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I looked over at Penelope, and when she smiled at her father, he finished talking.

“Come on. Let’s get y’all fed.”

The man standing near the rear passenger door opened it for us. I was about to let Penelope climb in first when her father held up his hand.

“Actually, let me get in.”

I stepped back. Mr. Hayes climbed into the truck and settled into the middle seat. I watched him.

Then I looked at Penelope. She looked at me. I already knew what the hell he was doing.

“Come on, Pumpkin,” he said, patting the seat beside him.

Penelope climbed in, and I walked around to the other side of the truck. By the time I got situated, her daddy was sitting directly between us like we were two teenagers who needed supervision.

I stared straight ahead. There was no way this man was serious.

“Everybody comfortable?” he asked sarcastically.

“Yes, Daddy,” Penelope answered.

“MJ?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent.”

The chauffeur pulled away from the building, and I took out my phone. I sent Penelope a text.

Your daddy really got us separated like we on punishment.

I watched her glance down at her phone. She pressed her lips together.

A second later, her shoulders started shaking.

“What’s so funny, Pumpkin?” her father asked.

“Nothing.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

I looked out the window. My phone vibrated.

MJ PLEASE BEHAVE.

I typed back.

Ask him if I can sit next to you on the way back.

Penelope burst out laughing, and her father looked over at her.

“Penelope?”

“I’m sorry.”

“What’s gotten into you?” he asked.