Don knew the answer to that question and shared it with Axl when he said, “We’re clear.”

Axl quickly finished it.

“That was uncomfortable for the both of us. I just hope, when you have time to think on it, you’re pleased your girl has a guy who’s looking out for her.”

Don nodded stiltedly, turned away and sucked down a massive slug of beer.

Axl shifted again into the couch and threw back some of his own, just not that much.

It took a few beats, and the man didn’t look at him when he did it.

But he did it.

“I love her, you know.”

That was currently the fuck of it.

“I know.”

“I want the best for her.”

“I can imagine.”

Don tossed back more beer.

Axl sensed movement in the doorway to the kitchen so he looked that way and saw Hattie joining them again.

He could tell by the expression on her face that she read the room.

He shot her a smile.

It didn’t work, her worry remained.

“Pasta’s in, Dad,” she said. “Colander in the sink. Everything’s measured for you to make the cheese part. Oven timer is for the pigs. Microwave timer is for the pasta. By the time you’ve got the pasta together, the hot dogs should be done.”

“Thanks, honey,” Don muttered. “Now give your old man a buss, and you two go on with your night.”

She did that, bending to kiss his cheek.

Their good-bye was awkward, Don getting up to walk them to the door, make a show all was well, Hattie anxious because she knew it wasn’t.

Unfortunately, at the door she had to make it worse.

“I can’t come tomorrow night again, Dad. Axl and I have, uh…plans that we can’t—”

“That’s okay, darlin’. I’ll order some Chinese,” Don assured. “Don’t you worry about me. Just, uh, well…real glad you got other places to spend your nights.”

Right.

Like she was coming to him because she was lonely and wanted company.

Hattie didn’t call him on that.

She nodded, studying her dad closely, before she got up on her toes to kiss his cheek again, saying under her breath, “You check your sugars today?”

“I’m good, honey,” Don replied.

She studied him closely again, apparently saw what she needed to see, and moved to the door.

Don didn’t offer Axl his hand this time.

But Axl did.

Her father had no choice but to take it, and Axl held firm as he said, “Good to meet you, Don. Thanks for the beer.”

“My pleasure.” It was not. “Have a good night.”

“Will do,” he replied.

They were then out, and they didn’t talk on the way to the Jeep.

But he was sure to hold her hand again.