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“Jack,” he repeats as I offer Kendra an apologetic smile.

I should’ve never brought her to meet him.

“What do you mean?” I finally answer as our first course is brought to the table.

Dad picks up his napkin and sets it across his knees. “That agent of yours—I’m not convinced he’s got your best intentions at heart.”

I bristle. My agent is the same guy who represented Jon throughout his career. He knows the NHL better than the layout of his house, but more than that, he cares about the fate of his clients.

Bracing my elbows on the table, I clasp my hands together and shake my head down at the untouched plate of food in front of me. This was never about seeing me or meeting my girl. I can’t say I ever thought it was, to be honest.

“He’s a good guy. Not everything centers around money.”

I swear Debbie gets smaller as she squirms at my dad’s brash approach. If his behavior surprises her, then she can’t know him all that well.

“So, passing up hundreds of thousands of dollars isn’t a problem for you?”

“What are you talking about?”

Dad shrugs and takes a bite of his food. “I’m just wondering if there’s a cut in there somewhere for ex-client referrals.”

If it were just Dad and me tonight, this would signal the point where I get up and walk off. But for the sake of my girl and the woman my dad is supposed to care about, I fight with my rage.

“What do you do for a living, Debbie?” Kendra sits up straighter in her chair, dismissing my dad, giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Dad’s face twists with annoyance but mainly confusion.

Yeah, it’s official. I’m in love with her.

Despite the discomfort she’s clearly in, Debbie forces an appreciative smile. “I work for Elliott and his team. Mostly, I work in admin, but I’m training as a stockbroker. I know I said I’ve not had much chance to sightsee and all, but actually, we’re here on business.”

Kendra takes a sip of water and nods. “I’ve heard there’s a lot involved in that kind of work. My cousin is a financial adviser back in Ohio. I remember him saying he spent longer training to be qualified than he did at college.”

Although my focus is solely on Kendra, I’m distracted when my dad shifts uncomfortably.

“Are you close with your cousin?” he asks.

Kendra nods innocently. She has no idea where this is going, but I’ve seen enough of it over the years to know exactly what his game is.

What this entire meal was geared around.

“Yeah, he’s family, but he works with Dad and my brother. Manages their finances and everything.”

A smirk traces his lips. It’s not smug or humored. It’s disappointed. And with that smirk goes my last shred of patience.

“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”

Dad lifts a casual shoulder, his voice completely even. “We’re here for a meal as family.”

I shake my head, fire burning through my veins. “That’s why you came to New York, isn’t it?” I tip my head toward my girlfriend. “You’d found out I was dating Kendra Hart, daughter of an ex–pro footballer and sister of one of the biggest La Liga names.” I lean back in my chair and look up at the ceiling, throwing my napkin on the table in front of me. “You wanted me to switch agents, no doubt to someone who would sweeten the deal for you personally, and then move in on my girlfriend’s family.”

I lean forward and rest my elbows on the table as Dad’s face burns redder. He can’t look at me as his eyes dart around the restaurant.

“Trouble is, Kendra’s cousin beat you to it. You and I both know the hardest client conquest is when the current adviser is family.”

When I turn to Kendra, my heart hits the floor. All the blood has drained from her face.

“I’d say Jon has twisted your mind up something good, Jack,” he replies, his tone still as unaffected.