Dane’s mouth curved. “I’d like to say Vienna talks about you all the time, but it’s more like I have to sneakily coax stories out of her.”
Melinda nodded. “Our Vienna’s not one to entertain people with life stories, but I have plenty about her that I think you’ll find fascinating.”
I groaned. “You promised me you wouldn’t do this.”
Melinda’s brow puckered. “I did?”
“Yes, you did.”
“Damn.” She looked at Dane. “Well, that’s okay. My husband, Wyatt, didn’t make that promise, so I’ll just tell him to spill it all.”
Wonderful.
Wyatt and Simon appeared then. After giving me a hug, my father greeted Dane warmly, more upbeat than he’d been a few nights ago. Wyatt probably would have been a little more reserved if Dane wasn’t carrying a large crate of beers—he’d insisted on bringing them along.
Taking the crate, Wyatt smiled at me. “I’m going to like this guy, Vienna, I can tell.”
So easily bought. I almost snorted.
Ranger came over and sniffed at Dane hesitantly.
“This is Ranger,” I said as Dane held out his hand for the dog to smell him. “Don’t be bothered by his size. He’s a big softie.”
Dane scratched him behind his ear, making Ranger’s eyelids droop in pleasure. Well, he’d won over the dog fast enough.
Once we each had a beer bottle in hand, I introduced Dane to Nancy, who declared him a pretty thing and wanted to know if he’d be open to running off with her.
Ashley pushed out of her chair and gave me an air kiss before then greeting Dane. Tucker joined us to say his hellos, his usual polite self. Then goddamn Heather and Jana strolled over, their hips swaying. I had to grit my teeth.
Heather pushed her sunglasses up to her head and flashed him a smile that was all sex. “I’m Heather, Melinda and Wyatt’s daughter.”
Dane only inclined his head, though he didn’t come across as rude.
I was kind of impressed that he’d kept his eyes from dropping, considering she’d dressed in a top that was at least two sizes too small, so her boobs were practically spilling out of it. Her skirt was indecently short and super tight.
I wished I could say she looked skanky. She didn’t. She pulled the look off well. Which was annoying, because she’d only dressed that way to get Dane’s attention. God, the woman was a boil on my ass.
“And I’m Jana,” added her sidekick. “Heather’s friend.”
Again, Dane inclined his head. He also slid closer to me and draped his arm over my shoulders, keeping the side of my body flush to his. It felt both possessive and protective. It also made a silent statement that he wasn’t interested in anyone but me. Not that that would stop Heather from throwing herself at him just to wind me up.
His eyes darted to Junior, who was hiding behind Melinda. “And who might you be?”
“Oh, this is my son, Junior.” Heather hauled him to her side as if hugging him, but the move was a little too rough. “Say hi to the nice man, Junior.”
“Hello,” the kid said shyly.
“Ah, Vienna mentioned you,” Dane told him. “She said you’re her favorite nephew.”
Junior’s mouth twitched. “I’m her only nephew.”
“It still counts.”
I didn’t fail to notice the way Heather frowned at Junior when he referred to himself as my nephew. She often made a point of stating that we weren’t truly related.
She looked at Dane and seemed about to say more, but he turned to Simon, effectively dismissing her. I had to bite back a grin. She’d soon realize that Dane wasn’t the easy mark she’d thought he’d be. My boss was used to having women throw themselves at him—he knew how to handle it.
Conversation picked up, and it honestly lightened my heart to see him and Simon get along so well. Wyatt, Simon, and Melinda quizzed Dane under the guise of polite conversation. They asked about o-Verve, his academic background, and where he lived. He expertly dodged some questions but answered others.
I could see they were surprised to hear that he didn’t reside in a swanky apartment like many unmarried businessmen his age. Hell, I’d been equally surprised when I first learned he owned a huge house and a large plot of land. My foster parents exchanged a look, both no doubt assuming he’d bought such a home because he had plans to marry and have children. Not exactly, but I wouldn’t disabuse them of that theory.
“You’re leaving for another business trip tomorrow, right?” Simon asked me.