He doesn’t even hesitate. “Why? Why do you want to take out my daughter?”
My thoughts instantly go to her curvy body, how she’s sexy but doesn’t seem to realize it, and the excitement I saw her in her eyes when I first asked her out. But none of that I can say to her dad of all people. “She doesn’t seem to smile a lot. But when she does, it about takes my breath away. I want to see if I can make her smile more.”
He’s quiet, as if he’s weighing my words before suddenly he bangs his hands on his desk and stands up. “Right answer. Now let’s go get you a date.”
“Uh, sir—” I try to stop him. The thought of him playing matchmaker fills my head, and I know nothing good will come from that.
“Rusty. Call me Rusty.”
I follow behind him. “Rusty, I don’t think it’s going to go well if you force her to go out with me.”
“I’m not going to force her. She’ll have the final say-so. But Austin, let me tell you this. I don’t care how much business you give me. If you hurt my daughter, nothing will save you.”
It’s as if I can actually feel my heart palpitate at the thought of hurting Millie. “I won’t hurt her, sir. You have my word.”
He holds his hand out, and I know when I put my hand in his, it’s not just a handshake. It’s a commitment I’m making. And instead of being unsure or overwhelmed, I welcome it.
I shake his hand, and he turns again. “Follow me.”
Instead of trying to stop him again, I see the smirk on his face and follow along. I sort of can’t wait to see what the old man has up his sleeve.
He knocks on Millie’s open door and walks in. “Millie, Austin here is with Yate’s ranch. We need to get an idea of what all he needs and how much. He mentioned some special orders. I told him you would get all the information together and meet him tomorrow night to go over it all. Red’s Diner okay for you. Around six?”
Millie’s eyes are open wide, and she’s looking between her dad and me. I force myself to look as innocent as possible, but I know she can see that something is up.
She frowns and hesitates. “Uh, we can just meet here.”
I’m about to agree. It doesn’t matter to me, I’ll pick up dinner on the way to meet her wherever she wants to meet, but her dad interrupts. “He’s working all day, honey, and he can’t make it here until dinner time. But if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, I can just stay late tomorrow and go over it all with him.”
Rusty leans heavily against the cabinet, and I almost laugh. The man is good, and before I can even fathom that he’s pulling a quick one over his daughter, I can tell she knows what he’s up to. She looks at me accusingly, but I just shrug and smile. The ball is in her court, but I have a feeling she’s not going to tell her dad no.
“Sure, Dad. I’ll take care of it.”
Rusty straightens up and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Great, thanks, Millie. C’mon, Austin, you can walk me out and you can tell me some more about what all you need.” He looks at Millie. “I’ll fill you in on everything in the morning.”
Before he can hustle me out the door, I glance at Millie. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Be safe, honey.”
Her eyes flash at the endearment, making me wish we were alone and I could just watch her face as I call her other sweet names to figure out which one she likes the best.
“Bye, Austin,” she says softly.
Already, I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.
Chapter5
Millie
It’s not too late. My dad may have already left for the day, but I can still have Mike come down and meet Austin at Red’s. He’d probably love it. He’s pestered me all day about the Yates Ranch and if he’s going to get the commission for acquiring the new business. I told him to talk to Dad.
I slow my pace as I walk down the block. My dad filled me in on some of the things Austin needs, but I’m sure he missed some of it since he didn’t write any of it down. I grip the folder in my hand and swing open the door. Violet has already left for the day, and I find a booth in the corner and sit down. It’s probably good Violet is not here. I was on the phone with her all of last night because she wanted the details of what happened when Austin brought me the cake. She gave me the lecture on how I shouldn’t judge all men. They’re not all like Mike, she said. But luckily once she got on the subject of Mike, she couldn’t stop. She really doesn’t like that man. Probably as little as I do.
I order a water from the server and let her know I’m waiting on someone else. The restaurant is getting crowded with the dinner rush, which makes me cringe a little knowing that there’s a possibility I’m going to be the talk of the town... again.
I go through the file in my hand, making sure I know the ins and outs of what we’re going to discuss. I people watch and when I get tired of that, I pick up my phone. It’s six-fifteen, and I look outside just in time to see Austin jogging up the sidewalk. He opens the door and stands there as he looks around the restaurant. He looked good yesterday, but if possible, he looks even better today. He’s got his cowboy hat on and tight blue jeans on. His thighs are thick, and goodness, I couldn’t take my eyes off him even if I wanted to. As soon as he spots me, his lips widen, and his white teeth look even whiter since he seems like he’s covered in a film of dirt. He strides across the restaurant, and almost every head, especially the women, turn and watch him. He slides into the booth across from me, and it’s then I remember that I have my mouth hanging open, and I slam it shut.
“I’m sorry I’m late. It’s been one of those days.”
I tilt my head to the side and really look at him. Up close, he looks tired and worn out, but he’s still smiling. “You look like you had a rough day.”