Page 377 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 5

“Like you forgot you’re not supposed to answer doors?” I asked.

Scarlett smiled. “Yes?”

Luckily for her, I had her back. She’d be safe now. At least from the Pruitts and Cannavaros. But from random strangers at the door? “Scar,” I said and crouched down to look at her. “How many times are we going to need to have this conversation?”

“Maybe…once more.”

“Stop opening up the door, kiddo.”

“I don’t think you’re allowed to tell me what to do, Uncle Matt. You’re not my daddy.”

“So you want me to tell your dad what you did?”

She stuck her hand out. “Deal.”

I’d taught her about the art of negotiation a few months ago. She didn’t quite get it. But I’m pretty sure she thought the deal was that I wouldn’t tell her dad. Not the deal she’d actually just accidentally made where I would tell him. “And you won’t do it again?”

“Deal.”

I shook her hand.

“Is that present for me?” She gestured to the gift bag I was holding.

“Not today.” I patted her head.

“Who’s it for?”

“Your dad.”

“Oh.” She sighed. “He’s working. I’ll get my mommy.” She ran off. “Mommy! Mommy! Uncle Matt is here!”

“Such a cute kid,” Tanner said. “Pretty terrible at the negotiation table though.”

I laughed. “Yeah, she could use some work in that area. And in the area involving telling the truth. Why does she keep saying she accidentally opened the door? You can’t accidentally do that.”

“Did you accidentally shove your tongue down this horrid woman’s throat?” Penny said as she stormed into the foyer. She lifted up a tabloid with a picture of Poppy and me kissing before hitting me with it. “She’s a Pruitt!”

I grabbed the tabloid out of her hand. “Technically she’s a Cannavaro…”

“Are you kidding me, Matt? You know what that family’s capable of. She just threatened my daughter and you’re making out with her?”

This was a funny misunderstanding. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off my face. Or maybe it was because I hadn’t stopped smiling since I asked Kennedy out. “I can see how that looks but…”

Tanner started laughing.

“And you,” Penny said turning to him. “Of all people, you should be upset about this too, Tanner.”

“Why me exactly?” Tanner asked. “I’ve never actually met the woman.” He lifted the tabloid from my hand. “She’s rather attractive, albeit apparently insane.”

Penny looked back and forth between us. “I don’t know what the hell is going on. Or why you both look so happy. But Matt, I am so done with whatever mind games you’re playing. Sending me on a wild goose chase trying to set you up with people when the whole time you were…I honestly have no idea what you’re doing. But you can’t come into my house if you’re seeing that woman.”

“Penny,” James said as he joined us in the foyer. “I can handle this.”

“I’m serious, Matt,” Penny said, ignoring James. “She’ll never step foot in here. I don’t trust anyone from that family. And if you do, you’re completely insane.”

“Penny,” James said more sternly.

I’d never heard him talk to Penny like that. His short temper was usually reserved for…well, me.And I understood why what she said upset him. He was worried that I’d be offended that Pennyhad saidthat family. Because of Brooklyn. But honestly? I was just happy tonight. And the Pruitts did suck balls.