Page 118 of Taming the CEO

I jumped to my feet, collecting my discarded clothes, though I put on a warmer sweater, since we'd be heading outside.

I was giddy as we left my cabin. I texted Dad, asking if I could drop by with Maddox. He'd replied yes instantly.

Dad was obviously uneasy, and talking with Maddox would change that.

How on earth did he realize that?

All the lights were on in Dad's house as we pulled up next to his car in the driveway.

"Ready to do this?" I asked.

"Here goes nothing," Maddox replied good-naturedly.

Oh, heavens. I truly love this man.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Cami

I was on pins and needles as we arrived at Dad's place, wondering how this was going to go over. I was certain he’d love the new plans. He wasn't as adamant about keeping the park intact as I was, but I just knew he would be happy about it. Especially about saving Mom’s tree.

But about Maddox and me? I truly hadn't expected Dad to act the way he did when I'd told him about us. I wasn't sure if he'd come around or not. But Maddox seemed surprisingly calm and relaxed even as we went to the front door and knocked.

"Who's there?" Dad asked.

"It's me," I said loudly.

"And Maddox," Maddox added.

Dad opened the door immediately. His eyes fell on Maddox’s arm around my shoulders. He was silent for a bit but then said, "Come on in, you two. Maddox, I didn't know you were in town."

I was painfully aware that I hadn't brought anyone to meet Dad in years. Oh, Cami, why did you think that was a good idea? Should have brought one or two Tinder guys for him to cut his teeth on. Maddox was going to take the brunt of Dad’s overprotective streak.

“We want to go over the contract together, especially the architect’s plan, if you have time," Maddox said.

"Yes, let's do that. After you sent it to me, I forwarded it directly to my lawyer, but I wouldn't mind looking through it in more detail. First things first, though."

I sensed danger from the change in his tone. Maddox was so damned relaxed. I wished I could warn him somehow.

"I understand you’re dating my daughter." It wasn’t a question really, and Dad couldn’t have been harsher.

"Yes," Maddox said.

At the same time, I added, "Dad, I'm right here, so please don't talk about me in third person."

Dad glared at me. Actually glared. "All right. I’ll say my bit first. I wasn't happy when Cami first told me about the two of you."

"Dad," I said, putting a hand on my forehead. "Please stop."

Maddox chuckled. "No, let him say what's on his mind."

"But why?" I asked. "This isn't going to help anyone."

"I figured you were someone who wouldn’t get serious about relationships.” Then the strangest thing happened. Dad smiled and said, “Yeah, I misjudged you, boy."

Maddox didn't miss a beat before I could attempt to stop him. "You didn't, sir."

"Then what the hell are you doing with my daughter?" Dad barked.

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