We decided to wait until the weekend to officially move her stuff into my place, even though she’s been spending every night in my bed anyway.
“We hired movers to do that. Give me that before you hurt yourself.” I pull the two boxes out of her arms. They can’t weigh twenty pounds combined.
“Okay, fancy pants. Some people just ask their friends to help and pay them in pizza and beer.” She goes back to the moving truck to grab more boxes. I shoot the two guys in the back of the truck a meaningful look.
“We’ve got it, ma’am. It’s policy that we have to carry all of the boxes for you,” one of the guys tells her.
She frowns, like she was looking forward to helping. “Oh, okay. That makes sense.”
“Take one of these. Not both,” I gripe, shaking my head when she tries to take them both back.
She pulls the top box from me with a smile. I have to lean across the boxes to plant a kiss on her lips.
“What do we have here?”
I straighten, the sound of my father’s voice catching me off guard.
“Dad. What are you doing here?”
He raises a questioning brow, looking between me and Brielle.
“Thought I’d stop by and see if you were home. Haven’t talked to you as much lately. Wanted to catch up, see what’s new with you.” His eyes land on Brielle at that last part.
Even though my relationship with Brielle is out in the open now, I still haven’t told my father. I already know what he’s going to tell me.Cut and run. Don’t let her get too close. Be smart and protect your heart.
“Hi, Mr. Edgerton. I’m Brielle. Damian’s girlfriend.” Brielle drops her box to the ground and extends her hand to my father.
My heart stops, anticipating the worst. I’m ready to jump in if he says anything the least bit out of line.
“Nice to meet you, Brielle. Please, call me Mark.” He shakes her hand, a genuine smile on his face. “Are these… your things?”
“Yes. You’ve caught us on moving day. I’d offer you a chance to help carry some boxes, but apparently, it’s against policy. We were only getting away with these two.” She shrugs.
“Pity. I would have loved to help move my boy’s girlfriend into his home. Here, let me grab this one for you.”
Brielle lets him take the box by her feet without protest. “Thank you, Mark. I’ll get the door.”
She trots ahead to the apartment door.
“She seems nice,” he says.
I don’t bother hiding the growl in my voice. “Don’t start, Dad.”
“I’m not saying anything.”
We meet Brielle at the door. My father chats with her the entire ride up the elevator and into my penthouse suite.
“You can just put the box down there, Mark. Thanks so much. Can we get you a drink?”
“He isn’t staying,” I say quickly. Things are going too well between me and Brielle to risk my father saying something that fucks that up. I need to talk to him first, let him know that I’m serious about her. That I know what I’m doing.
“Damian,” Brielle chides, “don’t be rude.”
A wide smile breaks out over my father’s face. “I’d love a drink. Thank you, dear.”
“Brielle,” I tell him, a warning note in my voice. I know what he’s doing. Acting like she isn’t going to be around long enough to bother remembering her name. “Her name is Brielle.”
“I know. She introduced herself all of five minutes ago. I may be getting old, but I’m not senile yet.”
