Page 145 of Shared By the Highest Bidder

The moment of truth, even for myself hits me. Feeling hot and shaky, I cross my arms.

“How would you feel if I got serious withBernadette, knowing she was also seeing them?”

Jess looks down with the thinking face I first noticed when she was five. Back then her thoughts were no deeper than to choose between vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Now I’m asking her to consider something very non-vanilla.

“Do you want my honest opinion?” Her sharp tone tightens my throat.

I have no idea how to handle this. I’ve been selfish, only thinking of myself. If that is a deal-breaker for Jess, the decision is easy. I’ve not put my daughter first, and I’m happy to do so now.

“Go on. You’re the most important person in the world to me. How you feel about this is crucial.”

“I’m jealous as hell!”

“Oh, honey.” I reach for her, but she jumps back with a spit of laughter.

“Of her. She getsthreegreat men,” Jess screeches. “It’s hard enough to find one.”

“You’re eighteen.” I narrow my eyes. “And you have seven more years of college to get your PhD. You have plenty of time to find the right man.Oneman.”

“What if I want three?” She crosses her arms, mimicking me to a tee.

My gut reaction is to growl, that I would kill three men who want her the way we all want Bernadette.

“What’s meant to be will be, Jessica. Keep your heart open.” I’m still her dad, and it’s hard enough to imagine one man touching her.

It will take a lot of patience to imagine two, or three, or...

That’s enough, I’m ready to have a heart attack.

“Ha. You keepyourheart open. If Bernadette is right for you, and she just happens to come with twoother boyfriends, so be it. You’re a busy man. Don’t...” She clears her throat. “Never mind.”

“Don’t do to her what I did to Mom. I hear you.” I kiss her forehead and that sweet smell is still there. She’s still my innocent little girl.

“I’m gonna get out of here. Go meet your friends.” I look around. “You have everything you need?”

“Yes, Dad. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“For letting me take those classes in Italy next semester.”

“Remember, I have a jet. I can check on you at any time.”

“I would love that.” With another hug, she looks up at me. “And bring Bernie. Give her a surprise weekend in Naples!”

“That is tempting.” I kiss her again. “See you at Thanksgiving.”

I picture all the people around my holiday table. Me, Jess, Bernadette, Ford, and Ashton.

Smiling, I get into my limo and give my driver Ford’s address.

The sun sets in a purplish haze behind the Hudson River by the time I arrive at his building.

“Hang out here for a few minutes,” I tell my driver, getting out. “I’m bringing someone home with me.”

“Yes, Mr. Austin.”

Ford’s doorman waves me inside and the guards who know me, open the gate to the private elevator.

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