Bachelor Swap - Lacey Black Page 0,46

of home.

“So, how’s life treating you, Wilder?”

Kyla flashes through my mind. To the kisses we’ve shared and the way her body reacts to my touch. It’s been only a handful of days since our date, but she’s all I’ve thought about since. Considering I’m basically just hunkering down in my brother’s expensive apartment, I’ve got plenty of opportunity for my thoughts to drift to her.

“It’s going well, thank you, Jerald.”

He waves his hand. “My friends call me Jerry.”

“Are we friends?”

He takes me in for a few long seconds before responding. “I think so. I don’t usually talk about my business with anyone outside of my business, but I’ve found from the first time you barged into my office and demanded a meeting, I’ve been drawn to you a little. You’re brutal, to the point, and not someone I’d want to tangle with if the circumstances were different. But I see the other side of you too.”

“The other side?” I ask, reaching up and tugging at the crisp tie around my neck.

“The one you hide from the world. The one where you seek control because you secretly crave their approval.”

I blink at the older man several times, trying to find the right words. Is he right? Does my brother want approval? In work? I mean, he always made sure he was the best at everything he did and that my parents knew about it. I always assumed he was just that confident, that conceited, but maybe there was more to it.

Our food is delivered to the table, and Jerry and I both dive right in. “How’s your prime rib?”

As soon as I swallow, I reply, “Excellent. Your salmon?”

“They have the best here. Caught locally and prepared fresh,” he states, piercing his lemon glazed fish with his fork. After a few more bites, he adds, “So tell me about the woman you’ve been seeing.”

I blink across the table, unsure what to say. Matthew told Jerry about Kyla? How much? Considering I’m supposed to break up with her for him, how much could he have shared? And how much do I share? That she’s quite possibly the best woman I’ve ever known? That her smile could light up even the darkest day?

“I take it by that smile, things are going better?” he asks, smirking across the table.

“They have been, yes. She’s a wonderful person.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Well, I’m happy to hear that. A couple of weeks ago, you weren’t certain about the future of your relationship.”

I swallow hard, thinking about what my brother could have told Jerry about Kyla. I’m sure it wasn’t anything too favorable, which pisses me off. It’s replaced by a fresh wave of guilt, however. The realization that I’m tricking her still sits heavily in my gut. I hate lying to her about who I am, but the thought of letting her go almost feels worse. I know I need to come clean, and I will. I just have to figure out the right time to do it.

“She’s amazing,” I whisper, staring over his shoulder at nothing. “She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known.”

He gives me a warm smile. “That’s wonderful. If you like her, I hope you let her know. Don’t leave any room for question.” He clears his throat and takes a sip from his water goblet. “You know, my daughter started to date this guy a few months back. Very casual, I guess. She doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry to introduce me.”

“Maybe she just wants to make sure she sees a future with him before she introduces you to him. Meeting the family is a big deal,” I say, finishing up my perfectly prepared slab of beef.

He seems to consider my words. “You may be right. She’s had,” he starts, stopping to consider his words. “She’s had a rough time in the last few years. She tries to be tough and not let me see how the loss of her mother has affected her, but I see it. It breaks my heart. I’m her father and only want the best for her.”

“Most fathers do.”

“Are you close with your father?” he asks, pushing his plate away.

I think about when the last time I saw my dad was. It’s been too long. That thought causes the food I just ingested to sit like lead in my stomach. “I used to be,” I tell him honestly. “I went away for a while and haven’t seen him and my mom as much as