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“Well, look what the cat dragged in. I wasn’t sure you’d remember where we lived. It’s not like you come and visit your own father.”
Her tone comes off as playful, but I know it’s far from that. She opens her arms for a hug and my manners get the best of me. I open an arm and lean into her so it’s only a half hug since Dash won’t let me go.
“I’ve been busy with work.” I try and get my own dig in since she’s never worked a day in her life. Her goal has always been to marry rich, but that hasn’t worked out so far. She’s always with someone, but they’ve yet to stay around.
“Oh right, you’re a schoolteacher.” Her brand new nose scrunches for what I’m sure isn’t the first time. “And who is this handsome man?” Her eyes lock on Dash, and I hate it.
He’s not paying her any attention as he looks right over the top of her head and into the house.
“Dash, this is Charlotte.” He finally acknowledges her and his tone is bored.
“Hi.”
I fight not to laugh even though I wish I could be outright rude. It’s just not something I have in me. The only time I’ve ever tried was on our first date and it didn’t work.
Charlotte holds her hand out for him to shake, but he just holds his up and shows her our fingers are entwined. Charlotte laughs as though it’s a joke, but I see the anger in her eyes.
“Is everyone here already?” I ask.
“Yep.” She finally steps back and lets us in. “The men are in Daddy’s office.” She points to the double doors with one open. “Why don’t you go introduce yourself to our father? Brooklyn’s gotta help us in the kitchen.”
“I want to say hi to Dad first.” I’m not about to leave Dash without introducing them, and even then I don’t want to leave him at all.
“Fine.” Charlotte rolls her eyes. “Meet me in the kitchen.”
As soon as she’s gone, I whisper to Dash, “She doesn’t even cook.”
“Doesn’t look like she eats either.” I snort, but Charlotte would take that as a compliment.
“Are you going to be okay if I leave you with my dad for a little while?” I ask before we walk into his office.
“I’ll be fine.” He gives my hand a squeeze. “I want a chance to talk to him.” Before I can ask about what, my dad is coming out of his office.
“Brooklyn.” He opens his arms as he walks toward me and wraps me in a hug. Dash lets go of my hand this time so I can hug him back.
“Hey, Dad.”
“You brought someone.” He smiles over at Dash, holding out his hand. “Dash Belmont.” Dad says his name, clearly already knowing who Dash is.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Tanner.”
“Call me John.”
“Thank you for having me, John.”
“Anyone who is a friend of Brooklyn’s is welcome in our home.”
“We’re more than friends,” Dash says, and my face heats. I’ve never brought anyone home before.
“Right. Come into my office and we’ll talk. A few of us are already having drinks.” Dash looks down at me, and I think he’s waiting for me to agree. I smile up at him and nod.
He knows I don’t want to stay long and is silently telling me if I give him the word he won’t leave my side.
“I’ll be in the kitchen.” Dash gives me a quick kiss on my lips right in front of my father before I rush off.
When I enter the kitchen I only see Charlotte and a few people dressed in all black with aprons on. They’re plating food while she sits and drinks a glass of wine.
“Dash Belmont. Really, Brooklyn? You know pregnancy makes you fat.”
What the hell does that even mean?
“You know Dash?” I say instead. I’m not talking to her about Dash and me having babies.
“Everyone knows the Belmonts.” She gives me a dramatic eyeroll.
“We don’t run in the same circles.”
“Because you’re just an innocent schoolteacher. You’re so pathetic.”
I’m living my life and somehow that makes me pathetic.
“Why is that? Is it because I landed someone like Dash, you have to find a way to belittle it? You can try all you want. I know he loves me.” Even though we haven’t said the exact words, I feel it. He loves me and I love him.
Charlotte throws back her head and laughs. “This is worse than I thought. I was sure you were in on it.” She keeps on laughing and my stomach tightens. She’s too excited about this. “You think he loves you? Let me guess. He wants you to have his baby too?” She stops laughing, leveling me with a stare and a happy smirk.
She picks up some paper from the kitchen counter and I realize everyone in the kitchen has gone quiet. I’m sure they’re hanging on to every word.
