Page 24 of Daddy Down Under

Across the table, Ocean lounged in his chair, barefoot and shirtless, golden skin glowing. Despite our nap, we’d slept well last night. I was still a little heavy in my head, but if that was the worst of the jet lag, I wouldn’t complain.

“So, what’s on your schedule for today?” Ocean asked, stretching languidly.

I set down my cup. “I’ve got my first in-person meeting with the Krause Group. They’re the company I’m interested in buying.”

Ocean leaned forward, those mesmerizing blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What’s their deal?”

“They’re a diverse company. High-end men’s clothing, an expensive luggage brand, accessories, that kind of thing. Their current owner wants to retire and doesn’t have children who want to take over, so he wants to sell.”

“So it’s not a hostile takeover.”

“Not at all. I’ve been talking to Garrett Krause for a week or two now, though we were in the exploratory stages. That’s why I wanted to come here and meet him myself.” It wasn’t so much a bald-faced lie as a rather liberal version of the truth, but Ocean didn’t need to know that part.

“Gotcha. So you’re serious about this.”

“They’ll fit my portfolio well. Not all their brands perform equally well, but I can always liquidate those and keep the ones with potential.”

Ocean nodded thoughtfully, studying me. “You need an assistant?”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I could come with you as your assistant.”

He wanted to come with me? The thought of Ocean’s dominant presence in the boardroom made my stomach churn. What if he said something in that tone of his and I obeyed instinctively? They’d all realize I was submissive, and I would lose control of the situation. A wave of anxiety crashed over me. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “I… I’m not sure if that’s smart.”

Ocean leaned forward, his gaze softening. “I can see you’re worried. But I promise, I’m not here to steal your thunder or embarrass you.”

His perceptiveness startled me. Was I that transparent?

“I’ll be like a fish in the background—silent, observing. You’re the shark in this scenario, okay? I’m just along for the ride.”

I chuckled at his metaphor. “A fish, huh?”

He grinned. “Yeah, maybe a clownfish. Colorful, but not stealing the show. Like Marlin, Nemo’s father…and you can be Bruce the shark.”

Now I snorted. “I think you’re more like Crush the turtle, what with the surfer lingo and all.”

His eyes widened. “I’m surprised you’ve seenFinding Nemo.”

“Are you kidding me? That movie was amazing. My mom and I went to see it in the theater together, and I loved it so much that by now, I must’ve watched it five times at least.”

“I hadn’t pegged you for an animated movie fan.”

I shrugged. “The Lion Kingis another favorite of mine. That opening scene always gives me goosebumps.”

“You keep surprising me, Cash. In a good way.”

After that exchange, I found it impossible to say no to him. “You can come, but please, Ocean, you promise you won’t…make waves?” I all but cringed at my own attempt at wordplay.

Ocean’s laugh was warm and genuine. “Scout’s honor.” He held up three fingers. “I’ll be on my best behavior. No embarrassing you, no taking over. Just there to support you if you need it.”

I studied his face, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was sincerity and a hint of excitement. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “Alright, let’s do this. You’ll have to borrow one of my suits.”

As Ocean beamed at me, I wondered if I was making a mistake. Only time would tell.

A few minutes later, I stood in the bedroom, watching as Ocean emerged from the walk-in closet, adjusting the cuffs of one of my Brioni suits—one that was a little too roomy for me after I recently lost some weight. The transformation was startling. Gone was the carefree surfer. In his place stood a man who looked born to wear bespoke tailoring.

“How do I look?” Ocean asked as he smoothed down the lapels.

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