“Well, how is my future daughter-in-law doing today?” he asked and she felt her mouth drop and her face turned bright red.
Harold laughed and then looped his arm through hers and walked her in the opposite direction of the company.
“Now, don’t be embarrassed, gossip travels fast around Chance and of course the fact that my three sons who I thought might never settle down started threatening men.”
“What?” she asked and he explained about Hank, Leo, and Will telling guys that liked her to stay clear that she belonged to them. She didn’t know if she should be touched or angry.
“But I’m not involved with them.”
Harold raised one of his eyebrows up at her in challenge.
“Well, I mean not officially. They haven’t taken me out on a date, and, Hank is just, complicated.”
He chuckled.
“You have flustered my son Hank so much he doesn’t know which way is up and which is down. I was just in there and he was in a pissed off mood. Heard from Will that Hank hasn’t kissed you yet or made his desire to make you his woman official.”
“Oh God, you guys have such a great relationship that they tell you this stuff. It’s so weird,” she said then exhaled. Harold laughed.
“Not weird. Special. My brother William and I along with Ethena have raised our sons to be able to talk to us about anything and not feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or afraid. Believe me, the kind of trouble those three young men got into when they were younger gave me some of my gray hairs in my early thirties.” She laughed and then she felt sad.
He stopped, turned her toward him, and looked down into her eyes.
“You’re scared, aren’t you?”
She nodded her head.
He took a deep breath and released it. He seemed angry and she knew why. Harold knew what her dad and Bentley had done to her. He knew about her family and even her mom, who he felt badly for.
“Come on, let’s sit and talk this out.”
“But work.”
“I still own a share or few more than my sons so no worries,” he teased.
They took a seat on the bench and they talked about the situation.
He got very serious.
“Adel, Bentley is a dangerous man. He’s hurt you before. I know he hit you, was physically and verbally abusive. You need to report this. We should see Max.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want anyone to know about what happened to me. It’s embarrassing,” she said and felt the tears in her eyes. Then she felt Harold’s hand cover hers and she looked up into his eyes. He was sad, too.
“If he continues to bother you, you’ll need to confide in Max. As the sheriff he’ll make sure to keep it on the down low, but you should confide in my sons. They care for you a lot already.”
“How do you know they do? How do you know I’m not just something for now like the others?” she asked.
“Well first of all, if they are then they’ll get my boot up their asses one after the next.” She giggled.
“Seriously, I know my sons. I’ve never seen them react to a woman the way they instantly and separately reacted to you since day one. You’ve proven your capabilities, your knowledge of the construction business, and that puts you on a higher level than most, both female and male. You’ve covered for them and their indiscretions, which I’m sure has given you reservations about trust. Believe me, they’re kicking themselves in the ass for trying to act like morons. You’ve been professional and kind to them but ultimately it’s the equally shared attraction to you.”
She looked away and shook her head.
“I’m so confused right now. I feel like I’m just starting to get control of my life and make decisions on my own for the first time. Despite Bentley calling me and texting me frequently, I still feel like I’m surviving on my own and if I give into this attraction or whatever, that I’m setting myself up for more heartache.”
“That’s understandable, Adel. Bentley and your dad hurt you. That’s not easy to get over. Will my sons hurt you, too? I don’t believe they would. Besides, no one is saying by exploring this attraction to them that you’re giving up control or power, or your newfound independence. If anything, I think your independence, your work ethics and truthfulness are all things people find likable and are impressed with. Take your time and see where it leads, but you must promise me that you’ll come to me if there’s any trouble. I mean with my sons, with Bentley, or your father, with anything. I want you to know that I’m here for you, so never feel alone.”
He smiled at her and Adel felt the tears fill her eyes. She was all choked up and couldn’t even say thank you. It seemed she didn’t have to. He patted her knee and stood up.