Page 15 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

“No man will ever be good enough for my girls. I can’t stand Isabelle’s fiancé either.”

My heart melts and I can’t help chuckling. “Oh, Dad.” I walk around his desk to wrap my arms around his shoulders. “I love you.”

His only response is a pat on my arm. He won’t say the words back, but he doesn’t have to. I’m so glad I came home.

***

After my talk withDad, there’s a new pep in my step. I’m even happy enough to go back to Isabelle’s silly bachelorette party to endure more of her shit without wanting to strangle her. The night would be perfect if I hadn’t left things on such an awkward note with Rowan.

I come to a stop in the hallway leading to the pre-wedding festivities and pull my phone out of my back pocket to stare at it. I texted Rowan when I got here this evening and that has been our only communication.

I hate it. I want to talk to him so badly, but I also want to respect that he might not want to talk. Have I been inadvertently pushing him to change who he is? The thought terrifies me. I never want to be that girl in a relationship. Rowan is fine the way he is. I love everything about him.

Maybe I should leave him alone tonight.

Blowing out a breath, I shove my cell back into my pocket and move toward the chatter coming from the second-floor living room. I stop when my phone buzzes. Of course, my heart almost explodes with relief to see Rowan’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey!” Shoving down my excitement, I clear my throat and try again, much calmer this time. “I mean, hi, Rowan.” Looking skyward, I curse myself for being such a dork sometimes.

“Hi.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yes. Can you get away from the girls for a bit?”

“Sure.”

“I’m outside. In the backyard.”

“What?” I’m already heading toward the staircase. “I’ll be right out.”

“Hurry, before your father sees me on the security camera and goes for his shotgun.”

The humor in his voice makes me laugh. “First of all, Dad is living in the dark ages so there are no security cameras.”

His chuckle filters through the speaker and wraps around my heart.

“Second, I’d never let him shoot you.”

“Good to know. Now, get out here.”

I practically sprint down the stairs and through the back door.

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