I turn this over in my head. Gio is a complex man. However, if he had decided I should be his brother’s assistant, it’s for a reason. I trust Gio, so I shrug my father’s concerns off.
“Well, back to this date. Where are you guys going?”
“He’s taking me to dinner and a movie.”
“Have you run his background?” Nyla says as she strolls into the kitchen.
I smile. She’s dressed just like me in a pair of logo running shorts and my gamer logo tank top. The thigh-high socks are from the brand we started together after our channels took off and I got so many compliments on my socks. The black-and-white Adidas on her feet are the same shoes I bought her with my first check from gaming.
Dad looks up and grunts. I have to stifle a laugh. He is all for the business we’re building, but he’s not a fan of us modeling the gear.
“No, I didn’t do a background check. I want to pretend we’re normal for once. Maybe this is why I’m on my way to my thirties and still live in my father’s house and don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Hey, I love having you as my roommate.” Dad pouts.
“And your cooking is one of the reasons I’m not going anywhere, roomie.”
He snorts and tosses a carrot at me. I catch it and pop it into my mouth. I release a hum as I chew.
“Seriously, Iz. You need to do a background check. If you won’t, I will.”
“Ny, if something was amiss, Gio would have found it in the hiring process, and I would have known because he had me work on the contract and acquisition of Jacob in the first place. Gio is beyond thorough.”
My sister scoffs. I narrow my eyes at her. I go to say something about her and Gio, but Dad changes subjects on me.
“I’ve done the bookkeeping for you guys this month. Your numbers are looking great. When you two first started, I never thought socks and shorts would explode like this. And that’s just your apparel numbers.
“You both can retire from the family business,” he says and looks up through his lashes at Nyla. “At least slow down the travel assignments.”
My heart aches from the sound of hopefulness in his voice. I look to Nyla and it’s clear she’s thinking this over. A mischievous smile comes to her lips.
“I’ll come off the road when you start dating, Dad. We’re all grown up. Don’t you think it’s time you start enjoying the life of a bachelor?”
I can’t help but laugh. Dad’s cheeks turn pink, and he drops his eyes back to the meat he’s cutting. Nyla’s right.
Dad does need to start dating. I can’t remember the last time I saw him go on a date. He’s a handsome man. Anyone to date my dad would be a lucky woman. He would treat her like a queen.
“I’ve been on a few apps. Lizzy set up a profile or two for me,” he mutters.
I laugh loudly. “I did, but you haven’t used them so that doesn’t count.”
He places the knife down. “Okay, I’ll start dating if that means you’ll stay home and stop taking so many assignments that take you away. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“Why do I feel like I’ve just been hoodwinked?”
“Probably because I’ve been considering staying grounded for a while anyway.” Nyla laughs and it’s such a great sound to hear.
I look at Dad’s face. His blue eyes shine with fatherly love. Elijah Hemmingway is truly handsome. He has model looks and the physique to match. At six-four he can be intimidating when he loses his temper, but he’s one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever met.
Dad points the knife he picks back up at Nyla then me as we both laugh.
“You two are still little troublemakers. What you both should be worried about is making me a grandfather, so I have little ones to spoil for Christmas again.”
“I’ll leave that one to Ny,” I scoff.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
I notice the faraway look on my sister’s face. I’ll have to spend some time catching up with her. Clearly, it’s been too long.
“Is there one of those beers for me?” Ny asks.
“A fridge full,” Dad replies, then turns to get her one.
I find myself lost in thought. What if Jacob is the one and I do fall in love and start a family? I shake the thought away. We haven’t even gone on a date yet.
My attention is pulled away from my thoughts by my phone. It’s the bakery for the cupcakes Dante wants for Bella for Christmas. I excuse myself to answer and tuck all thoughts of Jacob, kids, and love away.
I’m content with life the way it is. Work, books, and gaming.
Chapter 5
Nope
Dante
“I don’t care if the entire fucking royal British family invited you to lunch. You won’t disappoint our daughter again. Cancel your lunch and be a fucking mother,” I bellow, losing my patience.