Page 16 of Daddy's Game

“I’ve been enjoying your company,” I admitted at last, and it felt so good to finally say it out loud. “And I…I just don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He didn’t sound accusatory, just curious.

“Well, I know you want the center. And I figure you're being super nice and attentive to me because you want to butter me up, and, and I’m enjoying being the object of your attention. I just want to be really clear that you’re not going to get what you want.”

I looked out the window as I finished, watching the city streets go by. It looked like we were heading out of the city, but I didn’t think much of it. I just thought maybe we were going to dine at a country club or something like that.

“Grace, Grace, Grace,” he said softly, almost tender. “I’m glad you enjoy my company. The feeling is mutual. But don’t think for a second that tonight has anything to do with getting your center away from you. I’ll admit, that is still a goal of mine—but it’s only one.”

I glanced sharply at him.

“Are you just telling me what I want to hear?”

“No,” he said with vehemence, taking my hand. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Grace. I might be a huge prick and a ruthless businessman, but I’ll never tell you things that aren’t true.”

“Why not?” I blurted.

His gaze softened, and he caressed my cheek with the back of his forefinger.

“Can’t you guess? I can’t get you off of my mind, Grace. I feel like I need to be with you, like grass needs rain.”

“Oh stop.” I turned away from him and laughed, a bitter edge creeping into my voice. “You can literally have any woman you want. You’ve dated movie stars, pop princesses, and women almost as wealthy as you are–”

“And the fact that I’m with you instead of any of them should speak volumes.”

I met his gaze again. I took in the sight of his strong jaw, his wide, sensual mouth. The smoldering heat in his dark eyed gaze. His smile faded, his eyes growing intense with desire.

“Grace…” he breathed my name in a sensuous whisper.

I turned my face toward him, lips slightly parted. His breath came hot on my skin. I think we would have kissed if the limo hadn’t made a somewhat sharp turn and distracted me. I looked out the window and realized we were taking the exit to La Guardia.

“Wait, why are we going to the airport?”

His brows climbed high on his face.

“Oh, we’re having dinner in Paris. Didn’t I mention that before?”

6

BROCK

Asecond ago, I was about to kiss Grace. Now, her face was screwed up into a look of shocked anger.

“What in the actual FUCK?” she blurted. “Turn this car around, right now!”

I was taken aback by her reaction. I had thought she would be surprised, yes, but pleasantly surprised. What woman wouldn’t want to have dinner in Paris?

“Grace, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Her voice sputtered as she shook her head rapidly. “What’s wrong? How can you possibly ask me that? I’ll tell you what’s wrong! I did not prepare for an overseas trip! I don’t have my toothbrush, my clothes, or luggage or anything!”

It hit me then that I had made a rare miscalculation. I had been so set upon impressing and delighting her that I hadn’t thought about the practicalities of the situation. Yet, I remained undaunted.

“I’ll take care of all of that, and more. There’s plenty of shops inside the airport–”

“So not the point!” She turned an accusatory stare at me. “Yes, you can buy me a new toothbrush and underwear, but that doesn’t change the fact that you just can’t do this to people! I can’t go to Paris right now.”

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