I told her we’re friends, and we are . . . we’re friends who like to annoy each other. I’ve been trying to find an easy way to start dating this man, maybe ask him out to dinner, but for the life of me I can’t get up the nerve. How reminiscent of college days when I couldn’t find the courage to even talk to him. Plus, odd as it might sound, I like how things are right now. I have some time with the Carltons while they’re away on vacation.
I got an email from them Tuesday night saying they were going to take a small trip to Vermont. They wanted to sit down, relax, and consider their options now that they’re aware I have someone serious in my life—but when did business deals revolve around personal lives? And I can’t help but wonder, if I were a guy, would this be a factor?
Either way, after I got their email I started wondering when I last went to our cabin. It had been a mini vacation after an intense infrastructure summit in California. Considering how overworked I felt, and also how hard I’d been working Jessica, I knew getting a small rest away from the office was a wise choice. Although, it won’t be as quiet as I’d anticipated . . .
“Did you have Anderson clear out the cabin and stock it up?”
“Yes. He was very sweet and even sent pictures to make sure everything was in order.”
“He’s a good man.” My dad steps away from the door and walks over to me. He pulls me into a hug and presses a kiss to my forehead. “You sure you know what you’re doing? I’m afraid you got yourself into a pickle with this Jason thing.”
I can understand his nerves over the situation, because I’m feeling the same concern. Not only because I lied to the Carltons, but because I like Jason.
“I know, but if it makes you feel better, he’s about to pick me up… we’re going to the cabin together.”
My dad steps back. “Really? Well, who says I want my daughter going to a cabin with a man for the weekend? I don’t even know him. He’s coming to pick you up?”
“Yes, but—”
“Perfect.” He buttons up his suit coat. “I’ll go down and meet him.”
“Dad, no. That’s not necessary.”
“The hell it isn’t. I need to make sure he’s a man of integrity.”
“Dad, I promise you—”
But before I can finish, he’s headed out of my office and toward the elevators just as I get a text from Jason.
Jason: Honk, honk. I’m here, sweet cheeks. I’m parked where you told me to park. Luggage is in the back, snacks are ready, playlist is warmed up, time for a road trip.
Oh God.
“He’s parked in your spot?” my dad asks, walking faster than I’ve ever seen him walk.
“Yes, I had Mark pick me up this morning.” I catch up to him, thankful for my tennis shoes, rather than my heels I went to work in. “Dad, please be nice. He’s just a friend right now, has no idea—”
“He has no idea you told the Carltons that you two had been in a relationship for four years?” he huffed.
I shrugged, something I never did, especially with my father. He then rolled his eyes and said, “My middle name is cool.”
Somehow, I don’t believe that.
We round the corner to my parking spot where a black SUV is parked. From our approach, Jason hops out of the car wearing a pair of jeans and one of the stupid flannel shirts he sent me a picture of. This one is forest green and black and despite hating everything about it, it fits him like a glove. Sleeves rolled up to his elbows, brawny chest filling out the top . . . he’s totally got the sexy mountain man look going on, and I approve, especially the scruff he didn’t seem to shave off.
Like the respectable man that he is, he lifts his hand in a wave when he sees both me and my dad and walks over, lending it out for a greeting.
My dad takes it and gives Jason a good shake. “From the same blue eyes you two share, I’m going to assume this is your dad, sweet cheeks.” He winks at me then turns back to my dad. “Jason Orson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Domico.”
A small twitch forms at my dad’s lips, and I know he’s just about dying inside right now.
Let me let you in on a little secret. I think Jason is the first man to ever come up and confidently shake my dad’s hand. My dad can be a very intimidating man and has been to any past boy or man who has met him—there aren’t many. They cowered, they never stood tall, and they were a big no on my dad’s end.
But from the twitch at the corner of my dad’s mouth alone, I know he already appreciates Jason and his strength of character.
“Jason, it’s a pleasure.” Instead of being in awe or “fangirling” over one of the best catchers in the country, my dad acts normal and doesn’t even mention the fact that Jason is a major league baseball player. “Going up north with my daughter?”
“Yes, sir.” Jason sticks his hands in his back pockets and all I can focus on is the way his pecs press against the soft fabric of his shirt. “A-plus driver here in case you were wondering. No tickets, I enjoy a comfortable position of ten and two on the steering wheel, and I already established the rule in the car that it’s my playlist we’re listening to so there’s no fighting over music. Also, since it’s my off season, I took a siesta earlier today so I was fresh and alive for the drive tonight. I packed snacks, the tank is full, and there is water in reusable water bottles in the center console for each of us. Oh, and gum, in case I need something to chew if this one falls asleep.” He thumbs toward me. “I know how to use my fists if a bear comes near us, but I’m also not an idiot and know if it’s brown, hit the ground, if it’s black, fight that bastard back.” Oh my God, why is he so adorable? “I plan on teaching your daughter how to cook a proper meal this weekend, something she can make for you and your wife when you’re in town.”
“Now this I like.” My dad chuckles. Chuckles. At Jason. I think I’m in an alternate universe.
“I saw this great place that serves apparently the best pancakes in Illinois, so Sunday morning, I’d like to go there. I’d also like to hike, and when it comes to the sleeping arrangements, I was informed there are two bedrooms, and I plan on using one of them alone. No worries there.”
Oh, I’m worried . . . that he plans on using the other one.
“Well, looks like you’ve covered everything. This is a solid gentleman, Dottie.”
I know. I really know.
“Are you good? Am I allowed to leave now?”
“I don’t know.” My dad scratches the side of his jaw. “Just from how charismatic this man is and his plans, I’m thinking I should take your place instead.”
“I’m up for a bro weekend,” Jason says, his banter and decorum so easy. No wonder he’s loved so much. “Then I wouldn’t have to see the deep eye-roll your daughter gives me on a constant basis.”
My dad leans in and says, “She gets that from me, but I will say this, I can’t possibly see myself eye-rolling with you. Do you have extra clothes packed for me?”
“Do you mind sharing underwear with another man? Because I’m game.”
My dad’s head falls back as he laughs. “I’ve never rubbed another man’s underwear on my junk, but never say never.”