Page 62 of Back for More

He nods.

We both turn our attention outside when we hear the sound of a table saw. Toby and Wes must have started working on the gazebo. I look away from the window immediately and stare down at my toes, rubbing my lips together. I don’t want to risk letting my dad see my eyes pop out if I catch sight of shirtless Wes again.

My dad, however, is still staring out the window. “It’s a nice idea,” he says quietly. “The gazebo.”

“I’m glad you’re okay with it.”

“I wish I’d thought of it, actually. I haven’t been going out there much.”

I take a few steps closer to the island and rest my hands against the cool edge of the counter. “Maybe you can have your morning coffee out there when it’s done.”Maybe we canis what I want to say.

He blinks once and then clears his throat. “I’ll be gone for a week. Do you have everything you need?”

I could use a little more love and respect from you, but other than that…

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Is there anything you wanted to ask me, before I go?”

Are you ever going to respect me?

Do you even like me?

How did you and mom meet?

What were you like before I was born?

Are you trying to push Wes and me to get together, or are you trying to push one of us to blow our chances with each other?

Who are you besides the CEO of the Barnes Group and Calla Barnes’s widower?

“Do you enjoy it?”

His eyebrows knit together. “Enjoy what?”

“Your job. Running the company.”

He looks at me like I’m speaking a foreign language. “Yes. Are you doing all right? Money-wise?”

“I won’t be needing another envelope of cash, if that’s what you mean.” The rims of my eyes are starting to burn.

“Okay, then,” he says, picking up his briefcase, jacket, and suitcase.

“Are you driving yourself to the airport?”

“Yes.”

“Did you want me to drop you off?”

“No. Thank you.” He walks past me, heading for the front door. “If you need anything—if there’s an emergency, Tina can contact me.”

“You mean if there’s a commercial real estate investment emergency, then I can contact Tina so Wes can get in touch with you?”

“Yes.”

“Got it.”

“Vicky left a roast chicken in the fridge.”