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“Exactly what I said. She left in tears and hasn’t been here since.”
“My dad can be…difficult.”
I let out an undignified snort. “Oh really? I never would have guessed.”
“Dammit Parker.” Gia jumps from her seat. “While the men are plotting on how to bring the asshole out into the open, we are going to plot how best to get Ivy back here.” Gia grins and I know only trouble is going to stem from this, but perhaps that’s what her straight-laced father needs.
25
Julian
In the kitchen Hunter rapidly talks on his phone while Jarrod is focused on his laptop, most likely searching the Internet for something. Carrie silently watches me approach from across the table, her eyes lighting with pleasure. I hope I’m damn wrong about that.
The only woman I’m interested in has disappeared into Jarrod’s office with Gia. Those two together are trouble and I’m sure Gia is trying to get more details out of Parker about the two of us. I’d much rather her be in our room doing things other than talking, except that isn’t going to be happening for awhile by the sound of Hunter’s call.
I watch him closely and when our eyes meet, I realize he has a lead. It also means that we’re going to be leaving the girls at the house, which doesn’t sit well with me.
As Hunter hangs up the call, he lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but I sure as fuck don’t like it.” His eyes flitter to Carrie before he holds my gaze, silently telling me to get rid of her so that we can talk freely. How the hell I’m supposed to do that without upsetting Parker is anyone’s guess.
I run a hand through my hair and meet Carrie’s gaze, the one that hasn’t moved since I walked into the room, and look to Jarrod who has an amused smirk on his face.
“Give me a minute.” I turn and hightail it out of the kitchen, heading straight for Parker.
Knocking, I push my way inside the office and search out Parker who is sitting with her legs curled under her on the sofa with Gia on the opposite end. Her face lights up when she sees me.
“I need to talk with Hunter and Jarrod,” I waste no time. “Which means we need Carrie to be elsewhere while we do, and I don’t trust her to be left alone, or in here. Any chance you both could take her into the living room and shove a movie on or something? Keep her occupied.”
The girls glance at each other and Parker moves toward me. “We can do that.” She lays her palm against the scruff on my face. “Do not leave this house without telling me.” She moves closer as I place my hands on her hips, holding her close. “I mean it, Julian,” she whispers.
“I’ll tell you when we’re going out,” I promise and jump when she smacks me on the ass. I raise a brow in surprise.
She giggles. “Be careful. I want more of that.” Smirking she leaves the room and my gaze collides with Gia’s.
I feel a blush start to work its way up my neck as I grin and whistle on my way back to the kitchen.
Hunter gives me a bemused look while Jarrod just stares. Carrie tips her head to one side.
Laughing, I tell Carrie, “The girls are putting a movie on in the living room.”
“I’d rather stay in here,” she says.
Clenching my jaw, I try and relax. “It wasn’t optional. We need to talk without you being present,” I add, having enough of pussyfooting around. “I’ll take you in there.”
She opens and closes her mouth before she slowly rises. “I’m surprised you’d want me anywhere near your girls.” Very slowly she
saunters out of the room while my fists clench at my sides.
Jarrod stands. “I’ll go and sit in there with them. Message me if you need to know something… You,” he looks at Hunter, “if you need to go out for any reason please make sure you see Gia before you do.”
“She’ll kill me otherwise, so no worries,” Hunter agrees and when it’s only the two of us, he drops into a chair, his head in his hands.
I sit facing and wait him out.
“You and Parker, finally, huh?” he comments.
I narrow my gaze. “Do I have it written on my forehead?”
He grins. “My wife sent me a text.”
