Page 17 of On Your Knees

Zeland’s smile takes over his face and Ridge’s brows furrow. “I’m not giving her a job, Zee. It’s bad enough she lives in my house.”

“Our house, and not for a job, Pocket Rocket. You said yourself you wanted to ditch class, so how about a tour of my office?”

“Do I have to get into one of those god-awful cars?”

“He doesn’t own Ridez, I do. And just stay on your floor—I don’t need any distractions today.” Ridge storms out of the kitchen.

“I think he likes me,” I say jokingly.

“He definitely does. He took a sip out of the travel mug, and he would never do that otherwise. He’s very particular about his life. Go get dressed in something comfortable and meet me back here when you are done.”

“Can’t I go like this?” I joke because I’m in a T-shirt, underwear, and socks that go up to my knees, with my hair pulled into a messy bun.

“You could come naked if you want—I don’t mind at all. Just know the office is busy and you might want to wear pants.”

I laugh and nod before walking away. “You’re right, my future husband might work there, so I should make myself presentable.”

“If he works for me, he’s fired. If I can’t get into your pants, neither can he,” he calls out.

“I’m not wearing any pants,” I yell, not sure if he can hear me.

I race to my room, digging through my backpack for a clean pair of jeans and the nicest shirt I own. It’s nothing fancy like they wear and I’m second-guessing my decision to go. After I’m dressed, I apply some mascara and brush the knots out of my hair before I head back downstairs to find Zeland waiting for me in the kitchen. He gives me a once over and smiles.

“I’m not underdressed, am I?”

He shakes his head. “Wait until you meet Missy, she wears her pj’s most days. I run my office very differently to Ridge.”

“Thank god because I don’t have many outfits. I should pick up a few more things once I find a job.”

“We could always see Ridge’s cousin Morgan—they design and make clothes. We can put them on Ridge’s account.”

I laugh but shake my head. “As much as I love you annoying him, I couldn’t do that, and before you offer, I won’t let you pay either.”

Zeland just shrugs and asks if I’m ready to leave. We head to the garage, where he plucks the keys to an SUV from the row of hooks and leads me to his car of the day.

When he turns it on, the stereo blasts, and while it’s not a band I’m familiar with, I like the vibe.

“What band is this?” I ask.

“Hilltop Hoods. My mom used to listen to them a lot when I was younger.”

“Are you close to your mom?” I ask, and his jaw goes tight for a second.

“I used to be, but we grew apart after her and Ridge’s father got divorced. She was pissed when I wanted to stay with him, and now she only calls when she wants something.”

“Sounds a bit like my mom, except she dumped me on my grandmother when I was born and the last time she came around was when I was sixteen. It sucks, but I’m better off without her around. What about yourfather?”

“He died when I was young and lived a very go-with-the-flow lifestyle. He loved to surf, and I guess one day he went out and never came back. They never found his body, but Mom said they are positive he drowned.”

“Damn, that sucks. So are you close to Ridge’s father?”

His smile is back, and he nods. “I am. He is the stable parent I needed. He adopted me and I’m his favorite son.”

“He and Ridge don’t get along?”

Zeland laughs. “They get along well enough. Ridge won’t go out of his way to call or visit him, but I still do. Ridge is very work focused and always has been. I think he wants to prove he can make it in the business world alone. He built his company from the ground up, where I asked Harry for some financial help for a stake in the company. He hates that his father has a piece of Ridgeland Global, but it’s about his pride.”

“I googled you both,” I tell him honestly. “You’re both super rich—like you could retire now, drinking cocktails by the pool every day while someone hand feeds you grapes, rich.”

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