Page 9 of Daddy's Little 1

He shakes his head, his eyes wild. “You’re James’ little girl. I’m not supposed to want you.”

He takes off for his room, leaving me in a puddle of confusion and humiliation on the couch.

ChapterFive

Roman

Last night was…

I don’t even know what it was. I’ve never been kissed by a woman in the middle of an allergic reaction.Womanbeing the key word. Because now I’ve tasted her, there’s no denying that I want her—as if the lingerie shopping and pink bikini haven’t already proven that. Brenna is not a little girl anymore.

But you want her to beyourlittle girl.

I rake my hand through my hair. Dammit, I can’t forget the sensation of her soft lips against mine. It was wrong on so many levels. Yet, it didn’tfeelwrong. It was only my worry about James that sent me running.

I’ve stayed away all day, checking on my flagship bar, Scotch Rocks, in the Silk Stocking District since I won’t be there tonight. Christmas Eve is usually set up for private events there, but I promised to accompany Brenna to the party to represent James tonight. I should’ve been taking her, but I chickened out, telling her I was caught up at work and sending a car to collect her instead. Dick move, but I’m not thinking rationally at the moment.

Handing my keys to the valet outside the hotel, I head inside. I know Brenna is already here because her driver messaged me fifteen minutes ago.

Stepping inside, I’m greeted by the host, who shows me to the function room where the party is being held.

My gaze roams the room, looking for Brenna. I do a double take as a curvy siren approaches me. “Brenna?” I croak.

She steps carefully toward me in a sparkling, form-fitting blue dress. Her dark, glossy locks are swept into a fancy updo, her deep velvet eyes subtly enhanced with makeup, and I’d recognize those killer dimples when she smiles anywhere. She looks so… grown up.

I offer her my arm. “I don’t think I ever saw Brianna in that dress. You look stunning.”

“It’s nice to hear her name,” she says.

I want to say something more, but instead, I let memories of her late mother hang in the air for a moment.

She loops her arm through mine and flashes me another of her radiant smiles. “Thank you. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Guilt paws at me again. She should be reprimanding me for leaving her to arrive alone, but she’s handling herself like an adult. Unlike me, who’s been running scared all day. I suddenly realize I’m proud of her—proud to have this amazing woman on my arm.

I check her for any sign of unsteadiness on her high heels, but she’s holding her own.

James’ assistant has set up the laptop for Zoom when it’s time for the toast. “I texted James earlier. It’s going well in the UAE, and they’ll be a part of the toast.”

“Isn’t it late at night there?” she ask as all eyes turn to us. No… to her.

I notice, but she doesn’t. Instinctively, I pull her closer. “It’ll be around six-thirty in the morning,” I tell her. “They’re having a breakfast meeting.”

She nods and scans the room. I see that glint in her eye that James gets. The one where she’s analyzing everything and everyone. She’s making some kind of plan, and I can almost see it formulating in her head.

She releases me, and I feel cold without her. “I’ll find you again for the toast.”

She walks away, though not before piercing me with those sinful brown eyes. I fight the urge to follow her as she approaches someone to ensure she’s all right. But she has this. She’s a natural like her da.

I grab a drink as a server passes with a tray and find a place to observe. I could also mingle, but I’m mostly a prop to make her look good. I can’t imagine her needing me, though. She moves with grace and animation. She makes people smile and laugh.

I’ve never known her like this. I’ve always found her clumsiness cute. I never thought it took away from how brilliant or sexy she is. But now, as I watch her make an impression with all these people, calling them all by name, I can see her existing in my world.

After some time she walks over to me, and I watch how carefully she steps to avoid taking a tumble. I can’t help but smile, holding back a chuckle.

“What?” she asks. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “You’re doing great.”

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