Page 42 of Mister Daddy

He raises an eyebrow at me.

“Like what? I thought your students loans were paid off already.”

I blush.

“Yes, but I can’t just disappear one day. I have rent, and electric bills, and my parents would be really freaked out if I suddenly just disappeared.”

He sweeps me into his arms again, whispering in my ear.

“Abby, those aren’t real things to worry about. Rent is rent. You give them notice, and you’re done. Electricty is the same. And your parents? I’m sure they want what’s best for you, and right now, it seems like you crave a life of adventure.”

I blush because Carter’s right. My mom and dad have always supported me and been proud of my choices. After all, I’m a responsible, forthright type of girl, and they’ve never had to worry about me. Especially when compared to my younger sister Carrie, who’s been in college six years and still hasn’t managed to graduate.

“I know what you’re saying,” I say. “But it’s hard to just up and leave!”

Carter nods, his eyes thoughtful.

“But think about it, sweetheart. That’s what I did when I bought my first river boat. I left everything I knew behind, and decided to strike out on my own, and look where I am now. A billionaire, and a very happy man.”

I smile at him.

“Yes, but that’s you, Carter. What would I do with scuba diving?”

He frowns.

“I thought you wanted to open a dive school,” he says. “One that teaches people to enjoy the water as much as you.”

“I do,” I say. “But how? And where would I get the money? I just finished paying down my loans, so I don’t have a lot saved up.”

Carter grins.

“That’s where I come in, baby girl. I have plenty of the good stuff, loads and loads of it in fact. I’d be happy to help you if you need a loan. Better yet, I’ll take equity in your new company because I know you’re going to be successful,” he winks.

“Oh you!” I say, playfully slapping his arm. “I can’t believe you’d be willing to stake a start-up like a scuba diving company when you don’t know any of the details. I mean, I could be a complete failure.”

Carter shrugs nonchalantly.

“Venture capitalists stake companies on a lot less information than I have now,” he says. “I know you work hard, that you have passion for what you want, and that you won’t let me down. I don’t need more than that,” he says. “How much do you need?”

My cheeks grow hot again, but this time it’s from embarrassment.

“I’m not sure,” is my whisper. “I never thought it would become a reality, so I’m actually not even sure how much I need in start-up capital.”

Carter nods.

“It’s okay, Abby. We’ll figure it out together okay? I’ll help you put together a pitch, a budget, and an estimate of how much you’ll need immediately as well as how much you need to operate for the next year smoothly.”

I gasp.

“But I’m not even sure that I want to do it!” is my breathless protest. “You’re acting like this is a done deal already!”

The handsome billionaire winks at me.

“Because it is sweetheart. We’ll talk about it more when we get back to my stateroom, but for now, let’s just enjoy these jewels, okay? Thank you, Truthers,” he says to the older man when handed a velvet bag with my new jewelry inside. “We’ve had an amazing time here, and we’ll be back at the next port,” he says, intimating that I’m about to get another load of jewelry wherever we stop. “Abby is such an amazing woman, and she deserves it wouldn’t you say?”

Of course, Truthers has no idea what we’re talking about, but as a good merchant he nods and smiles.

“Of course, Mr. Jones, sir. She’s a lovely woman and deserves to be treated as the best.”