Firm fingers lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m buying.”
She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I thought we could go back to Grandma Lou’s for apple pie. After the game.”
His eyes settled on her lips, and he quirked his mouth into a slow smile. “And you worried I’d say no? You had me at ‘you and I.’ Throw an apple pie into the equation, and I’m a goner.”
She couldn’t stop an answering smile from lifting the corners of her mouth. “You’d think I’d know you have a major sweet tooth by now.”
“Sweetheart, you and pie are about the best things to come my way in a long time. Maybe ever.”
“I didn’t mean. . .”
He wrapped a long arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side like a football. “I know what you meant. And I meant what I said. Pie without you is just pie.”
Before she could respond, Hank’s cell phone buzzed again. He glanced at the number and stiffened, his face hardening into a furious mask.Sorry, he mouthed, letting her go and turning toward the window.
“How much?”
There was a pause. Bethany was close enough to hear the loud male voice on the other end.
“What kind of greeting is that?”
“The only kind you’ll ever get from me.”
“I’m not calling about money. Well, not exactly. Listen, your brother mentioned that you’re getting serious about a girl.”
His jaw tightened. “Why do you care?”
“I’m concerned about you. Your last girlfriend is suing you for millions. The one before that spread lies about you on social media. This one sounds like she doesn’t have two cents to rub together.”
Bethany cringed. They were talking about her.
“None of which is your business.” Hank sounded bored. “Is there anything else?”
“Yeah, happy belated birthday. Linda and I are planning a trip to Los Angeles in September.”
He straightened. “You’re kidding.” The bored tone vanished.
“I’m perfectly serious. We can celebrate then.”
“No.”
“Now hear me out. I know I wasn’t around much when you were younger, but I didn’t have my head on straight back then. I’m in a good place since I last talked to you. I got a promising lead on a new job, and if this comes through, we’ll buy a house once we save a little dough. If we can afford the plane tickets, we thought it would be fun to come for a visit.”
“Still no.” Now he sounded mean. Bethany shivered.
The voice on the other end pleaded. “I thought you’d be happy. You’re always on me about staying put and holding down a job. Son, it’s only a brief visit. Surely, you can spare a little time for us. It’s the perfect opportunity for you tomeet your sisters and stepmom. They’re anxious to get to know you.”
“I’m not interested in getting to know them. I gotta go.”
“Hank, just think about it, will you. We’d all like to see you and Connor. I’ll call you later when you’ve had more time to consider the idea.”
“Now wait?—”
The call ended, and Hank stared at his cell phone for a full minute before glancing at Bethany. Fury banked like hot coals in his eyes.
“Your father?”
“Yes, sorry you had to listen to that.” His voice oozed acid. “Dear old Dad wants to visit me in Los Angeles.”
