He looks pleased when I finish and stands as he walks me out the door. “I can’t wait to tell your mom.”
“She will love her,” I say instantly.
My dad can’t help but smile. “Anything that makes your mom happy makes me happy.”
I shake my head in agreement. “I think I'm beginning to understand that sentiment now, Dad.”
He clasps his hand over my shoulder and squeezes. “When can we meet this woman of yours?”
I stride through the door and offer, “Next weekend? That will give Liv time to process meeting my parents when I spring it on her.”
He laughs. “Good plan,” he says as he retreats into his office.
Now I just have to tell Liv. I go back to my office and get caught up on my work. I pull up my text messages and see Jameson texted me, wanting to grab a quick beer after work. Sure, why not. I type out a quick response and ask where we’re meeting. My phone chimes right back, and I glance at the text “the sports bar.” Predictable. The hours fly by, and before I know it, it’s late afternoon. I leave the building and call Liv. She picks up on the first ring.
“Hey, Dax.”
Dear God, I love the sound of her voice. “Hey, baby. How was your day?”
“Good, although I think you have successfully scared Adam off. He won’t even look at me, and I needed those notes from him about our assignment.”
I chuckle, feeling pleased with myself. “I can’t say that I am sorry about that. Hey, I wanted to ask you a question.”
There is a pause. “Okaaaay?” she asks tentatively, dragging out the word. “What is it?”
I’m unsure how to go about this, so I just blurt it out. “I want you to be my date for my mom’s fundraiser. It’s called Ride the Wave Gala. Most importantly, I want you to come over to meet my parents next weekend if that’s a good time for you. I’m not on call and wanted to ensure you are available.” The words rush out in one long breath.
“Wow. Umm, that’s a lot to take in,” she says.
I reply, “Which part? Wanting to be seen with you or introduce you to my parents?”
“Both,” she quickly states. “But, I would love to. I just wasn’t sure of your intentions. You just surprised me, I guess.”
“Great, I told them we will be there next week. Also, I think you know my intentions, Liv. If you are confused, I’d be more than happy to clarify it for you again later.” I chuckle. “Anyway, I’ll let you go. I’m meeting Jameson at the sports bar tonight for happy hour. He wants to talk, and I can only imagine what it’s about this time.”
Liv is silent for a minute and then begins to speak. “I wonder if it’s about Emma?”
“Why would you say that? Is there something that happened?”
I hear her tapping something. Maybe her fingernail on the phone.
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, that’s a bit evasive.”
“Sorry,” she quickly rescinds her prior comment. “It’s probably nothing. You have a good time, and I’ll chat with you tomorrow.”
I don’t want to miss her again in the morning, so I tell her to meet me at the café in the morning. She agrees and quickly hangs up. I stared at the phone, wondering what the situation she wanted to avoid discussing with Jameson and Emma was about. I guess I’ll find out soon. I’m slightly worried about him but can’t help my excitement for my girl with long legs and honey-colored eyes.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Dax
I pushthe door to the bar open and make my way through the crowd. People eye me, their gaze traveling over my clothes as I walk by. Judging by their looks, they don’t think I belong here. I had back-to-back meetings to end the day and didn’t have time to change out of my suit before I left. At least I left the jacket in the car. I clasp Jameson around the shoulder in greeting as I finally make it to our table. He looks up at me and seems to be deep in thought.
“Why does it look like your fuckin’ dog died, brother.”
I drop into the seat next to him and lift my finger to flag down a server. Of course fucking, Simone is already sauntering over to us. Geez, can't I get a break in this place?
