Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
I gape at my father. “I did no such thing. He was the one that came down and told me I’d be working with him,” I say fiercely, and it’s the truth. I’m too shy to throw myself at anyone.
The car grows silent as he pulls out of the parking lot, but he doesn’t head toward campus. Instead he gets on the highway, and I get nervous. I thought he might have been bluffing about the whole family meeting thing and plans for my future as a way to get me alone, but I guess he wasn’t.
“Did he come on to you?” I fidget with the edge of my skirt. This day has gone from one of the best of my life and actually feeling as though I had some control to this. My father is always good at making sure I stay under his thumb. “Parker,” he snaps, making me jump. “Did he come on to you?”
“No,” I snip right back, my anger bleeding through.
“Watch your tone.” I swallow, trying to get my emotions in check. I will not cry, and I won’t apologize either. I let the silence stretch and keep my mouth sealed. “Don’t let yourself be one of those girls who gets used up by the boss and tossed aside.”
I turn my head to stare out the window. “I thought you liked Samuel.”
“In business he’s a genius, but he’s not for you.” I can’t help but wonder if my father knows something about Samuel that I don’t. I want to ask, but that will only give me away. Honestly, I actually thought he might be happy if something was to come from Samuel and me.
I know it’s silly to think that maybe Samuel could be the one, but I would have thought with how well my father talks about him he would’ve been over the moon at the idea of us together. Instead he has other plans.
“What did he have you working on today?” he asks when we pull into his neighborhood. Shit.
“He didn’t tell me the name of the project or anything. Just had me entering numbers into some program.” He flicks a glance my way, but I don’t think he’s buying my lies. “Is Mom home?” I change the subject.
“Yes, she ordered dinner. We have a guest tonight.” My stomach sinks. He really does have someone he wants me to meet. I know my father can go a little far with his control at times, but this is out there.
When he uttered the words take her off our hands, my heart broke. I’ve always told myself that my father’s overbearing ways were because he loves me. He only worries about me and wants the best. Those words shattered that idea. It makes me question why he does all these things.
“Who is coming over?”
“A nice young man that goes to school with you. He’ll be graduating this year.” He pulls into the driveway, hitting the button for the garage. I notice a sleek white BMW parked in the driveway, but it’s not one I recognize. No one drives around campus unless they’re leaving to go elsewhere, so it’s not like I would know what people drive.
I’ve never gotten my license because my dad said I didn’t need one. Everything I needed was on campus, which was true, I suppose. In reality, it’s another way for them to control me. I get out of the car and make my way into the house. Once inside I follow the sound of my mother’s laughter into the kitchen but stop dead when I see who is standing there. Liam.
“Parker.” He gives me a smile as he walks over toward me. To my surprise, he pulls me in for a hug, but I stand there stiffly. This is not happening. “Guess they don’t know about the boyfriend,” he whispers in my ear.
“Please don’t say anything,” I whisper back.
“I think we can work out a deal.” He kisses my cheek, and a cold chill runs down my spine. I force a nod, and he taps me on the nose with his finger. “Good.”
“Already getting acquainted, I see,” Dad says as he enters the kitchen behind me. “Did you know Liam's parents go to our country club?”
“Not a clue.” I force a smile and pray this will be over quickly.
“How about we eat? I’ve got everything laid out,” Mom suggests.
“It smells wonderful,” Liam says as he begins to lay on the charm.
It’s actually how the whole dinner goes. I barely say a few words while Liam and my father monopolize the conversation. I’m thankful for it as my mind drifts to Samuel all throughout the meal. This night was supposed to be so different. Today I thought my life was changing. I might be naïve in that, but Samuel was so different with me. Sweet and caring. He made me feel that this was so much more than some hookup. Still, my father has put doubts into my mind. Why is he so against the idea of Samuel and me?