Page 52 of Grumpy Silver Fox Daddy

I can tell that he's sizing her up, trying to find something to criticize.

“Actually,” Addison interjects, “Ana is Dad's girlfriend!”

“Sweetheart,” I sigh, rubbing my temples and looking at Ana apologetically.

“Why don't we all go sit down?” My father cuts me off with a wave of his hand, though for a split second, an aghast expression slips through his perfectly poised mask.

“I'm starving, and there will be plenty of time to delve into your,” he gives Ana a critical once-over that makes my blood boil, “social life over dinner.”

Ana swallows, and I squeeze her hand as we follow him inside. The restaurant is dimly lit, with candles flickering on every table. The soft lighting and hushed conversations around us create an atmosphere of refined elegance, but it does nothing to ease the tension crackling between us.

“Brando,” my father growls, looking at Ana, “is what Addison said true?”

I lay my napkin in my lap and put my arm around Ana’s shoulders. “You bet.”

He turns toward Ana, deepening his scowl. I am just about done with his antics.

“I brought Ana with me to meet you, and I would appreciate it if you treat her with respect.” My voice rises, anger bubbling up inside me.

He glares at me. I take a deep breath and steady my voice. “Ana is my girlfriend. She's also my assistant. Things of that sort happen every now and then.” I grin sheepishly, shaking off my upset. “I wanted you to meet her because she's an important part of my life and my work. I didn't bring her here to upset you.”

Before he can respond, the waiter arrives to take our orders.

The rest of the meal is a tense affair. Addison’s chattering is a godsend, and despite my father’s sulky mood, he can’t help but ask her questions about school and her friends. But once Addison tires of entertaining the old man, the silence is only broken by the occasional clinking of silverware against plates and the muffled sounds of the street.

Once we order dessert, I turn to him. “Should we talk about the real reason you are upset?”

He finally looks me in the eye and sighs deeply. “I appreciate your enthusiasm and the ambition you have for Sanders International. But please understand that I am feeling reluctant about changing the direction we've established over the years. This company is my life's work, and I have a deep attachment to the way things have been done.”

“I understand, Dad, but we need to adapt to modern times. And we have social responsibility.”

“I don’t think you have thought this all the way through, Brando. Major change brings risks. Why tinker with a thing that’s working, that’s been working for forty years?”

“Because times have changed. We need to innovate and explore new opportunities. I am not looking to erase what you have built,” I say, taking his hand. “I only want to build upon it. Your experience and knowledge are invaluable, and I hope you will continue advising me.”

My father sighs deeply and shrugs, looking at Addison. “You better make sure you do well, especially for this little one,” he says tenderly and strokes her cheek. “This company means a lot to me, son. And so do you and Addison.”

I nod as we stand up and make our way back to the car. The night air is cool and refreshing after the stifling atmosphere of the restaurant, and I take a deep breath, calming my nerves.

* * *

Over the next three days,we enjoy the sun-soaked shores of Florida. The sand is warm beneath my feet as Addison and Ana splash in the waves, laughter filling the air.

“Come on, Brando! Join us!” Ana calls out to me, her blue eyes sparkling against the setting sun. Reluctantly, I wade into the ocean, cool water wrapping around my legs.

“Alright, you got me,” I admit, splashing water back at them playfully.

“See? That wasn't so hard, was it?” She smirks, and her laughter is like music to my ears.

We spend our days exploring Florida's many attractions. We take a day trip to Disney World, where I win Addison a stuffed animal and spend a fortune on souvenirs that will never fit into our suitcases. We enjoy a lavish dinner at the hotel's renowned restaurant, where Ana insists we order dessert.

But the best part of the days are the evenings, after Addison falls into bed, spent and happy.

I lie in bed, my heart pounding in anticipation. As the door opens and Ana steps into the room, moonlight traces around her silhouette like an ethereal embrace. We don't need to speak, our eyes lock in a knowing gaze.

“Come here,” I whisper, my voice brimming with desire.

She strides over without a second thought, and our lips meet hungrily, a flood of passion consuming us both. Our bodies entwine together, creating their own spellbinding rhythm that only we understand.

---