Hushed voices filtered through the half-open bedroom door.I instantly recognized Emmett’s voice, but it took me a moment to place his father’s.I held my breath, trying to hear over the thumping of my heart.
“So, I take it my old eyes didn’t deceive me?You’re together?”
“Yes.”
“And it’s serious?”
“Yes.”
It really was that simple for Emmett.He was unwavering in his belief that not only was this thing between us right, but it held no bearing on our professional relationship.I understood what it meant to have strong convictions, but I’d never known anyone to have themfor me.
“Good.”
“Good?”
“Yes, good.”
“You’re not mad?”
“No, son.I’m not mad.I told you months ago that you were in love with her.Seems like it just took you two a little time to catch up.”
Emmett laughed, and I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.
“We’ll get the paperwork started when everyone is back in the office, then?”
“It’s already done, Dad.I just didn’t want to pressure her before it was time.”
Pressureme?Into what?
“Good, good.”
“That’s your favorite fucking word today, isn’t it?”Emmett grumbled.
I slapped a hand over my mouth to stifle my giggle.Seconds later, I heard footsteps, and then the bedroom door opened fully.
“Well, hello, Miss Winters.Care to join us?”Emmett teased.
“I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.I just woke up.”
“It’s fine, Cal.Come on.”He offered me his outstretched hand as I sat up and swung my legs over the side of his bed.Hands still linked, we walked down the short hallway to where the CEO of Price Industries was seated in my boss’s living room.
Oh, God.This is so awkward.
I smiled at him hesitantly.“Hi, Mr.Price.I’m so sorry about earlier at the picnic.”
Emmett squeezed my hand as he led me to the sofa across from his father.
“It’s just Thomas here, Callie—just a dad here to see his son and his girlfriend.Would you two care to fill me in on what I walked in on with Gene earlier?”
My muscles locked up, and Emmett sighed.
“I’m not sure how much more I can put up with, Dad.”
He recapped our exchange with Gene while his father listened, leaning in with his forearms braced on his knees.He didn’t hide his emotions; hurt and pain flickered across his features as he heard the nasty words his best friend had wielded against his son.
It was clear how much of his father Emmett had in him.They were both good men.
“I owe you both an apology.I’ve let this go on long enough.”
