Page 114 of Miss Trust

“I’m happy to be her friend. Daisy has already planned a girls’ weekend for us.”

I could think of nothing better for my sister. “She’ll love it.”

She lay back down, kissing my chest. “Heard you talking about hosting a Christmas party over dinner. The house should be done by then.”

There was a question in her voice as to what she’d do then. Time to tell her. “That reminds me. You’re fired.”

She popped up so quick, I had to chuckle.

“What?”

“You’re fired. You’re my girlfriend now, not my employee.”

“Yeah? And is girlfriend a paying position? If so, I may need a big raise considering the way this conversation is going.”

“I’ll make sure you have access to plenty of funds—ow!” She’d pinched my nipple.

“I’m not a kept woman. Not now, not ever. I’m completing the job on the house. After that, I’ll get another job.”

“No. Your place is with your daughter.”

“Do you think we could go twenty-four hours without you being an asshole? Maybe one whole day before you think you can forbid me from doing anything?”

“Probably not.” I grinned, happy when she did the same.

“What if we compromise?” she asked.

“What is this C word you speak of? Compro-what?” My humor earned me another pinch. “Fine, fine. What is your compromise?”

“I want to see things through on the house.”

“Good because it’s ours forever if you want it.”

Her eyes went wide.

“Unless you prefer something different, but tonight’s family dinner felt like the start of many to come. And I’ve sort of earmarked the pantry for future sexy times.”

“I love this house.”

“Good. I want to be a family here and make it into our home. You, me, Penelope. More kids someday if you want them.”

Her head cocked to the side. “I thought you had a vasectomy.”

“I did, but I froze some reserves, just in case. At the time, I thought the doctor was crazy for suggesting it, but now I’m grateful.”

“You want kids?”

“If you do. But if you don’t, I’d be forever happy with just the three of us.” Someday, if I could successfully transition from asshole to father material, I also wanted to adopt Penny. But some things were better demonstrated than verbalized.

“You make it difficult to stay annoyed with you.”

I kissed her neck. “That’s the plan. Now then, you were saying you want to see the house through. Then what?”

“Then I’d like to work at your club, and help Carmen with the books.”

“Might be a problem as Carmen is moving to Vegas to manage the club there.” It was a well-earned promotion and one she was excited about. “What if you were to take over the books instead?”

She was already shaking her head. “I’m not an accountant.”