Page 103 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

My dad laughs.“Well, seeing as how you just landed your helicopter in the middle of my damn ranch, sure, let’s talk.”

Just then, Victoria’s father notices that I’ve inserted myself into the welcome party.He takes a step back.

“Nigel, this is my oldest, Callum.”

“Ahhh, the former Navy SEAL I’ve heard so much about.”He offers his hand for a shake.I don’t take it.

“That doesn’t narrow it down much.”Evander hops over and stands directly behind me.

“We’re all SEALs,” Finn says, joining us.

“Every last one of us.”That’s Declan.

“Especially me,” Special K says.

I have no fucking idea what Kevin’s comment is supposed to mean, but I think Victoria’s father has a fair picture of the situation.His eyes are as big as baseballs.

“Let’s talk inside.Pay them no mind, Nigel— we MacLaines are known for our hospitality.”Dad turns Nigel towards his house and looks back at us with a shake of his head.Victoria follows behind, keeping her distance.

Special K leans towards me and whispers, “We’re known for our hospitality?”

Dad opens the door for Nigel, saying, “Can I get you something?Coffee?Tea?The hard stuff?”

Nigel laughs and pats my father on the back.The gesture makes me cringe.For the most part, I trust my dad.But enough is enough.I’m going in.

I stand next to Victoria on the porch.I know her well by now.I see the stormy, conflicted expression in her eyes.

“We better get in there,” she says, as if she’s reading my mind.

I wonder whose side she’s on.Does she want to protect her father or to protect us?

My dad’s large body suddenly fills the threshold, blocking us from entering.“Give me a minute.”He’s speaking to both of us, his whisper serious.Then he winks.“I’ll let you know when I’m ready for one or both of you to join in the conversation.Pop a squat and let me get a feel for the situation.”

He closes the door.

I turn to look at Victoria.She looks away, turns, and plops down on the top step.I can’t sit, so I pace back and forth.Ten minutes go by, then fifteen.“What do you think they’re discussing in there?”

“I’m not sure,” Victoria says.

“What does your father think he’s going to accomplish?”

“No idea.”

I stop in my tracks, ready to spit out something that’s equal parts accusation and anger, but I don’t.Instead, I return to pacing.Victoria jumps up and walks out to the road.She’s wandering, her hand rubbing her forehead.As always, there’s something more going on below her surface, and whatever it is, it’s eating her alive.

I finally give up and sit on the top step.Twenty minutes now.

Victoria returns to her spot, careful to put a lot of space between us.She starts scribbling on her pad of paper, tears off a sheet, folds it into a small square, and shoves it into the back pocket of her jeans.When she’s done, she slumps forward and drops her face into her hands.

Thirty minutes.

“Hey,” I say.“I’m worried about you.”

She straightens but doesn’t make eye contact.

“Victoria, please.You need to know that if I could…if I were capable of beinganythingother than—”

“Stop.”She turns to me.“We had fun and now it’s over.It happens.”