I glare at him until his grin falters—barely.
“Watch your mouth,” I say, voice low.
He holds up both hands, still smiling.
“Okay, okay.But—Dad.Seriously?Kelly?She’s a MILF.”
“Yes, really,” I say, then I toss one of my discarded ties at his head, “And watch your fucking mouth.”
“Sorry, sheesh.”
I roll my eyes at him.He doesn’t mean anything by it.
But this?Going out with her?
It meanssomething.
Really, it does.
He studies me for a beat, and the teasing fades into something closer to respect.
“Wow, you’re serious about her,” he says quietly.
Then his grin comes roaring back.“So, what are your plans for after dinner?”
I turn fully toward him, fixing him with the exact look that’s made grown men reconsider their life choices.
“Maddox Lawrence,” I say slowly, “I am your father and sire, and I absolutely am not about to discuss any plans I may or may not have with that beautiful woman—not chick or MILF—I may have mentioned.Now get the hell out of my house before I remind you I can still kick your overgrown ass.”
He bursts out laughing and backs toward the door like he’s dodging bullets.
“Okay, fine, I’m going,” he says, still chuckling.“But I want details tomorrow over brunch.Our usual spot?”
I pause, fingers on my tie.For the first time tonight, an actual smile tugs at my mouth.
“I don’t know, son.”I tighten the knot, clean and precise.“I might be unavoidably detained.”
Maddox points at me like he’s proud.“Okay, okay, I see how it is.Good luck.”
Luck.
He thinks I need luck?
The little shit.
He disappears down the hall, still laughing.
I stare at my reflection again.
Shoulders squared.Shirt finally buttoned correctly.Tie straight.
And underneath all that control?
A pulse of something I don’t like to name.
Hope.
“I’m not gonna need luck tonight,” I murmur to myself.
