Page 44 of The Daddy’s Girl

Even though I’m alone, my cheeks are burning with embarrassment. After I sit up, I fix my dress and walk down to the employee bathroom on our floor to wash up before calling our family’s private driver to take me home.

After washing my hands, my phone lights up on the counter. Looking down, I bite back my smile as I read the message.

Matis: I’m proud of you, Trouble.

Rule #12: Avoid having drinks with your best friend after fantasizing about his daughter.

Matis

“There you are.”

The sound of Amelia’s sweet voice behind me on the street sends a thrill down my spine. I haven’t seen her since she showed up at my apartment three days ago, and I can’t say I’ve been feeling much better about myself since our little text conversation last night regarding her newfound discovery. Suddenly, it’s all I can think about.

Mais oui, I have been avoiding the club all week.

Only Amelia would track me down on the street in front of my apartment. I turn around to find her chasing toward me in a pair of black leggings and a crop top leaving her waist bare.

“Oh, hey, Trouble,” I greet her casually with a smile although deep down, I’m torn on her presence. On one hand I could never be disappointed with her around, but on the other…things have changed.

She hops up by my side and continues walking next to me on my way to the market. Certainly in a bubbly mood today, which makes me smile. Like a bouncy puppy.

Practically leaping in front of me, she declares with a beaming smile, “Monsieur Moreau, today is your lucky day.”

I chuckle. “And why’s that, Trouble?”

“Because you have a date tonight.”

I come to a halt. “A date?”

Mon Dieu, please don’t say the date is with her. My constitution is only so strong.

“A double date! Her name is Olivia. She’s thirty-one, and she’s American, here for the summer.”

I put up my hands, pulling Amelia to the side of the avenue so we’re no longer blocking foot traffic. “Amelia, slow down. What are you talking about?”

She starts fidgeting, chewing on the corner of her cheek as she averts her gaze. “So that guy who texted me the other day wants to take me out for drinks tonight, but he’s traveling with his sister, and he can’t leave her alone. So she needs a date.”

My brows pinch as I stare at her. “So you want to take me?”

“It’s perfect! We’re both looking to date, and now we’ve found siblings who both want to have drinks tonight.”

She’s greatly overselling this. I wouldn’t call it perfect.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner? What makes you think I don’t have plans tonight?” I ask with a tilt to my head.

Amelia only laughs. “You’re funny, old man.”

“I don’t know, Amelia…”

She clings to my arm, and the moment I feel her soft fingers on my skin, goose bumps erupt all the way down. This poor girl has no clue the effect she has on me.

“Listen, here’s the plan. You can meet this guy, Jacob, and give me real input on what you think about him. Then I can give you pointers on your date with Olivia. It’s exactly what we need.”

With suspicion, I glare at her. “I need pointers?”

“You’re rusty. Come on, please. This is the only way I can see Jacob tonight. Please.”

She’s hanging from my arm, begging with a pouty face that’s making my insides liquefy into a useless puddle.