Page 14 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

His words, though well-intentioned, strike a nerve—the implication that my life is somehow less complete, that I’m missing out on something fundamental.

I push the thought aside, focusing on the matter at hand.

“Run me through the security arrangements for Riverside one more time. I want everything to be perfect for Skylar’s show.”

I nod, grateful for the change of subject. “We’ve secured the building and stationed discreet personnel. Skylar’s show will be 100% safe.”

As I begin to detail our security measures, my mind drifts. I can picture Skylar’s face when she hears about this gift, the joy in her eyes, the gratitude in her smile.

And despite my better judgment, a part of me looks forward to seeing that reaction.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. George and I exchange a puzzled look—we weren’t expecting anyone.

“Come in,” George calls out.

The door opens. Footsteps—soft, measured, but distinctly feminine—tap across the floor. It’s Skylar, a vision in a simple sundress, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders.

Her perfume wraps around me—jasmine, a touch of sandalwood. Designed, no doubt, to floor a man in three seconds flat. A warm, tingling sensation spreads through me, starting in my gut before radiating in wicked, traitorous ways.

“Hey, Dad. Garrett,” Skylar says.

George beams as he stands to greet her. “What brings you here, sweetheart?”

Skylar steps into the room, her eyes flickering between George and me. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d surprise you.”

I stand as well, my body on autopilot while my mind races.

Her gaze lingers on me for a moment before shifting back to her father. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?”

“Not at all! Sit down, sweetheart.”

As Skylar takes a seat, her eyes meet mine, and I sink back into my chair.

George can barely contain his excitement. “So, Sky, how's the search for a gallery space going?”

Skylar's face falls slightly. “Not great, to be honest. I've hit dead end after dead end. It's like the universe is conspiring against me.”

George's grin widens. “Well, what if I told you that the universe—more accurately, your old man and Garrett here—might have a solution for you?”

Skylar's eyes narrow suspiciously. “What are you talking about, Dad?”

George leans forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “How does the Riverside building sound for your exhibition space?”

For a moment, Skylar just stares at him, her mouth slightly open. Then her eyes widen, realization dawning. “Riverside? The waterfront property? Are you serious?”

George nods, his face beaming with pride. “Consider it your graduation present. The building is yours for the entire exhibition period. Parts of Riverside are still pretty raw. I'm sure we could work with that, right, Garrett?”

I nod, even as I feel the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. “Absolutely. We could leave certain areas unfinished, give it that industrial feel you're after, Skylar.”

Skylar's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flash of the same electricity I felt at the party. “You'd do that?”

“Of course,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Whatever you need to make this work.”

Skylar's eyes are wide, brimming with emotion. She looks from George to me, then back to her father. “Dad! I don't even know what to say. This is huge.”

“Garrett here helped set it all up,” George adds, gesturing toward me. “He's made sure everything will be safe and secure for your show.”

Skylar's gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us. “Thank you,” she says softly. “This means more than you know.”

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