Page 6 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

Chapter 4

Grace

I’m so pissed aboutMom’s and Isabelle’s behavior. I wish they could act normal for once, but I suppose that’s asking too much. The way my sister called me unattractive in front of my boyfriend made me want to die.

What if Rowan took one look at Isabelle and decided he’d rather have someone who looks like her? A freaking model in a tight dress and stilettos. And what was up with Mom batting her eyelashes at Rowan and being less bitchy? Dad is right around the corner, for crying out loud. Has she no shame? Flirting with her daughter’s boyfriend. Despicable!

Two minutes back home and I’m ready to tear my hair out... and I haven’t even suffered through Dad’s lecture about throwing my life away studying art yet.Christ.

Rowan squeezes my hand gently. I smile up at him in thanks for the comforting gesture.

We’re still connected when we enter the dining room, where Dad is sitting at the head of the table. His chestnut hair is almost fully gray now and perfectly coiffed as usual. He stands when he sees us, his brown gaze lasering in on Rowan and then on our intertwined hands. I gulp, praying he doesn’t go into patronizing mode so soon into the evening.

“Grace,” he says.

“Hi, Dad.” Only then do I release Rowan to give my old man a kiss on the cheek. He’s stern and a little snobbish, but he’s always shown me more affection than Mom.

He pats my shoulders. “You look good.”

“Thank you.”

I catch Isabelle glaring at me from where she stands on one side of the table. Mom is looking on with annoyance, too.

I almost blurt out, “What the hell did I do now?” I swear, I can do nothing right in this house—I can’t even breathe without being chastised.

Ignoring them, I turn to Rowan. “Dad, this is Rowan. We’re...” I’ve never introduced a guy to my father. For an old-fashioned man like Jacob Lawson, I feel like I should use words like “courting.” “We’re dating,” I say instead.

I catch Rowan’s slight smirk before he steps forward and offers a hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Lawson.”

Their hands clasp—for a little too long. My eyes dart from one man to the other. Dad is clearly sizing Rowan up. Of course, Rowan is immune to all methods of intimidation, and his gaze remains unwavering until Dad gives up with a nod.

“Call me Jacob. Nice to meet you.”

The breath I didn’t even know I was holding whooshes out.

***

I’ve been on edge throughoutdinner, but we made it through the main course without incident. We just have to survive dessert, and then I’m grabbing my man and hauling ass out of here.

“Grace, will you and Rowan be staying here?” Dad asks.

I open my mouth to tell him no, but Mom chimes in. “We have plenty of space. Isabelle’s bridesmaids won’t be here until the night before the wedding.”

As she says this, her gaze lingers on Rowan.

This is unbelievable. She’s flirting with someone in front of Dad, and he doesn’t even bat an eyelash—if he even notices. I expected Mom to treat my guest as badly as she treats me. I suppose I should be glad that she isn’t insulting Rowan instead.

“We’ve already booked a hotel,” I announce. “Well, Rowan did. I’m staying with him until the bachelorette party.”

I’m dreading spending the night here with Isabelle and her equally superficial friends.

---