Page 98 of Taming the CEO

During the ride, I placed an order at Dad’s beloved Chinese takeout. Twenty minutes later, I grabbed duck breast stir-fry for him and shrimp stir-fry for me before heading to his house.

I loved his place. He’d moved into a smaller home after Mom passed, insisting he didn’t need too much space. I personally felt that he’d only started to heal after he was no longer living in my childhood home.

He opened the door just as I parked the car.

"I'm starving. Oh, you brought my duck?" Dad asked. The smell probably gave it away. He'd already set the table.

"Yes. We don't need to reheat the food or anything. It’s still warm," I said.

We sat down and immediately put the food on plates.

"So, I ran into Miriam in town this morning. She said you spent the night in Boston." He raised a brow at me.

Oh, Miriam. Way to run your mouth. I’d intended to tell Dad today what was going on between me and Maddox anyway, but still...

"Yes, I did. I met with Maddox and told him about my decision.”

Dad beamed. "I can enjoy my retirement, and you can go around the world like you've always wanted to."

"Honestly, I don't really want that anymore."

"Really? How come? It was all you could talk about a few years ago."

Almost a decade ago, but I didn't correct him. "You know, dreams change. I'm actually thinking that, with my share of the money, I could start a local business here in Essex."

Dad's eyes widened. "Nothing would make me happier. But is it really what you want? You don't have to stay here for your old man."

"That's not why I’d stay." Although, of course, Dad being here was a huge motivation for me to want to stick around. “Essex is my home.”

"So what exactly are you thinking about doing?"

I smiled sheepishly. "Maybe open a coffee shop with baked goods that’s also a place of entertainment. With board games, a darts section—of course. Maybe even add an escape room, which would give people something to do when the weather isn’t great. And then in summer, when people are spending time outdoors, I’d take time off."

Dad nodded eagerly. "I could see you doing that."

"I’m going to think about the business plan. It just all came together today."

"Did you only talk to Maddox or Gabe too?"

"Gabe knows too," I replied. "There's a bit more to this, Dad."

"I'm listening."

"I'm dating Maddox." The second I said the words, I realized they weren't completely true. He and I were... what? Were we dating?

"Oh, fucking hell," Dad exclaimed, frowning.

I dropped my fork in shock. "Dad!"

"No, no, no." He seemed upset.

"What?" I asked.

"That’s how he convinced you to sell? Do you even want to do it?"

"D-Dad...," I stuttered. I’d never heard him speak like this.

He opened his mouth and closed it again. "I don't like it."

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