Page 34 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

“I’m not taking advantage of anyone.” I keep my tone even as I match her fierce gaze, refusing to back down. “Lucia is a grown woman who made her own choice.”

“What choice?” Amelia shakes her head, a humorless laugh escaping her lips. “You’re disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Enough.” I raise my hand, silencing her. “I will not be lectured to by a spoiled brat who does not know what she’s talking about.”

Amelia’s eyes widen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Spoiled brat?” she sputters. “How dare you—”

“No, how dare you!” I growl, leaning forward. “You come into my office, throwing around accusations and insults, as if you have any right to tell me how to live my life. I’m not your child, Amelia. I’m your father, and you will show me the respect I deserve.”

Her jaw tightens, a muscle twitching in her cheek. “Respect?” she spits. “You want respect? Start acting your age, instead of chasing after women young enough to be your daughter.”

I slam my fist on the desk; the sound echoing through the room. “Get out of my office, Amelia. Now.” Before I say something that I’ll regret.

She flinches, but holds her ground. “If you don’t end it. You’ll regret it, Dad.”

With a deadly glare, she turns on her heel and storms out; the door slamming behind her.

I run my hand through my hair. Damn that girl and her stubborn streak. She’s just like her mother, but perhaps she is right.

I talked to Lucia late last night, asking how she was. Amelia isn’t talking to her or me and has disappeared to Boston to see her sister Olivia for a few days.

I called Olivia to check she got there safely.

She did and now I’ll give her a few days to cool down before I speak to her.

I don’t know what to do about Lucia. She’s something I never dared to want for any longer than we agreed. And why I hoped to get her out of my system. It was never for me to want her more.

But I can’t destroy my relationship with my daughter.

I pick up my phone and send Lucia a text.

Come to the club after you finish work.

I feel nauseous as I stare at the clock on my laptop, unable to focus on anything but Lucia. I want to run away with her, to forget everything else and just be with her. But I can’t. My relationship with my daughter is too important, and I know thatpursuing Lucia any further will only destroy it like it did when I divorced her mother.

We’ve only just gotten to a place of acceptance, and I can’t go back to the dark place I had with my two daughters.

The minutes tick by agonizingly slowly as I look at the time again, not knowing how Lucia will take it.

Does she like me as much as I like her? Or will she be happy with my offer?

The door creaks, and Lucia walks into my office.

Smiling, I gesture for her to take the seat in front of me, and she slides her hands over her skirt as she sits down.

“How was Amelia with you?” I ask, my voice low and measured.

“Not thrilled,” Lucia says, her eyes downcast. “She thinks I’m being easily manipulated because apparently I just give in to people too easily.”

She looks so sad as she says it, and I feel a pang of guilt. “She told me the same thing. That it’s me who is manipulating you,” I admit.

Lucia swallows hard. “At least you’re honest,” she murmurs.

A heavy silence stretches between us.

Finally, I speak up. “Your debt is paid.” I slide the paperwork across the desk, proving her debt is gone. “And I’d like to give you this. A small gift.” I pass her an around-the-world plane ticket and a credit card loaded with fifty thousand dollars.

Lucia stares at the items, her eyes widening. She is silent for a moment as the reality of what is happening dawns on her face. “It’s over?”

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