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I can’t help the small smile that forms on my face. Drago knows I’m referring to the case I’m working on, but I’m certain my father thinks I have less than honorable intentions when it comes to the man in front of me.And if I’m honest with myself, I just might.
“Goodnight, Bri,” is all Drago says before taking a step back, turning, and then walking away from us.
He stops next to another man, placing his hand on the gentleman’s back and patting him. When the man turns, I see it’s his brother, Luca, also dressed to the nines.
“C’mon,” my dad groans.
“What happened to,I can’t leave, it’d be rude?”
My head rolls to the side, waiting for him to respond, but he doesn’t. Instead, he starts walking away.
Sighing, I follow until we reach the exit where I see my father’s Mercedes pulling up. I guess he’d already informed someone we were leaving.
The valet exits the driver’s side, quickly rounding the car to open my door, but my father stops him by holding up his hand. Dad opens the door, holding it open for me to get in.
Rubbing my arms, I step toward him.
“Are you cold?” He starts to unbutton his tuxedo jacket.
“No, Dad, I’m okay. Thanks though,” I tell him, knowing he was going to give it to me. It’s times like this that remind me, he does actually love me, even if it’s not easy for him to show.
After I’m seated and buckled, Dad takes off in the direction of my condo. Traffic is heavy through Beverly Hills at this hour. It’s late on a Thursday night, but it’s not that late. There are still people out and about that I watch from the window as he speeds down the road.
He’s quiet. I thought for sure he’d have something to say about Drago, or at least the man he had planned on introducing me to. I might just have to thank Drago for thwarting his intentions.
The silence makes the drive feel longer than it normally would. Eventually, he slows, coming to a stop at the curb. He never comes inside the rare times he comes here, so I’m not surprised he doesn’t make the effort tonight. I can’t exactly blame him for that; it’s not like I ever ask him if he’d like to come in.
“Thanks for inviting me, Dad.”
I open the door, sticking my leg out when he places a warm, gentle hand on my arm.
“He’s a good man, Brianna.”
“Drago?” I question, pulling back, thinking he can’t possibly be serious after the hostility I witnessed tonight.
“No.” He scowls confirming I’m right. “Lucas, the man I wanted to introduce you to. He’s a surgeon at Huntington General. I only wanted you to meet him tonight. That was all.”
“Dad,” I groan.
“I’m not asking you to marry him.” He shakes his head, annoyed with me.
“Yet.” I can’t help but let that word slip from my tongue. I pull in a long breath of air not wanting to get into an argument with him. He just needs to let this go; it’s not going to happen. Not tonight, not tomorrow, or ever. “’Night, Dad.”
He releases me before I pull away. I step out and as I close the door, he says, “’Night, Bri. I love you.”
“Love you too, old man,” I say, trying to lighten the strained mood that’s settled between us.
“I have plenty of years before I’m old, Brianna.” He shakes his head as the passenger side door clicks closed.
I start up the path to my building, glad I’m back earlier than I told Ms. Lincoln I would be. This way she doesn’t have to keep Gabe so late. She’s already had him all day and I feel guilty she’s caring for him when he really should be with a foster parent. She seems to enjoy it, so maybe the guilt is all in my head.
Riding up the elevator, my phone rings from the small, clutch purse I have it stashed in.
“Hello,” I say, yawning unexpectedly.
“Did you get home safely?” his deep, penetrating voice asks.
“How did you get my number?” I demand.
