“No, I think he’s rolling all over it to get it on him, just like I do whenever you’re around.”
The sound of her laugh fills me up.
“I have changed my sheets since you were here, so maybe he’s searching for your scent, wondering where you went.”
“Aw. That’s sad.”
“I’m a sad puppy too, without you.”
We talk until we’re both sleepy. I don’t want to hang up, but I know she needs her rest.
“Good night, Doll. I miss you.”
“Good night. I miss you too, Dylan.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
IRRESISTIBLE
DAHLIA
I sit in my office, numbers blurring together on the spreadsheet. Rents, mortgages, property taxes for Dad’s empire of strip malls, cabins, and McMansions scattered all over the state. My fingers cramp from typing. I’ve been coming in at five again all week for two reasons: My dad barks orders at me like I’m the only thing standing between his real estate kingdom and bankruptcy, so I feel behind at all times. But the most important reason? Dylan is coming to Minnesota for a few days. I cannot wait to see him later.
The phone on my desk buzzes. “Dahlia. My office. Now.”
Noplease, no explanation.
Just Dad summoning me and expecting me to jump. Which I do. I save the file I’m working on, smooth my skirt, and brace myself for the usual litany of how I’m coming up short.
He loves me. There are many moments when I see it. But it would probably be best if I didn’t work for the man. If itweren’t for him, I’d enjoy my job. I certainly appreciate the lifestyle it provides for Chloe and me.
His office overlooks the Mississippi, the city sprawling beneath us. It’s a beautiful view. He’s behind the desk, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, looking exhausted.
“Hey, Dad. You okay?”
“Sit,” he says, gesturing to the leather chair across from him.
I do, spine straight, hands folded in my lap like I’m twelve and worried he’ll fuss at me for fidgeting.
He flips through a stack of printouts—my reports on the new Duluth property he’s acquired, I realize—and I hold my breath. I triple- and quadruple-checked that the expenses were accurate. What could I have missed?
“You know,” he says, not looking up, “this Duluth portfolio? It’s…good. Damn good, actually. Cleanest I’ve seen in years. You caught that error in the Johannes rental. Saved us a headache with the bank.”
I blink. “Good?”
He meets my eyes, and for a second, the gruff mask slips. “Proud of you, sweetheart.”
My chest tightens. My dad is sweet with me when we’re away from the office, and he’s always sweet with Chloe, but a compliment from him at the office is like spotting a whale in the Mississippi. I swallow hard.
“Thank you, Dad,” I say, leaning forward. “I…I’m glad you think so. I want to do right by you always.”
“Of course.” He clears his throat, thrown off by my reaction too, I think. “You could be so much if you’d just put your heart into things around here.”
My shoulders drop.
“You might think you’ve got the job because you’re mydaughter, but I wouldn’t give someone so much control of the finances if I didn’t trust them completely.”
“I…appreciate that.” I hesitate, then decide to push a little. “Is there…anything else I should know? You can trust me…with everything. You know that, right?”
