Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25774 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25774 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
If looks could kill, I’d be dead on my feet from the way Joseph is glaring at me.
“Katy, I wasn’t born yesterday,” he growls. “Cut the bullshit and be honest with me.”
“But Dad …”
Then, my boyfriend takes over. He puts one big hand over mine and moves closer to me on the couch so that we’re side by side, effectively leaving no doubt that we’re a couple. My dad doesn’t miss the move, and I have to force myself to stay still as Joseph’s eyes drop to our clasped hands. But my boyfriend doesn’t hesitate.
“Senator, if you need to be angry, then be angry at me, but don’t blame your daughter because she’s not the one at fault. The truth is that Katy and I have been dating for several months now, and it started before her internship at your office.”
My father jerks with surprise.
“Really?”
Brad nods, his expression serious.
“Yes. Your daughter needed a ride late one night, and I was happy to oblige. It was only a few months ago, so Katy was already legal then and there was nothing untoward about it. But we discovered that we had feelings for one another, and rather than fight them, we decided that we wanted to explore them together. As a result, I’m in love with your daughter, and want to treat her honorably. Of course, I recognize the awkwardness of the situation, so I’m more than happy to resign as your chief of staff.”
Tears fill my eyes and I squeeze Brad’s hand. I never expected him to sacrifice himself for me, and my heart contracts sharply. Oh god, he’s going to lose his job, but it seems my boyfriend believes it’s worth it. He believes I’m worth it, and that our relationship is worth it.
But to my surprise, my dad smiles.
“I’m not firing you,” he says. Brad and I jerk back to look at him in disbelief. “There’s no need to resign either.”
Brad starts.
“Senator Mellon –” he begins, but my father cuts him off.
“No, it’s fine,” Dad says before sitting back in his chair. He releases a long breath, and runs his hand through his hair, as the tension in the air palpably dissipates somewhat. “I’m not going to lie. Seeing the two of you like that last night was a big shock, and I’m still a little upset neither of you trusted me enough to tell me about this from the beginning.”
“Dad, I’m sorry,” I begin, but Joseph isn’t done yet and holds a hand up to stop me. “It’s fine, Katy. I might not like it, but I understand where you’re coming from. Sometimes love chooses us and we’re just there for the ride, with no option but to follow our heart. All I want is for you to be happy, baby girl. I want you to find love with a good man, and I know Brad’s an excellent choice after twenty years of working together.” Then his eyes move to Brad, glinting a bit. “Of course, if you screw this up, Landon, then I’ll hunt you down and kill you with my bare hands, but that’s another story. I can see you love my daughter, and it isn’t just any man who would give up a promising career to be with the woman he loves. I trust you to take care of Katy, and if being together is what you both want, then you have my blessing.”
Brad and I look at each other with utter shock. To be honest, this is the opposite of what I expected. I really thought my dad would scream and shout things about me being too young, Brad being a predator, and both of us losing our minds. But instead, Joseph is handling the situation with astonishing aplomb.
“Really, Daddy?” I ask through the tears in my eyes. “You really mean this?”
My father nods his head, suddenly looking a bit tired.
“Yes, baby. I know life wasn’t easy after your mom left, but I’ve always been proud to be your father, and I support you in this. Just like I support you in everything you do.”
With that, Brad stands and leans forward to shake my father’s hand.
“Thank you, Senator Mellon,” he says in an emotional tone. “For everything. For being a boss, father-figure, mentor, and now, for understanding about this too. I love Katy, and I want you to know that I’ll do my best to make your daughter happy. She means the world to me,” he says fervently.
At those words, I inhale sharply and look at the man of my dreams.
“Do you really love me?” I ask in a quiet voice. Brad nods, and takes my hand while staring deep into my eyes.
“Yes, of course honey. Didn’t you know?”
I let out a little sigh. “I did, but you’ve never actually said the words, so … well, it makes a difference. I’m so happy, and I love you too, Brad.”