Mr. Big Jerk: A Forbidden Second Chance Romance (Kinda Cocky Series Book 3), стр. 36

18

Clint

“So, how are things at the business?” Dad asked.

I sipped my whiskey. “They’re going well. Just signed another contract with the realty company to provide security for a bunch of properties Brenden just snatched up. So, I’m in the process of hiring a full-time security team devoted to taking on those contracts.”

“Sounds like you’ve got more work than you can tackle.”

I shrugged. “I’ll get it sorted by the end of the week. The contract doesn’t start for another two weeks, so it’ll give me time to hire and train before throwing them into a job. And if I have an entire team dedicated to working with just the realty company, then that gives Brenden and Zane more opportunities to throw work our way. Which benefits everyone in the long run.”

He grinned. “I’m proud of you, son.”

I lifted my drink. “Here, here.”

I threw the rest of my drink back as my eyes wandered over to the fireplace. It was finally getting chilly in Vegas as the winter months settled around us. But, it didn’t put a damper on tourism or on our business. I felt someone pluck the glass from my hand as I gazed into the flames, wondering what it might be like to curl up with Roxy and bask in its warm glow with my hands splayed out over her growing stomach.

“I know you don’t like to talk about personal things. But, I’d like to ask you a personal question,” Dad said.

I looked over at him. “Go ahead. What’s up?”

“You seem a lot happier lately. A bit more chipper.”

I blinked. “Is that a problem?”

He snickered. “On the contrary. It’s nice to see. I haven’t seen you smile this much since you came home after your contract was up. But, I can’t help but think that smile isn’t because of work.”

“And you want to know what her name is.”

He winked. “I’m a man myself, Clint. I know what a good woman can do to a man’s soul. You've met someone, haven’t you.”

I’ve done a little more than ‘meet.’ “Roxy.”

He paused. “What about her?”

I smirked. “I’ve been seeing Roxy lately.”

“Kelly’s sister?”

“Yep.”

“The one that’s always out partying?”

“That’s the one.”

“The sassy one that never knows when to shut her mouth?”

My eyes hardened on him. “Are you saying you don’t like her?”

He chuckled. “On the contrary. I think she’s the only girl I’ve ever come across that might have a chance in hell of keeping up with you.”

I felt the glass slide back into my hand. “So, you approve?”

“Approve? What are you, twelve?”

I shrugged. “I mean, if I’m seeing someone, I’d like my parents to at least enjoy having her around.”

“Well, I love Kelly. And while Roxy is definitely wild, she’s not reckless. She’s living her life the way she sees fit, and I admire that in people. She seems good for you.”

Tell him about the pregnancy. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You should bring her over for dinner sometime. You know, so we can get to know her more.”

Just say it. You know they’ll be happy. “I’m sure she’d love that.”

“Is it serious between you two?”

Damn it, Clint. Say something! “I’d say it’s getting there.”

Dad smiled. “Then, here’s to a long and healthy life for you both.”

I raised my glass before Dad, and I threw the whiskey back, and not once did I open my mouth about the baby. I don’t know, it just didn’t seem right without speaking to Roxy about it first. And besides, I thought that kind of announcement should be done when she was with me, with Mom here.

Just in case things did go sideways.

I set my glass down. “I hate to ruin the moment, but I need to get back to work.”

Dad stood. “Of course, of course. Thanks for agreeing to take your lunch hour with your old man.”

I grinned. “Old? When the hell did you get old?”

He barked with laughter. “When we had Zane. That’s when we got old.”

I chuckled. “Well, don’t tell him that. He’ll never let you hear the end of it.”

He walked over to me. “Come here, son.”

He held his arms out for me, and I wanted to back away. I didn’t like hugs. I didn’t like displays of affection like that. But, the allure of a hug from my father was one I’d never be able to resist. He wrapped his arms around me, and I felt like I was eight years old again. Sitting in his lap and crying against his chest because Brenden broke one of my toys. I squeezed my eyes shut. I patted his back and blinked back tears as I felt him kiss my temple.

“I’m so very proud of you, son. And I want you to know that you’ll never be forgotten.”

I drew in a deep breath and swallowed down the knot in my throat. I cupped the back of my father’s head before he brought his forehead to mine, connecting us the way we used to do when I was but a little boy. I heaved a heavy sigh before he released me, trying to ready my mind to get back to work.

But, I found myself diverting to Zane’s office.

I couldn't get the conversation with Dad out of my head, and I needed someone to talk to. Someone who understood what was going on. And because the girls had big-ass mouths that couldn't keep anything to themselves, my brothers had to find out second-hand that Roxy and I were pregnant. I was still irate with the girls, but I also couldn’t blame them. My brothers were their significant others, and I couldn't expect them to keep something like this to themselves.

What I wanted to prevent was Mom and Dad finding things out the way my brothers did.

“Hey! Clint!”

I slipped into Zane’s office. “We need to talk.”

He whistled. “Oh, boy.”

I closed the door behind me. “You got