Page 19 of Yours for the Taking (Falling For A Rose)

Wrong move.

“A date is absolutely a reason to tell your father about the man who has the honor of being in your presence!”

Carla sighed. “Dad, I understand what you’re getting at, but I don’t want to scare this guy off. Trust me, when it’s time for you to meet, if that becomes a thing, then you’ll be the first to know.”

Her father grumbled. “Carla Jones, do not play with me.”

Mocking him, she returned. “Jefferson Jones, do not play with me.”

“I’m on my way over there, and we can meet in person. How’s that, since you want to be smart?”

“No! Okay! Okay! Sheesh, calm down, please.”

“Mmhmm. I thought that’d get you in line.”

“Oh, look at the time. Dad, I love you, but I’ve gotta go.”

“Young lady, don’t you—”

Click.

Carla dropped her head and squinted, sighed, then slapped her forehead. Her father was going to give her an earful that would surely last throughnextNew Year. But hey, it was something Carla would have to deal with. Having him meet Jacob right now was not the move.

Besides that, she didn’t want to be embarrassed if this was a one-time thing. Imagining having to explain to her father that he’s no longer in the picture was something she couldn’t do.

So, for now, she would avoid the conversation.

“I’m sorry, Dad, but I love you,” she whispered, grabbing her clothes and heading into the bathroom.

Chapter Six

Ding dong.

Carla strutted to the front door and opened it without peeking. A gust of sweet and spicy fragrant wind swirled around her as a smile cruised up her face. Her gazed fluttered over Jacob’s silken lips to his penetrating gaze.

“Good afternoon,bellissima.”

“Good afternoon, sexy.”

His smile widened, and he winked and held his hand out.

“Are you ready?”

“I am.”

His eyes roamed her from head to toe, and Carla accepted his open palm, squeezing his fingers as they exited.

Taking the keys from her hands, Jacob held up a brass key.

“This one?”

“Yes.”

He locked her door, and Jacob ushered Carla to his Bentley Bentayga as gusts of robust, frigid wind whipped around them.

After he helped her inside, Carla shook off a shiver. “Damn, it’s cold,” she murmured.

The door shut as Jacob eased into the driver’s seat, and as he drove away from her apartment, he could feel Carla’s attention on him.

---