Page 42 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

She wraps her arms around my waist, nuzzling closer. “I like it. Makes me feel special.”

“You are special.” The thought of openly showing our affection in public makes my heart swell with longing. “I can't wait for the day we can tell everyone about us. Your dad included.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “You mean that?”

I nod, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I want the world to know that you're mine.”

She beams. “Oh, Daddy, I?—”

“Skylar? Are you here?” George's voice cuts through the gallery like a knife.

Skylar and I spring apart, the warmth of her body leaving me instantly. That was too close.

Skylar's demeanor changes instantly as her father approaches. Her shoulders tense, and the easy smile she wore moments ago vanishes. The contrast between the confident, passionate woman I held in my arms and this anxious version of Skylar is stark.

“Over here!” Skylar calls out, her voice higher than usual.

George steps into view, his eyes darting between us. When his eyes meet mine again, there's an unfamiliar coldness there. “Garrett.” George nods at me, his tone clipped.

Does he see the guilty flush on Skylar's cheeks? The way my hands clench at my sides, itching to pull her close again? “George.” I nod, keeping my voice neutral.

Skylar shifts uncomfortably beside me, a good foot of space now between us. “What are you doing here?”

“I'd love to see what you've been working on. Do you have time to give me a quick tour?” George asks, placing a hand on Skylar's shoulder.

The gesture seems almost possessive, and I have to resist the urge to step between them.

Skylar nods, a little too eagerly. “Of course, Dad. I'd be happy to.”

George's sudden appearance surprises me. He's barely shown any interest in Skylar's art before now. Is he finally taking my warnings about the Scarpettas seriously? Or is there another reason he's here?

George turns to me. “Why don't you join us for dinner tonight? We have some business to discuss.”

The invitation sounds more like a summons. “Of course. I need to wrap up a few things at the office, but I’ll be there.”

George nods, a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. “See you at seven.”

As George leads Skylar away, I get the distinct feeling that something has shifted. The way he guides her seems a little too protective.

As they walk away, Skylar glances over her shoulder. I give her a reassuring nod, even as my gut clenches. George might not have caught us in the act, but he definitely suspects something.

Tonight's dinner feels like a trap. But I won't let George scare me or get between Skylar and me. Whatever he's planning, I'll be ready.

Chapter 13

Garrett

I stepinto the lavish dining room at George’s mansion, the conversation dying as three pairs of eyes turn to me.

“Ah, Garrett. So glad you could join us,” George's voice drips with sarcasm.

I glance at the ornate clock on the mantel. 7:22 PM. I force a smile. “Traffic was a nightmare. My apologies.”

George's eyes bore into me. Does he know? The way his jaw clenches, I'm almost certain he does.

Vanessa floats over, champagne flute in hand. “Oh, don't be such a grump, George. We're all here now.”

She kisses my cheek, oblivious to the undercurrent of hostility. I spot Skylar across the room. Our eyes lock for a moment before I tear my gaze away.

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