Every Hidden Truth (Far From Ruined Book 2) by Nikole Knight

Author:Nikole Knight [Knight, Nikole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covey Publishing, LLC
Published: 2020-03-26T18:30:00+00:00

Sixteen

We stood in awkward silence as my dad’s focus ping-ponged between us. His expression of bewilderment bled swiftly into understanding then mortification. Paling, he schooled his features, masking his emotions, and something in me splintered.

“Silas,” Dad greeted, clearing his throat as he grudgingly addressed a still-shirtless Ben. “Silas’s… friend?”

Rendered mute, my round eyes locked on my boyfriend. He sent me a quirky grin as his embarrassment melted into his typical cool confidence. He straightened his shoulders before walking right up to my dad and extending his hand like he hadn’t just been caught half-naked with his other hand down my pants.

“Mr. Brigs, I’m Ben, Silas’s boyfriend.” A choked cough escaped my throat at his admission, but I was ignored as Ben flashed his most charming smile. “It’s really good to meet you.”

Dad’s eyebrows rose to the sky, and I waited on bated breath for his response. It was impossible to read his face past the overwhelming discomfort of the situation. My dad and I avoided the subject of my sexuality, and, though he’d never condemned me, he’d never spoken favorably, either. It was one of the many things we simply didn’t talk about, but there was no hiding from this. I had practically shoved his face in it.

After two stressful seconds, my dad accepted Ben’s offered hand in a firm shake. “It’s good to meet you, Ben.” He sent me a questioning look, but my lips moved wordlessly, my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth. “Call me Charlie.”

When I failed to make a sound, Ben took it upon himself to speak, and his confident calm cracked with a sheepish grin as he glanced down at his bare torso. “I realize now, I should’ve put my shirt back on before introducing myself. That would’ve alleviated some of the awkwardness.”

“Ben, Jesus Christ.” I facepalmed, and he shrugged and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

“It’s your fault,” he grumbled under his breath. “You’re the one who threw my shirt behind the couch.”

A strangled sound scraped my dad’s throat, and his previously pale face flushed.

“Stop talking,” I hissed, smacking Ben in the arm before facing my dad. “Ben was just leaving.”

“I was?” Ben’s question rang with false innocence, and I glowered at the amusement splashing in his irises.

“Oh. My. God. Benjamin!” I gritted my teeth, and he bit his lip to suppress a chuckle.

With a flash of his dimple, he slipped his shirt back on and buttoned it closed before retrieving his shiny dress shoes and coat. “Right, I was just leaving.” Missing his undershirt and tie, he raked a hand through his hair and turned his attention back to my dad. “It was good to meet you, Sir.”

Dad nodded, and they shook once more in farewell. “It’s Charlie, and you, too, Ben. Drive carefully. The roads are slick.”

“Will do. Thanks, Charlie.” He released Dad’s hand then stepped toward me, still doing my best ice sculpture impression. “Thanks for going to the dance with me, Si. It was fun.”

Like he couldn’t bear

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