When my father finds out I was Daisy’s professor, even if he discovers it 20 years and four children from now, he’d cut all ties with me in a heartbeat. What in the fuck do I do? I want the business. I deserve the business. How do I navigate this without putting one or both of my relationships in jeopardy?
“Dad, I’m perfectly capable of handling my own love life and relationships. And traipsing these women in front of me like a herd of cattle is not going to happen.”
“Fine.” He throws his hands in the air. “But remember. Time is ticking.”
“I understand. Loud and clear.” I rake a hand through my hair, leaving it standing in all directions.
“I want to introduce you to Giselle Henrick.”
“Dad!”
“You’ll meet the women and their families. It’s a common courtesy to meet guests, and we have a reputation to uphold.” He turns his head toward me. “I’m not giving you a year. You only have a few weeks to get your shit together, or you’re out.”
“Dad.” I grab his shoulders. “Let it go. I’m seeing someone.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
“Oh, honey, that’s fantastic.” My mom comes from the other side of me and grabs my face. “Why didn’t you tell us and avoid this event?”
“Because we just started dating, and I didn’t want you to scare her away.” I press my lips together while arching my eyebrows. “And I didn’t know you were throwing an impromptu dinner to sell me off to the highest bidder.”
“Right.” A pink flush covers my mom’s cheeks as Heather inches closer. She’s the last person I want in on Daisy and I’s secret. She’s the type to spill her guts for spite. “I wish you would have said something. I would have never set the dinner.”
I lay my arm over her shoulders and squeeze her to me. “Don’t be hard on yourself. I know you were trying to do the right thing.”
“Thank you, dear.” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek.
“So.” I eye them both. “Who are these people?”
My dad, whose irritation has lessened now that he knows I’m dating someone, points out the different couples and how connecting with them could have enhanced the company.
Aaron Rodriguez. Now that I’m on board with. Connecting with Mr. Rodriguez would be a smart business move…if he doesn’t shove his daughter on me.
“Introduce me.”
My mom loops her arm around mine and I pull out the full court press without committing to a date with Mr. Rodriguez’s daughter.
***
Twenty Minutes Later
Heather stalks toward me, and only stops when she’s too close for comfort. “These other girls might stand down without a fight, but I’m not like those other women. I know what I want, and I’m going for it.”
“Heather, I’m your professor, and that precludes us from being in a relationship.”
She arches her eyebrows. “Does it?”
“Yes, it does.” And it’s the truth. There’s only one person I’d risk my future for, and that’s my girl.
“That’s too bad.” She places her hand on my chest and slides her fingertip down to my abdomen. “What would it take to get you to change your mind?”
I snatch her hand into my fist. “I won’t change my mind.”
She leans forward and licks her lips, keeping her eyes trained on mine. “Why? Are you gay? I’ve seen you eyeing Tripp in class. What’s that all about?”
“I’m not gay.”
“Didn’t think you were.” She gnaws on her bottom lip. “You’re making a mistake. When I want something, I fight hard.” Her voice is silky and filled with desire.
“I’m not making a mistake.”