“Of course. You know I’ve always got her back.” I cleared my throat because I was certain it was closing. “Does anyone need a topper?”
My God. This was Cage Reynolds. I loved this man.
And I’d totally crossed the line. What was I thinking?
He’d never look at me the same if he knew what we’d been doing.
What I’d been doing to his little girl.
I filled their mugs and then topped off Gracie’s, and she looked up at me with wide eyes, as if she could tell that I was freaking out.
Well, guess what.
I am freaking the fuck out.
“That’s plenty,” Gracie squeaked, and I realized I’d filled it so high that she’d have to lean down to take a sip because it would spill over if she tried to raise it.
I put the coffeepot back on the counter and sat down at the table. They asked us both a bunch of questions about how work was going and how the family house was coming along, and of course they asked if either of us had been dating at all.
“No. I’m taking a break from men, remember?” Gracie chuckled. “I’ve sworn off them so I can focus on my career. No more distractions.”
Apparently, I was not a distraction. It shouldn’t have bothered me, but for whatever reason, it did.
“I think it’s a good idea for you to focus on yourself and your career right now, sweetheart,” Cage said. “New York will be a fresh start for you. You don’t need to tie yourself down to some asshole here, when you aren’t staying. Gabriel was enough for a lifetime.” He winked at his daughter, and a sick feeling settled in my stomach.
I am the asshole here.
“Trust me, Dad. It was a tough lesson, and I won’t be changing my plans for any man ever again, so you need not worry. I’m excited for this opportunity in New York.” Gracie sighed, and she glanced over at me.
I would normally be adding to the conversation, but I was at a loss for words.
I needed to pull my head out of my ass.
“Nothing is stopping our girl, and I’ll make sure of it. I’ve had to fight off all the single dudes in town to keep them away from her.” I reached for a piece of bacon and took a bite.
“I knew I could count on you, Beefcake,” Cage said with a smirk. “Sorry. Couldn’t help myself. Feeling a bit nostalgic right now.”
Gracie laughed and shook her head. “Why? What is happening?”
“Dad and I were so worried about you in Paris. And we wanted you to come home, but once we knew that you were going to stay with Cutler, we completely relaxed.” Presley turned to look at me. “She’s a grown woman, but she’s still our little girl, and just knowing that she was with you, someone we fully trust, I can’t begin to tell you the peace of mind it’s given us.”
I was the fucking devil.
I deserved a one-way ticket to hell.
I’d completely betrayed them.
As if Gracie could read my mind, she clapped her hands together. “This is a bit theatrical, isn’t it? I’m a grown woman. Idon’t need anyone to take care of me, including my best friend. I’m grateful that he opened his doors to me and offered me a temporary job, but I don’t need rescuing.”
“I know you don’t, sweetheart. But from a father’s perspective, it’s just nice to know that a kid, one whom I consider to be a second son to me, is watching out for you.” Cage cleared his throat, as if he was overcome with emotion.
A second son.
I deserved any karma that came my way.
The doorbell rang, and I jumped to my feet, anxious to get away from the conversation, but Gracie’s father clearly had the same idea.
“I’ll get that,” Cage said, stepping in front of me.
