning for Valerie to have a seat.

Valerie took a seat on the sofa closest to her dad’s chair. “Don’t make any for me and make sure it’s decaf, Norma.”

“Fun police,” her dad muttered.

“You better believe it. And the badge is staying on from here on.” She reached over and squeezed her dad’s hand. “I mean it, Mister. You’re in big trouble.”

He waved his other hand in the air. “You can’t stay here and bully me forever. That boy is probably going nuts already, with you not around.”

He must’ve seen it in her face, because he immediately brought his hand down and squeezed hers. “Things not going so well?”

She shook her head. “Everything’s fine.”

In an instant, the television was off. “I don’t know why you still think you can fool me. What’s troubling you, pumpkin?”

The last thing she needed was to burden her dad with her issues. She was staying with him to make sure he got better, not make things worse. “Nothing daddy, really. Everything’s okay.”

“What did he do?” Her dad dropped the remote on the table next to his chair with a frown.

“You see, you’re already getting upset.” She rubbed his hand.

“Is he still doing the same bullshit as before?”

“No.” She squeezed his hand.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice he hasn’t been around at all these last couple of days. I haven’t seen you on your phone much either.” He pushed the recliner down and sat up straight. “Did he disappear again?”

“No, no.” She patted his hand. “It’s nothing like that. Sit back, you’re getting yourself all worked up.”

Norma walked into the room. “Everything okay?”

“No.”

“Yes.” Valerie gave him a look. He knew she didn’t like to talk about Alex in front of Norma. “He’s just being stubborn again. I can handle him.”

Norma smiled and shook her head. “Alfred, you best behave yourself.”

“I’m behaving just fine. She’s the one-”

The doorbell rang, interrupting them all. Norma walked to the door and opened it. “Alex, come on in.”

Alex said something Valerie couldn’t quite hear. “Don’t be silly. You’re not disturbing anyone. Please come in.”

“Yeah,” her dad agreed. “Get your ass in here.”

Valerie shot her dad another look—this time a dagger. “Dad!”

“Well, if you’re not gonna tell me what’s going on, he better.”

Alex nearly took up the entire doorframe. “How you doing Mr. Zuniga?”

“Boy, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Alfred?”

Alex smiled at her then at her dad. “How’s it going, Alfred? You feeling better?”

Valerie shifted in her seat. Somehow, she thought she’d be more annoyed seeing him here after she’d made it clear she didn’t want to see him tonight. Instead, her heart sped up at the sight of him. How was it possible that she’d been so irritated and hurt with him all day, then he waltzes in here and with one smile weakens her resolve so easily?

“I’m fine. I keep telling these two Florence Nightingales here that, but neither one seems to listen.” Her dad sat up at the edge of his seat. “Listen here, what’s going on with you two? You playing with my little girl again?”

Alex glanced at her. Norma seemed to sense the need to leave them alone. “I’ll go get the coffee.” She started toward the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee or anything to drink Alex?”

“No, ma’am. Thank you.”

Alex waited until Norma left the room to respond to her dad. Before he could, Valerie spoke up. “Dad, I told you. Everything’s fine.” Valerie stood up. She took a few steps toward Alex with pleading eyes. He had to know she wouldn’t want her dad worrying about them right now. But she especially didn’t want Alex trying to explain his reason for snooping. That’s the last thing she wanted her dad to have to think about right now.

Alex reached for Valerie’s hand pulling her gently to him. “Things couldn’t be better. In fact,” he placed her in front of him placing his arms around her waist. “I’m not sure if she’s told you yet, but I have every intention of marrying her.” He kissed her lightly on her temple. “Just as soon as she says yes.”

Valerie felt her insides warm. Alex was manipulating the situation. He knew she’d have no choice but to play along with the happy little couple act.

Her dad eyed Alex suspiciously. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely.” Alex hugged her a little tighter, pressing his hard body against hers. Her body reacted as it always did to him, trembling ever so slightly.

Alfred sat back in his seat, but he didn’t seem quite satisfied. “She told me you asked her to marry her. But are you sure nothing else is going on? She’s been moping around all day.” His eyes went from Valerie to Alex. “I know when something is bothering my daughter.”

Valerie stroked Alex’s forearm just so. Willing him to understand he shouldn’t give in no matter how much her dad probed.