My father’s eyebrows rise. “Can’t accept?” He lowers himself into the chair across from us, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “I see. May I ask why?”
The moment stretches, taut with tension. Gray’s eyes find mine, questioning. We’ve already agreed on what he’s going to say, but he glances at me once more, just to make sure I haven’t changed my mind. I give him a nod and a small encouraging smile. Having my reassurance, he turns back to my father.
“The reason I can’t accept, sir, is because I have feelings for your son.”
The words hang in the air like smoke after an explosion. My mother’s hand flies to her throat. My father goes utterly still.
“Feelings,” my father repeats, his tone neutral.
I jump in, unable to let Gray shoulder this alone. “It’s mutual, Dad.”
My mother’s eyes widen further, if that’s even possible. “Oh,” she says softly.
Gray straightens his spine even more, as if bracing for impact. “I understand this compromises my position as Wyatt’s bodyguard. If you wish to terminate my employment entirely, I’ll accept that decision.”
My parents exchange one of those looks married couples perfect over decades—an entire conversation without words. My stomach knots as I wait for the fallout. Best-case scenario, Gray gets to keep his current job but loses the promotion. Worst case, my father fires him on the spot, and I never see him again. My hand inches toward Gray’s on the couch between us, not quite touching.
After what feels like an eternity, my father turns back to us. “That won’t be necessary.”
I blink. “What?”
“There’s no need for Mr. Holt to retire. And if he still wants the position as head of security, it remains his.”
My jaw drops. I look at Gray, finding his expression as stunned as mine must be.
“Sir?” Gray sounds as confused as I feel. “I don’t understand.”
“I think what Carson means,” my mother interjects, “is that your personal relationship with Wyatt doesn’t disqualify you from the position.”
I lean forward, certain I’m missing something. “But…what about me and Gray? You’re not…upset?”
My father’s expression softens in a way I rarely see. He reaches out and takes my mother’s hand, a gentle smile playing at his lips. “Monica, before she decided to focus on her charity work, was my right hand at the company. We worked together for many years, and there wasn’t any problem with that.”
I stare at him, mouth hanging open. My mind struggles to process what’s happening. This is not at all how I expected this conversation to go. I look at Gray, who appears equally shocked, but I can see him processing this new reality, adapting as he always does.
Gray clears his throat. “In that case, sir, I would gladly accept the position.”
“Very well.” My father nods, shifting seamlessly into business mode. “You’ll start next Monday. Daniela will brief you on all the protocols before her departure.” He pauses, turning his attention to me. “Of course, we’ll also need to assign a new bodyguard for you, Wyatt.” Then he adds, “That is, if you think you still need a bodyguard. I think it’s time you made your own decision about it.”
Something warm blooms in my chest. My father is finally treating me like a grown-up, trusting me to make my own choices. I’m still reeling, trying to catch up to this sudden change in trajectory. My parents are actually supporting us?
“Wyatt,” my father continues, bringing me back to the present, “this might also be a good opportunity for you to reconsider your internship department for the summer.”
I blink at him. “My internship?”
“Yes. Perhaps you’d like to spend it in cybersecurity, under Mr. Holt’s mentorship.”
“Are you serious right now?” The words burst out of me before I can stop them. “We just told you we’re dating, and you’re suggesting I work under him?”
My mother’s lips twitch, and I realize how that sounded. “Oh God, I didn’t mean—”
“We understand what you meant, honey,” my mother says, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
Before I can respond, there’s a sharp knock at the door. A staff member pokes her head in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr. Kingsley, but Mr. and Miss Palmer are here. They insist on speaking with you immediately.”
My father frowns. “The Palmers? I don’t recall scheduling a meeting.”
“They say it’s urgent, sir.”
