Her pink lips turned down. “It’s more than that. And don’t worry. Dad can be pushy, but he usually only asks because it’s the first test a guy can fail with him. I can make it clear we’re not playing that game.” She grinned. “Pun intended.”
I shoved a hand through my hair. “No.” A tennis game with her father should be no big deal. I was an adult, and it wasn’t like her dad was Katrina’s father. “It was just a surprise.” I wasn’t expecting to relive the experience like it’d happened last week.
That cultured fuck’s voice rang through my head.You’re a guy who lacks ambition of his own. You can’t make my daughter happy. You can’t even make your own money without your mommy and daddy’s help.
I blinked. The last part had morphed into Bobby’s voice. I prodded at my temples. Dammit. I wasn’t a goddamn kid anymore, standing quiet while someone trashed me. Nor was I some guy who’d gotten dumped.Yearshad passed. “I’ll do it.”
“Seriously, Tenor. It’s okay. I’ll talk to Dad?—”
“No. Next weekend.” I tipped her chin up so she could see how fucking serious I was.
“Mom’s not back from her trip until the end of the month.”
The cool beat of relief inside my chest couldn’t be denied. I’d suck it up and meet her parents, but I’d take the extra time before then. “Whenever your mom’s ready.”
She put her warm hands on either side of my face. “Thank you. I promise to keep Dad reined in.”
That was ominous. I gave her a quick kiss. “Drive safe.”
Her saucy smile as she got behind the wheel would’ve been my undoing if she hadn’t been driving away.
I waved, then tossed my tennis bag into my pickup. I checked my phone.
Teller: You in town?
I punched in my response.Yeah. Ruby just left.
Teller: Meet me at Mountain Perks.
I arrived at the coffee shop before he did. It closed in an hour. I lingered in my pickup until he parked behind me. Downtown was quiet for a Sunday. Only a few people drifted along the sidewalks outside of the shops. Only Mountain Perks and Lilly’s Pad, the flower shop, were open. A small eatery at the end of the block had already closed for the day.
I got out and Teller lifted a brow. His gaze dipped down to my athletic shoes and touched on my basketball shorts. “Been a while since I’ve seen you outside of jeans.”
“I wore a suit last weekend.”
He whistled. “Never did tell me how that wedding was. The bride just put up a billboard outside of town if you’re looking to buy.”
“Not from her.”
He flashed a grin. “She ain’t making friends here, that’s for sure. And her new husband is pissing off as many contractors as possible building that monstrosity of theirs.”
“Good.”
He laughed and we went into the coffee shop. The rich scent of roasted coffee beans surrounded us. I ordered a coffee with cream. Teller ordered something with caramel.
“Your drinks are getting fancier,” I said after we got our order.
“Makes up for my life getting simpler.”
“That’s not a bad thing.”
He scowled. “Not for you, old man. You found someone. I have nothing when I get home except for the cold foam residue around my glass.”
“I hope you’re happy for a long time with it.”
“Not as happy as you and Ruby.” He grunted. “I’m glad you took a chance on her. You’re different.”
The cream in my coffee curdled in my stomach. I wasn’t different. I was the same. That was the issue. I hadn’t changed for anyone, and that had always been the issue. “Did you invite me here to ask about Ruby?”
