Page 29 of Fever

“Most of the time.”

We all chuckled.

“Mr. Murdock, I’d like to personally thank you for taking the time out to visit with my father and me today.” I looked to Tina. “You as well, Ms. Murdock. However, we won’t be taking on partners anytime soon.”

My father looked at me with wide eyes. “When did we come to this conclusion?”

“When I signed the contract,” I said, giving him my full attention.

A smile crept across his lips. “You signed the agreement?” He spoke in shocked disbelief.

“I did.” I took a sip of my water.

“And you read all it entailed?”

“I’m not a degenerate, Father. Ms. Lean and I went over it in full detail.”

“We should still consider Mr. and Ms. Murdock as partners. You never know.” He shrugged. “And where is this girl you were telling me about?”

I almost laughed out loud. He just couldn’t help himself. He was interested in seeing if I would go through with his preposterous request.

“Speaking of, here she is now,” I said, standing.

Santana walked through the restaurant effortlessly. Her hair had been let down, and it bounced in layers around her face as she strutted our way. Our gazes connected and without missing a step, I guided her to me. As she neared, I got a clear look at her dress. She’d changed into a light blouse and a skirt that hugged her thighs enough to reveal a shapely figure but loose enough to not cause damage to my libido. It stopped at her knees. Pantyhose graced her legs, and the heels she wore brought her at least three inches closer to my height.

An aphrodisiac surrounded me when she floated to my side, and Santana leaned in and kissed my lips softly. “Hello again.” Her sultry voice sent a flare to my groin.

“You look beautiful as always,” I said.

My father cleared his throat.

“Pops, this is Santana Summers,” I said, “my girlfriend.”

Wide eyes met mine, and everyone glanced to Santana. She held a perfect smile as she came to my father’s side.

“Mr. Rose, it’s so nice to see you again.” She blew air kisses on both sides of his cheeks. Then looked to everyone else. “Hello,” her voice sang.

Mr. Murdock held out his hand, which Santana accepted. He leaned in and placed a kiss on the back and the hint of jealousy I felt surprised me.

“Good evening, Ms. Summers. I’m Charles Murdock, owner and CEO of Summer Rain Industries. This is my daughter Tina Murdock future owner and CEO of Summer Rain Industries.”

Santana reached for Tina’s hand, but Tina nodded a hello instead.

“I hope I’m not too late.” Santana took note of the appetizers just as the server walked up with everyone’s order.

“Oh sweetheart, we’re going to eat in private. Our meeting is just about over, and I felt it was time for you to meet my father.”

“And what a surprise this is,” my father said, staring at Santana. “Please have a seat.”

I held my hand out to take hers and led her back over to me. After helping her in a chair, I reclaimed my seat.

“This is the first time I’m hearing about anyone Josiah is remotely interested in.”

“Pop,” I said.

“It’s the truth.”

“And here you thought your boy might not be ready to settle down,” Mr. Murdock threw in.

I turned to my father but spoke to Mr. Murdock: “What else did he tell you?”

“That you were single,” Tina inserted, her vision casting a sharp glance from Santana to me.

I pulled Santana’s hand in mine. “Well, maybe my father shouldn’t speak so quickly next time.” I turned my attention to him. “Isn’t that right, Pop?”

My father nodded. “You might be right, son. You might be right.”

I glanced back to Santana. She squeezed my fingers and winked with a buoyant smile covering her face. I couldn’t help but notice Santana’s performance was neatly packaged. Almost as if she was leading from a place of understanding. I tried to dismiss the idea, but it curled up inside me like a close acquaintance and didn’t want to let go.

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