Page 9 of Mob Boss Daddy

“Hmm” is all he says as he goes back to his dinner.

My heart leaps into my throat. What could he possibly want to talk to me about? Have I done something to screw things up again? I spend the rest of the meal fretting over endless worst-case scenarios.

Now that I’ve walked out of my apartment, I wouldn’t even have a place to stay if he fired me. No, there’s no way I said or did anything to warrant firing me on my first day. I’m just being silly.

“Excuse me, boss.” Rory enters the dining room, hesitating just a few paces away. Jack’s nostrils flare and he glares at the other man.

“Not during dinner, Rory. I already told you that before. No business at dinner time,” Jack says through gritted teeth.

Rory’s ears turn red, and he begins pulling at his collar. “Oh, crap. I’m sorry, boss. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going home now, but everything’s taken care of.”

Jack gives him a dismissing wave and doesn’t even look his way. “Right. You can leave now.”

“Good night.” Rory nods and scurries out of the room.

“You don’t like having your dinner interrupted?” I ask.

He turns to me and says, “I don’t allow anyone to interfere with family time. Macy needs stability in her life. This family comes first.”

I never would have expected something so sweet to come from such a big, tough man and a rush of warmth comes over me. I wish I had someone in my life who cared that strongly about me. I suspect that Jack noticed my reaction because he reaches over, takes my hand, and says, “You’re part of our family now, too.”

We finish dinner and Jack takes Macy outside to play for a few minutes before bed. I follow them out and sit on the patio. It’s dark outside but the garden is illuminated by rows of vintage-style gas lamps.

It’s so cozy out here, and I smile because…who would have thought I’d ever live in a place like this?

I watch as Jack and Macy toss a ball and, for the first time, I see the softer, gentler side of him come to the surface. He laughs and cheers when Macy catches the ball and comically stumbles when she tosses one right into his hand.

“You’ve got quite a fast ball,” he tells her and her face lights up.

I’ve never seen anything like this before and could watch them for hours. Sadly, Macy needs to be bathed and put to bed, so they end their game and join me on the patio.

“Put the ball away and go with Jessie.”

“Good night, Uncle Jack,” she replies and he leans down so she can kiss his cheek.

“Jessie, meet me in the lounge after.”

“Okay.” I nod and escort Macy back to the nursery.

I don’t want to rush through Macy’s bedtime routine, but I’m on pins and needles wondering what Jack wants to talk about. He didn’t seem angry, but in the short time I’ve known him, I’ve seen him go from calm to practically homicidal in a matter of seconds. There’s no telling what’s going on inside his mind.

Once I’ve bathed her, dressed her, and combed her hair, I read her a story and turn off the light. I head back to my room to freshen myself up before meeting Jack in the study. I had changed out of my dress before bathing Macy because I didn’t want to get it wet.

Now, standing here in a tank top and shorts, I have to decide if this outfit is appropriate for a meeting with my boss—my boss who has seen me in my bikini and played with my hair. Do I seem overly comfortable? But will I look stupid if I change into something more formal just for a short talk?

Shaking my head, I tell myself I’m overthinking things and make my way to the study, palms sweaty and pulse racing.

There’s a dim light coming from the room and the soft sound of instrumental music playing. I peer into the room before making my presence known and see Jack seated on the small leather sofa in the center of the room. He’s wearing a pair of gray sweatpants and a black, ribbed undershirt.

I’ll probably die in the next few seconds because he takes my breath away.

It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him in anything but a suit, and the sight of his protruding muscles makes my heart pound a little faster. I expected there to be a fit, strong man under those clothes, but I never expected this. All the guys on billboards have nothing on him.

I step into the room and smile at him. “Sorry if I’ve kept you waiting. I’m still getting used to the bedtime routine.”

“It’s fine. I haven’t been waiting long. Come sit with me.”

I can feel his eyes all over me as I approach and nestle in beside him. Electricity zaps through the air, and the tension between us is so palpable I can slice it with a knife. I’m too aware of his nearness, and if he makes a move, I might just explode.

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