Page 39 of Billionaire Retreat

“Work sucks.”

I shook my head. “Tell me how you really feel, Dad.”

He laughed softly. “Your mom and Sadie are knocked out on the couch. I guess you tried to call them already?”

“You guessed right.”

“I knew it. I’m second picking.”

“Hey, second picking is just as good as first.”

We chatted for a while until he gave a big yawn. “It’s nap time for me.”

“Dad, you’re so old,” I joked.

“Yep. Sure am. And proud of it. Stay safe out in California. We miss you. Don’t get tempted into staying, you hear?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Did you talk to Sadie’s co-founder?”

I sighed. He was referring to Griffin. “No. I haven’t spoken to him yet about Sadie.”

“Well, you should. It’s important for a little girl to know her father.”

“Well, no matter what happens with her co-founder, she always has you.”

“Hmm...” he grunted. “I’m old.”

“Yet when I say it, you have an issue with it?” I loved teasing him about his age.

“Hey, you know what they say, you never ask a gentleman his age.”

“It’s actually you never ask a lady her age.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

I laughed and we hung up after I promised to do a better job calling him. After speaking with my dad, I felt better about my plans with Griffin. I didn’t tell Dad my plans to meet with Griffin, but I knew he would approve. I thought how funny it was that even when we’re older our parents’ approval still mattered. I guessed even an adult never stops being someone’s baby.

I focused on getting dressed for the evening. I noticed that Griffin hadn’t asked my number or where I was staying. Either he stalked me or he went through my HR file. Probably both.

An hour later I was ready and sitting on the couch with Kenny. The doorbell rang and I had to fight with Kenny to get to the door. He dashed in front of me and pushed me back.

“Kenny!” I hissed.

He stuck his tongue out at me and said, “I just want to meet him and I know you didn’t plan to introduce me.”

“I sure didn’t because you’re crazy.”

He curtsied to me and then opened the door. “Hiii! You must be Griffin!”

Griffin smiled charmingly, not missing a beat. “I sure am. And you’re...”

“Her cousin, Kenny.”

“Of course... and you own this fine establishment.”

“Guilty as charged,” Kenny said with a wink.