“Yes, but I guess I just didn’t think I’d be twenty-five and still selling clothes to rich ladies. I thought I’d be making bigger decisions and maybe even helping with a store’s seasonal strategy!”
The CEO nods, thinking for a moment.
“I hear you, baby. But you know what? I bet I could ask around and find someone I know who could hook you up with a job in fashion, if you’re interested. The good part is that we’re in NYC, the center of the industry, so there should be plenty of opportunities.”
My heart stutters in my chest, and then begins to hammer hard in anticipation.
“You would do that for me?” I manage in a strangled tone.
The handsome man grins, making the butterflies in my stomach flutter all over again. “Of course, sweetheart. My daughter needs a leg up in the world, don’t you think? I’m a doting father, after all.”
I laugh out loud, so happy that I could dance with joy. “Stop it! You know we’re not father and daughter. I’m sleeping with you every night! Even mornings and afternoons sometimes!”
Then I slap a hand over my mouth, seeing if the family behind us overheard. Fortunately, they appear engrossed in searching the bushes for a missing ball, so we’re good. Meanwhile, Clancy pulls me close, slinging one heavy arm about my shoulders before pressing a kiss to my temple.
“Yes, because that’s what little girls do,” he breathes hotly into my ear. “They please their daddies.”
Oh my God, this man is so rancid and evil, but the gleam in his eye tells me he knows it. Feeling hot and flushed, I try to change the conversation.
“So,” I ask in a light tone, “tell me about your job. I know you said I wouldn’t be interested, but I really want to know. You’ve already heard all about my job-related anxieties, so I want to hear yours now.”
He shrugs and grins while lining up his putter.
“Well, I’ve been in banking for more than twenty years, so I’m pretty senior. There aren’t too many anxieties when you’re at my level,” he adds before taking the shot. We both squint as the ball rolls down the green before bouncing harmlessly off the bumper to land in the middle of nowhere. “Damn,” he says under his breath. “I’m going to lose if I keep playing like this.”
“No, you’re fine,” I giggle. “Do you like it at least? Twenty years is a long time.”
He shrugs and grins again.
“I don’t think it’s about like or dislike at this point. I work with clients, advising them on all kinds of deals. Mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and even bankruptcy. It’s kind of like being in sales sometimes because it’s a relationship business. But in this case, I’m selling the bank’s services.”
I nod, shooting him a pointed glance.
“Yes, but do you like it? I know you said it doesn’t matter, but it does.”
Clancy chuckles and nods.
“I like it well enough,” he admits, “but I’ve been looking for something new. I’ve been doing the same thing for years, and it’s probably time for a change. Don’t get me wrong, things have shifted a lot in this industry over the past two decades, but I mean a different kind of change. Something radically different that I can get excited about.”
I cock my head at him, shooting him a curious look.
“What do you mean?”
He leans in toward me, pinning me with his playful, dark blue gaze.
“I don’t know,” he drawls easily. “Maybe I’ll buy a fashion company and make you the head buyer.”
I giggle because as much as I wish that could be true, I know he’s joking.
“I like that idea,” I admit. “But no, seriously. What kind of change? You mean changing industries, right? Maybe getting into tech? I’ve heard there are lots of opportunities with cryptocurrency and blockchain. Not that I know what that’s about,” I admit.
He merely shakes his head.
“No, I mean it. Maybe I will buy a fashion house. Why not? Could be fun.”
I stare at him.
“You know the fashion industry is ruthless.”
He grins.
“I’m all about ruthlessness. I’m ready for ruthlessness. Hell, I’m built ruthless.”
I roll my eyes.
“Really, Dad? You’re built ruthless?”
He bends forward to kiss me, while chuckling again.
“Yes indeed, sweetheart,” he drawls. “It’s nice to have your daddy wrapped around your finger, ain’t it? You’ll get whatever your precious heart desires.”
I kiss him back, at first light and easy, but then hard and passionate and uncaring of the fact that we’re still in the middle of the miniature golf course. After all, this man is the answer to my dreams and somehow, I get the feeling that Clancy’s serious. He is a ruthless businessman, and if he sees opportunity, he’ll strike. Not only that, but he wants me to be happy, and if he has to buy a fashion brand to make it happen, then so be it. How did I get so lucky? I lean into the billionaire’s embrace, murmuring his name softly. After all, this is my man and I wouldn’t give him up for the world.