Page 109 of His Rules

“Here you are,” the girl said. “Your server will be right with you.”

As she walked away, the two of us stood staring at each other.

“Dan,” I finally said.

“Sebastian. Obviously, I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Same. It would seem we have a mutual interest who is determined to force us to talk.”

He looked away briefly then shook his head. “She takes after her mother. A little conniving.”

“I think she takes after you and you’re proud of it.”

At least he smiled. “Why don’t we sit since we’re here. You know my daughter. She’ll make our lives miserable if we don’t talk.”

I laughed and pulled out the chair. “Yes, she will.”

A waitress approached almost immediately. “Would you like something to drink?”

I lifted a single eyebrow and he chuckled. “I don’t have any surgeries today.”

“Two Kentucky bourbons. Neat.” I even held up two fingers. It was in remembrance of the old days, the fun times we’d shared when we were still wet behind our ears.

We were still both tense, the awkwardness something we’d never experienced before. He finally exhaled. “I’m glad things worked out at the firm.”

I nodded. “I don’t think I’d be sitting here if it hadn’t been for Kacey’s perseverance. Even if she went against my orders.”

“She has a way of doing that.” His eyes were more expressive than ever. “She really is like her mother. So alive and eager to fight the world if necessary.”

“She’s her own woman and very special.”

“She tells me you offered her an executive position with the new company.”

“Yes, and she accepted. She’s going to bring life and excitement into the hospitality business.”

Daniel leaned over the table. “You’re damn lucky to have her. Don’t fuck it up.”

I threw up my hands. “I have no intention of doing so. She’ll keep me on my toes.”

“I can’t believe Ashley did that to you.”

“Yeah, well, she was always a go-getter. My father is blaming himself for suggesting strongly that we get married. But it’s no one’s fault but mine.”

“You were trying to live your life the way you wanted to without interference from your father. That’s something I almost forgot about. Who am I kidding? I did forget. Kacey is a grown woman.”

“Yes, very much so.”

He gave me a funny look, but we both burst into laughter.

The drinks were brought and another awkward moment settled in.

“I love my little girl. I just don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Neither do I.”

“I’m going to be blunt with you, Sebastian. If you’re planning on dumping her at some point, just do her a favor and end things now. Don’t wait. It would break her heart and she doesn’t deserve that.”

“I have news for you, my friend. I never intend on letting her go.”

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