She links her fingers over my neck and releases a deep, shaky breath. “Show me what you are made of, Mr. Bond.”
This time, the sexy is just right, and I waste no time giving her exactly what she wants.
???
“We were going to start eating without you.” Simone places a hand on her hips and glances between us. “You two could at least stop looking so smug about it.”
Jen rolls her eyes and pulls me in. “Oh, like you and Bennett weren’t going at it like a bunch of rabbits in the beginning.”
Simone closes the door behind us. “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”
She pulls me into the dining room. There, the Slades are already sitting at the table, plates of steaming hot food, everything from potatoes to vegetables and grilled chicken spread out over every surface. The living room door is left open and children are pouring in and out, their laughter and shrieks slicing through the air.
I look back at the table and stop when I see Miles sitting there, watching me intently, and I wonder when I will ever get used to seeing him in this light. As my father. Rebecca is sitting on his right, passing out plates. A quick look passes between us before I offer them both a slow nod and sit down next to Jen.
Miles pushes his chair back and stands up. He picks up his glass and everyone sits down and falls silent. “Now that we’re all safe again, I want to propose a toast.”
Underneath the table, Jen squeezes my leg.
“First, to Jennifer and Matthew.”
“Hear, hear,” come several replies.
“You had us worried there for a second, but you pulled through, and you can finally say you’re free.” Miles turns to the rest of the people at the table. “And to the Slades.” He glances around the table, his bright eyes brimming with pride and happiness. “I’m so proud of all of you, of the men you’ve become, of the women who have become like daughters to me, and of my grandchildren, the lights of my life.”
Rebecca reaches for his hand across the table. “That was beautiful, sweetheart.”
Miles clears his throat and looks back at everyone, his eyes settling on me from across the room. He motions to me, and I get up to follow him into a spacious room with brown chairs, a desk and a fireplace. He sits down and motions for me to do the same.
“I know I’ve missed out on a lot, but if you’ll let me, I want to be a part of your life. We all do. I know there’s still a lot we need to figure out first, but I’d like us to try.”
I blow out a breath. “I’m sorry about how I behaved when I found out.”
Miles shook his head. “Yes, well, not your best moment. But, I understand why you did. I would’ve too.”
“I still apologize.”
“And I accept your apology. I appreciate it.”
I clear my throat. “I want us to try, too. I know it won’t be easy, but I would like to be in your life as well.”
Miles looks relieved as he stands up and holds out his hand. I push myself up to my feet and give him a firm shake. “We’ll talk some more later. Let’s go and eat before the food gets cold.”
As soon as I sit down next to Jen, she reaches for my hand underneath the table. “You two were gone for a while,” she says. “Should I be worried?”
I gave her a quick smile and shake my head. “Everything’s great.”
“Here’s to Jen and Matthew,” Bennett calls out, from the other side of the table. He lifts his glass up and tilts it in our direction. “And to their take down of Travis, and other key members of the mob.”
A chorus of agreement rises up and everyone touches their glasses together.
Miles takes a few sips of his drink, his expression growing thoughtful. “You know, I don’t know if the others have told you about the stipulation I put on my sons. Everyone got married because I tied it to their inheritance. I wonder—”
I sputter and choke on my drink. “Marriage? That’s a little intense.”
Ryker jumps to his feet and touches his dad’s arm. “Dad, he hasn’t even made it through one meal with us. Don’t you think we should get to know him first before you go threatening to cut him off?”
“Yeah, cut Quantico some slack,” Mark adds, from a few seats down.“It’s not like there’s any kind of hurry.”