Page 27 of Wilderness Daddy

Chapter Six

Landon

Akari hasn’t answered any of my calls since I dropped her off after our date two weeks ago. Not even when her mother gives me her cell number. I’m both annoyed and worried even though I’ve seen her every day at work and know she’s perfectly fine, at least physically.

Tying up loose ends and having interminable meetings with George Takahashi and his management team, which includes Akari, who sits off to the side pretending to be enthralled with a game on her cell phone, has been insufferable. I’ve never been so happy for Friday in my life.

It goes something like this: Akari pretends not to be listening as I speak, but types furiously on her cell phone. George’s phone buzzes every few minutes and after he checks it, he immediately challenges whatever I’ve said.

Takahashi himself hasn’t attended any of the meetings thankfully but pops his head into the room as we’re packing up for the day.

“I hear you’ve been doing a fine job.” He looks at his son and then me and I plaster a smile on my face. I have zero respect for this man, especially now that I’ve seen how he treats his daughter.

“Your team’s been inspiring me to keep up my game. I’m looking forward to working closely together in the future.” When Takahashi turns his attention back to his son, I shoot Akari a stern look.

Akari smiles sweetly at me and my jaw clenches in annoyance. The spanking I gave her was clearly ineffective. She’s only switched tactics.

“You should all celebrate,” my father announces as he steps into the room behind Takahashi. “Drinks at the pub across the road on us.” My jaw tightens further. I don’t want to spend another moment with these people, especially when I thought this would be the last time I’d see them until I return from my ‘vacation.’ And dammit, we shouldn’t be running up the company expense account on these people.

“Landon, you can take Akari to dinner after. I’m sure you’ll want to spend your last night with her before you go.” My back is to my father and I close my eyes and draw in a patient breath.

“You ruined my surprise, Dad. I’d already booked a reservation.” I look at my watch a moment before looking at Akari. “We’ll only have time for one drink before our reservation.”

“Ah, how nice, Landon. Akari has had to sit through these boring meetings all week so I’m sure she’ll be happy to have a night with just the two of you.”

“She didn’t look bored,” I say, arching a brow at Akari. The corner of her lip curls up ever so slightly. No one but me notices the touché.

“Don’t be fooled, Landon. My daughter’s just learning.” He pats Akari on the head. “She’s not ready yet.”

The way he demeans her leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The flush on Akari’s cheeks and the tightening around her eyes are the only signs of her upset. She hides her wounds well.

“Her brother insists she be at every meeting though.”

Because George can’t run things without her, I think. I found it odd she wasn’t schooling me directly, especially when she’s clearly the most capable person in the room.

I open my mouth to tell Takahashi how wrong he is about his fiercely intelligent daughter but her eyes plead with me suddenly. The cunning woman I’ve indirectly sparred with all afternoon is gone and in her place is a meek girl—one they dismiss like a child playing make-believe businesswoman. And her eyes beg me to shut up? Where’s the stubborn pride I’ve grown to expect? I pause, cocking my head as she worries her lip, her eyes shifting between her father and brother. My gut twists. What the hell is going on?

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