Page 69 of Unpredictable
Connor’s face relaxed. “Yeah. I like that—saving her a seat at the table.”
Juliana was getting excited now, if the way she was bouncing in her seat was any indication. She needed to stop because the way her breasts were swaying made my cock stand up and take notice. I pressed against it beneath the table, needing it to calm the fuck down.
“And I recently saw this sweet idea to do picture charms on the bouquet.” She grabbed her phone, typing something before showing us the screen.
Connor nodded, as did I. “Olivia would love that,” he said before turning to me. “We could include a photo of Grandma Marian too.”
I nodded, appreciative of the fact that he wanted to recognize someone so important to Olivia. She’d been incredibly close to Cam’s mom before she’d passed. Grandma Marian had encouraged her love of reading and baking. And I knew Olivia was sad Grandma Marian wouldn’t be at her wedding.
We talked for a while longer, enjoying our dinner before Juliana took over cleanup. While she busied herself in the kitchen, I invited Connor to my office.
“Before you go—” I grabbed an envelope from my desk and handed it to him.
He glanced down at it, brow furrowed. “What’s this?”
“Open it.”
He pulled out the slip of paper and stared at it. “Is this…” He jerked his head back. “Is this what I think it is?”
I nodded. “An open-ended ticket from LA to London.”
“But—business class?” His eyes widened. “Holy shit.”
I couldn’t help the grin that split my face. I’d always enjoyed being generous, especially when it came to my daughter and her friends. And while I hadn’t shown that side to Connor until now, it was clear how truly appreciative he was.
“Olivia misses you. And I want her to be happy.” It was as simple as that.
He nodded, slipping the ticket confirmation back into the envelope. “Thank you, sir.” There was something in his gaze, some question unspoken. “Is this hush money?” he finally asked.
“Hush money?”
“Well, I assume you haven’t told Olivia about Juliana, given that she’s never mentioned it to me.”
“Mentioned what?” I feigned ignorance, even as a bead of sweat slid between my shoulder blades.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, come on. We both know you’re sleeping together.”
“Keep your voice down,” I hissed.
I glanced over my shoulder to where Juliana was wiping down the kitchen counter. I was momentarily struck with the rightness of it. Ofher—not just in my home, but in my life.
“Oh man,” Connor said, and my attention snapped to him. He was watching me with a soft gaze, head tilted to the side. “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”
I clenched my fists. I was not discussing my love life with my future son-in-law. And maybe if I kept my mouth shut, he’d drop it.
“Olivia likes her, you know.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Olivia did like Juliana—as her wedding planner. She respected her as a professional.
“Which is why you can’t tell her about this,” I said, hoping he’d assume I was merely referring to the swimming.
Though, considering the fact that Connor had successfully broken in to my house—completely undetected—I had no idea the true extent of his knowledge of my relationship with Juliana. Had he seen Juliana’s sticky notes on the bathroom mirror? Her thyroid medication resting on the nightstand in the master bedroom?
Shit.I’d been caught red-handed by my future son-in-law.
“Olivia and I don’t keep secrets from each other,” Connor said, which only made me respect him more. Even if he was thwarting my goals.
“Just this once…” I swallowed, hating myself for having to ask this. But Olivia’s happiness was more important than anything—even my pride. Even the truth.
