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He nodded. “I need to be here, for you, and your mother.”
I didn’t bother pointing out that she was gone more than he was.
“Also, keeping up with Invictus H.H Group. As you get older, the more you appreciate friends who knew you when you were younger.” Dad seemed introspective today, which wasn’t like him at all. “Trent was very taken with you last night,” he added, watching me carefully for my reaction.
I paled, the blood feeling like it was draining rapidly from my head. “He was?”
Dad nodded again. “Yes. He couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful and clever you’ve grown up to be. Duncan was very impressed, as well. You are exactly the kind of girl he would consider a suitable daughter-in-law, you know.” Dad was smiling at me like this was supposed to be good news. “Trent wants to ask you out. I said I’d test the waters first. My little girl’s happiness comes first, after all.”
I clenched my hands into fists. This felt like a test of some kind. My affection for my dad and the need to never disappoint him warred with my natural instinct to reject the vilest guy I’d ever met.
“Trent reminds me a lot of myself at his age,” my father continued.
Holy fuck. What was I supposed to say now?
“So, what do you say to dinner between you two?” he prompted.
I stood there, scrambling for an excuse that wouldn’t upset him.
“I can’t. I have a boyfriend,” I blurted. The words left me in a mad rush. I didn’t even stop to think about how crazy or false they were.
Dad leaned back, raising an eyebrow. “You do?”
I bobbed my head quickly.
“I had no idea. I suppose I haven’t been around long enough to find out. And last night you said you weren’t dating anybody, but maybe you weren’t ready to share the news.” His tone was regretful. “And who is this young man?”
Good question.
“Just someone from HHU. He’s in my year.”
Dad chuckled. “I’m going to need a name. He needs to be good enough for my princess.”
I cast about for a damn name. I’d never dated anyone at school, and I couldn’t choose one of my previous dates my parents had set me up with; it would be too easy to disprove.
Then, like fate had put that damn newspaper right there in front of me, just when I needed a name, my eyes lit on the black-and-white photo.
“It’s Asher. Asher Martino.”
Dad blinked at me and glanced down at the paper. “What, this kid?”
I nodded, further damning myself. “Yeah, him.”
A smile broke out over Dad’s face. “Well, that’s good news. I know you’ve never really gotten along with the guys we’ve set you up with, boring bankers just like your dad. And you like this Asher Martino?”
I swallowed past a dangerously dry throat and nodded.
“He treats you well, like the princess you are?”
I nodded again. Right, if you exclude bullying me, spanking me, and cutting my hair, it’s a goddamn fairy tale.
“Well, this is all very exciting. I want to know more, but I have to get to the airstrip. Then I’ve got to be in Tokyo in two days. I’ll have to hear all about Mr. Hockey next time.”
“That’s okay. I get it. Don’t worry about me.” I managed a smile and walked with him to the door. My insides felt like a melted candle. What the hell have I done?
“Darling, when I get back in a few weeks, invite your boyfriend to dinner. I want to meet this young man.” Dad gave me a warm smile before picking up his bags and turning his attention to his driver, who was waiting at the door.
“Sure.”
