Rayna and the Dad.

Guys My Age: Hey Violet

"Your old man still at that clinic?"

He smelt divine. Rayna was sure Armani and Hugo Boss created cologne for men just like him.

"20 years and running. Mum likes to say that he'll file for divorce and go marry the clinic."

Harvey laughed at that, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He turned the corner of the street.

"We could always use someone like him on our team, maybe I should bribe him with autographs next time.See I told him that he was only wasting his talent sticking with GP work, and that being the doctor for the teams in the NBA could open so many more doors." He glanced over at Rayna. "Safe to say, he wasn't impressed."

"So that's why we don't see you around as much anymore."

He laughed again. "I've been blacklisted."

He was so obviously off the market, evident by the ring he wore on his finger and his family. But that didn't mean Rayna wasn't attracted. The fact that he was a taken man, a dad no less, further fuelled her desire for him. Not to mention, that undeniable Cary Grant, Marlon Brando old Hollywood leading man charisma he embodied.

She knew that he wouldn't be as easy of a play like her sloppy male cohorts back at school. After all, he did have a 21 year advantage over her.

She saw him as a challenge. And she never lost.

"So what about you Ray? Oscar have to fend off all the guys I imagine?"

Normally, whenever one of her parents' middle aged friends had said this, it only made her uncomfortable. However, she heard a slight note of flirtation in Harvey's tone. One like he was genuinely interested.

"Oh, I'm usually a good girl. Well, at least I let my parents think so." She snuck a glance over to her right, hoping to catch some sort of reaction from Harvey. The right kind.

"Taking in the fact that you're being driven home early from a party because you have an assignment due and not overdosing on ecstasy at said party says they're probably right in thinking that."

That was the most Dad response to end all Dad responses. Somehow she had managed to spur the conversation in the opposite direction. Fuck. She'd have to go for the obvious approach.

"Or maybe I'm only interested in older men."

Too abrupt? Too obvious? Definitely. She felt the blood and alcohol rush to her face the moment she spoke.

"Don't tell me you're fantasising about dating your English professor. Not only is that illegal, but so cliche. Do better Rayna."

She didn't get it. She had thrown him countless cards. Was his offer for calling him whenever she needed help just simply a kind gesture with zero intentions behind it? Did he honestly just see her as his daughter's friend? She swore she had caught his gaze linger on her for a few seconds too long, on numerous occasions. The man had brushed his hand past her ass for christ's sake! Innocent his ass.

"But in all seriousness Rayna, enjoy your youth. Have fun, make mistakes, date regrets. It's not as cute being a mess at 30. You shouldn't be in the car with some old dad at midnight driving home, you should be getting wasted and having the time of your life."

There were several moments of hesitation from Rayna's part, deciding whether or not this was the moment she was going to take the plunge as disastrous as it could be. She could have misinterpreted everything completely wrong. He could be disgusted and call her father for all she knew. However...

"But I like being with you."

She had played her final card. She was out. The silence was deafening and Rayna now wanted to throw up. She avoided any view of the passing road, instead training her eyes on her knees, catching sight of the dress she had worn just to impress the man beside her, who had not spoken for almost an entire minute now.

Suddenly they had pulled over on some street. Rayna surveyed her surroundings, before looking over at Harvey who stared straight ahead.

"Where do you expect this go Rayna?"

The reply she was not expecting. She had no idea what Harvey was thinking. And his question gave her no hint. Should she play coy? Direct?

"I can't help it. I'm in love with you. I can't look at other guys without comparing them to you. I don't know what would happen anyway, I just can't stop my feelings for you. Harvey, I-"

It seemed direct was the correct response. As Harvey's lips savoured Rayna's, a million thoughts ran through her head at top speed. Sure, she had fantasised about this moment in her room a thousand times, but nothing could have prepared her for this moment. She could have never dreamt up something half as amazing as this.

And once again, Rayna Sutherland had gotten what she wanted.