He scoffs. “And why would I listen toyou? Last time I checked, she was my girlfriend.”
“Last timeIchecked,youwere banging your assistant behind her back, for which she left you. I’m pretty sure that makes her yourex-girlfriend.”
“Please, stop. Both of you. This isn’t the place or time.” Emma looks from him to me with pleading eyes.
“Emma, if you can’t get your guest to settle down, I’m going to have to ask him to leave,” her mother says, looking unimpressed.Of course, she’s only focusing on me. Not dear Tommy.
“I’m sorry, Elaine. That was immature of me. Apologies.” Perfect Tommy offers a fake guilty smile to Emma’s mom.
He looks back at Emma, scanning her from head to toe with clear disgust on his face. My jaw clenches as I grit my teeth together.Don’t you fucking dare, asshole.
“I really don’t know what’s happening with you, Emma. But I don’t like it. I don’t even recognize you anymore. First, you start hanging out with vulgar men, now you dress like the help. This isn’t you,” he says, rebuking her.
“He’s right, darling. You look like a maid. It really isn’t flattering,” her mother adds, looking at the dress.
I feel Bunny begin to shake in my grasp. I tighten my hold on her and adjust Gracie, who’s quietly playing with my beard, on my hip. “Well, I think she looks absolutely beautiful.” Em looks up at me with a sad smile. She thinks I’m just saying it to be nice, but I truly think she does.
“As do I.” Her father, I presume, finally joins the room, heading straight for his daughter. “Sunflower, I’ve missed you.” He takes her into his arms as I remove mine from around her waist and kisses the top of her head.Now that’s the right way to greet your child.
Her dad looks like a decent guy and doesn’t give off that snob-like vibe. He’s tall like me, dark-haired and clean-shaven with a smile on his face. The only hint of wealth he has on him is his watch. A gold Finissimo from BVLGARI’s Octo collection.Fucking lucky bastard! It's my dream watch, but paying almost $60,000 for a watch is just ridiculous.
“Hi, Daddy.” She softens in his hold, affection shining through.
“Don’t listen to your mother. You look breathtaking, Sunflower,” he whispers in her ear before letting go and looking at her with adoration.
He then looks directly at me and steps aside, holding a hand out. “Hello. Lance Mackenzie. I believe we’ve met before. Youwere a groomsman in our little Cecilia’s wedding, if I’m not mistaken?”
I shake his hand firmly. “Yes, that’s right. Greyson Ford.”
“Ah, right winger for the New York Griffins,” he says with a smile.I guess I have his approval to be around his daughter.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please, just call me Lance.” He lets my hand go and looks at Gracie. “And you must be the famous Gracie I’ve heard so much about. I heard you were given a flower name as well, just like my daughter.” He chuckles as he pretends to shake her hand, and she grabs onto his finger. He motions to my daughter, wanting to take her. “May I?”
I look at Emma, who smiles warmly and nods, then back to Lance. “Of course.” I pass her over, and Gracie goes without complaint. He walks her around the room and shows her the artwork on the walls, pointing out things and talking to her.
“Really, Emma? You’d rather spend time with this douchebag who’s beneath you than come home to me, where you belong?” Tommy spits out viciously in a hushed voice, wanting to keep his angelic image in front of her parents.
Jesus, this guy won’t quit.
I take a step closer, but Emma puts her back to my chest, grabbing my wrist to stop me from doing what I really want to do.Knock his lights out. But I’ll do better. I’ll shut him up for good.
“Yeah, she would. You wanna know why? Because this douchebag can make her come all over his face within minutes. Something you never achieved in what? Over two years? So yeah. I think she’s much better staying with me than going back to a pathetic excuse of a man like you.” I deliver my blow with a smirk and a wink.
Bunny’s hold on my wrist tightens, and I can see her eyes about to pop out of her head while Tommy looks like he wantsto kill me.Good, it means I hit him where it hurts. His tiny little ego.
“You piece of shit!” he says before reaching for me. But somehow Lance shows up right behind him, clasping his shoulder to stop him from coming for me.
“All right, I think that’s enough. Tommy, I think it’s time for you to go,” he tells him sternly.
“Lance, don’t be ridiculous. Tommy isn’t the one causing problems,” Elaine retorts from her spot on the sofa.
“Actually, he is. I don’t want him here. We’re done, Tommy. Get that in your head and leave me alone,” Emma tells him heatedly.
“Whatever. We’ll talk when you decide to grow up.” He gives her a nasty look that makes me want to rip his esophagus out and finally walks out of the room with his head held high.Good riddance.
“I’m sorry, Sunflower. Your mother didn’t tell me he would be here. If I had known, I would have kicked him out before you got here or at least warned you,” Lance whispers quietly and offers his daughter a sympathetic smile. “Now. How about we eat? I think this beautiful Little Tulip is getting hungry.” He chuckles and tickles my girl’s belly, to which she squeals with joy as they walk away.
