I took a deep breath.
"I hadn't considered that.
I just thought I'd be less anxious about making a mess in my own kitchen than in yours.
But you're right.
It'll be okay, though, Gideon.
Once he sees how you feel about me, he'll be good with us being together."
"I only care what he thinks if it affects how you feel.
If he doesn't like me and that changes something between us - " "You're the only one who can do that."
He gave a curt nod, which didn't help me feel better about what he was feeling.
A lot of men got nervous meeting their girlfriend's parents, but Gideon wasn't like other men.
He didn't rattle.
Usually.
I wanted him and my dad to be loose and easy around each other, not tense and defensive.
I changed the subject.
"Did you get everything worked out in Phoenix?" "Yes.
One of the project managers noted some anomalies in accounting, and she was right to push me to look deeper into it.
Embezzling isn't something I tolerate."
I winced, thinking of Gideon's father, who'd bilked investors out of millions before killing himself.
"What's the project?" "A golf resort."
"Nightclubs, resorts, luxury living, vodka, casinos .
with a chain of gyms thrown in to keep fit for the high life?" I knew from checking out the Cross Industries website that Gideon also had software and games divisions, and a growing social media platform for young urban professionals.
"You're a pleasure god in more ways than one."
"Pleasure god?" His eyes sparkled with humor.
"I spend all my energy worshipping you."
"How did you get to be so rich?" I blurted out, pricked by the memory of Cary's insinuations about how Gideon could've amassed so much at such a young age.
"People like to have fun, and they'll pay for the privilege."
"That's not what I meant.
How did you get Cross Industries started? Where did you get the capital to get things going?" His eyes took on a speculative gleam.
"Where do you think I got it?" "I have no idea," I told him honestly.
"Blackjack."