Semua Bab Claiming My Father’s Best Friend : Bab 21 - Bab 30

JORDAN I walk past the kitchen, heading to the pool built in my backyard, but I pause as I reach the open door. Peter is sitting on the long kitchen stool, swinging his legs like a giddy kid, waiting for his favorite aunt to prepare his snacks.I lean on the door frame and watch him banter with my housekeeper. Agatha’s back is towards the door, so she is oblivious to my presence, but I know Peter can see me from his peripheral vision. However, he pretends not to and talks about baking like he wants to enroll in a culinary school this summer.I chuckle lightly under my breath and fold my arms across my chest. I don’t have to go to work until noon. Nelson warned me not to show up until it’s time for my first appointment.He’s like the son I never had.I’d never thought about him that way until last night when he called and stayed on the phone until I was ready to jump into bed. We talked about his wedding anniversary, which is in a few weeks. Then he asked me to tell him about my late

ASTRID I walk into the humane society kennel as the attendant turns over the OPEN sign. It’s less chaotic, and that shows they’ve been in for a while setting up and cleaning the stalls. I learned animals are a lot more like toddlers. They demand so much attention and can be loud, too.A young woman hurries past me with a German shepherd under her arms. She’s whimpering, her hair ruffled, her shirt has coffee stains and something darker. The attendant holds the door open for her and grabs the animal from her arms. She motions at the bench, but the woman shakes her head and trails after her, her palm over her mouth.Swallowing a lump, I tear my gaze away from them and exhale slowly. I don’t understand Ava Rock's reason for choosing to meet here. When I texted her about the book and asked if she was ready to proceed, she said she needed to add a few things to the epilogue. The epilogue looks okay to me. Like the rest of her books I’ve come across - this one strikes a chord in my mind.

JORDAN Moonlight stream through the windows, mingling with the dimmed lights of my study. Breathless and my muscles aching with maddening need. The image of Astrid in a low-cut gown, her ginger blonde splayed on her delicate shoulders, and her lips twitching in a sultry smile.I have no idea where the image pops out from but it’s messing up my train of thought and causing a massive discomfort in my pants. I adjust for the fifth time, stifling a moan as the tip of my shaft brushes the thick material of my pants.Something churns inside of me.Deep regret?Desire?Anticipation?I shake my head gently. The fantasy that comes from knowing a woman like Astrid intimately has to be discarded.I shuffle through the emails. I have a meeting at 10 am with the board. Nelson suggests I give them another chance as they’ve been with the company since it started.Outside, the sun hardens. I flex my fingers as I watch the throngs of people going through the sidewalks. For a moment, I stare, drinking

ASTRID “What is it like to play the knight?”I pivot, walking backwards to lean on the porch railing. “What do you mean? I'm no knight, Lisa.”“Everyone seems to think you are. Ava said you played a part in Dad’s release. She couldn’t stop gushing about you over the phone last night.”“Ava isn’t everyone. Her opinion is probably based on our friendship.”“Is it?”“You sound upset. What’s the problem?”I’m not upset. I’m trying to understand what makes you think you belong here. That you could barge into our private moment and act like you are part of this family.”I smile without pausing.“Ava is my friend. We’ve bonded over work, conversation about family, love, life in general, and I honesty consider her as a part of my life now. I don’t know if you understand what I’m trying to say, but I want you to know that I’m not trying to barge into your family. I wanted to meet your Dad and you, of course.”A glimmer of disbelief flashes in her eyes. “Georgia told me about you that first ni

ASTRID “Well, have you thought about what I said, Jordan?” Dad asks and casts me an appraising glance.Jordan studies me as though seeing me for the first time, and then he retreats his gaze, fixing it on my father.“We’re not hiring right now, and you know how it is. We can’t bring in a new person at this critical moment.”“But she’ll be an asset to your company. Have you seen her work? She’s efficient.”“She’s your daughter. Of course, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve heard about her, and I must say,” He casts me a grin, “I’m impressed.”Perplexed, I cock my head at the two men, glancing at them simultaneously. “What are you both talking about like I’m not here?”“You father suggested I employ your services in my company.”Understanding hit me like a softball sailing over a home plate. Dad never mentioned anything like that to me. “But I’m working, and I don’t remember complaining to anyone about my job.”“That man overworks you. You need to be in a space where your w