Page 45 of The English Billionaire's Obsession

“It’s not the same,” Dad says gruffly. “There’s, what, twelve years between us? That’s different thantwenty-three. That’s older than she evenis. Don’t you see a problem with that?”

Mom waves a hand, her bracelets making a clicking sound. “I care about my daughter’s opinion and her feelings about this. I know she’s capable of good judgment. You still see your little girl when you look at her, but Ami, you’re mature and responsible.”

I’m getting choked up. Mom has always been loving and supportive, but that doesn’t mean I ever stop being grateful.

“I knowthat,” Dad says, “but this is still a lot to take in. I’m not sure I can condone this.”

“Condone?” I snap, even as I try to stay civilized.

“You heard me,” Dad snaps right back.

Family friends say I get my argumentative side from Dad. The chill side and optimism come from Mom.

“Okay, okay,” Mom says, ever the intermediary. “Let’s not get into a full-blown argument about this. Are you asking her tostopdating him, Charley?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”

I don’t think I can stop, I almost say, but that would hardly make things better.

“I’ll have to speak to him, too,” Dad says.

“But won’t that be awkward? We’ve only started dating.”

“Ami,” Mom says, “you’re dating a man overseas, who we’ve never met, and heismuch older than you. It’s only fair that he has a quick conversation with us.”

“Fine. I’ll ask him.”

“Are you happy, sweetie?” Mom asks.

“Yes. Very. Happier than I’ve been in all my life, honestly.”

“Do you think you’re falling in love?”

“No, it’s too soon for that,” Dad says. “Isn’t it, Amelia?”

I swallow a ball of emotion, unsure what to say or how to explain all the feelings warring within. Then the landline phone rings from inside the apartment. I didn’t evenknowthere was a landline.

“Sorry, the phone’s ringing.”

“We have to go, anyway,” Mom says, giving Dad a look that says,Give her space. Give her time.

I love their dynamic. It’s as if Mom is always taming him, and he’s always supporting her.

“I love you both,” I say.

“We love you too.”

Walking through the apartment, I follow the sound of the ringing phone. It’s on the kitchen pillar. It must say something about how fast this relationship is moving, the fact I didn’t even have time to spot the phone.

“Ami.” It’s Tommy, his voice grave. “Are you there?”

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

Tommy clears his throat. “It’s Loki. He’s gone. The dog sitter has left a bloody note. Guess what it says?Ollie will be in touch. He somehow got to the sitter, and now my dog is gone, my Loki.”

“Where are you?” I ask.

“My apartment, but I’m heading into the office. It’s a more central location. I’ve already sent men out to scour the city.”

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