Bachelor Swap - Lacey Black Page 0,6
“I’ve gotta go back to the office. Text me later tonight after you either break up with him or shag him into oblivion.”
Shaking my head, I turn and head in the opposite direction, praying no one heard her crude comment. Though, I’ll admit, it does hold a bit of merit. I don’t necessarily need the oblivion part, but a little shagging would be nice.
As I slip into my car, my phone rings. I already know who’s calling, and I’m smiling as I answer. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Kyla, how are you?”
“Just wrapping up lunch with Amalee.”
“Ahh, how is Miss Dawson?”
“She’s fine. Busy working. How are you?” I ask, as I start the car and the phone switches over to my Bluetooth.
“I’m all right,” he replies, yet I hear the hesitation in his voice.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, dread filling my body. I’m so dang grateful I didn’t pull out of the parking garage yet.
“Nothing,” he insists before sighing. “I’ve been doing some thinking, honey.”
“Uh oh, that’s worrisome,” I tease, though it doesn’t ease the anxiety.
“I’m ready to take a step back.”
If I’d been standing, my knees would have buckled.
“What? From Evolution Technologies?”
Dad chuckles. “Yes, honey, from Evolution Technologies.”
“But…”
I’m so floored by my dad’s statement, I’m unable to speak. Dad started this company when he and mom were first married, and the technology industry was starting to boom. Dad’s business grew leaps and bounds when he was able to secure government contracts. In fact, he’s had offers over the years that contain so many zeroes, it would make your head explode. He’s always turned them down, though, so it begs the question: why now?
“Why?”
“Well, honey, I want to improve my golf game,” he states with a chuckle. “I want to sit in the backyard, listen to the birds chirp, and watch the sunset. I want to travel. Someday, I’d like to watch my grandkids grow, and I can’t do that when I’m working seven days a week. You don’t want the company. It’s not in your blood, and that’s fine. I want you to do whatever you want with your life, and I know that doesn’t involve Evolution.”
“But, Dad, you love that place.”
“Yeah, I do, but it’s time to pass the torch, Kyla. I’m not getting any younger.”
“You’re barely sixty,” I remind him. My parents didn’t meet until their late twenties and were both my age now when they married. A year later, I was born.
“Yes, but most days I’m feeling seventy, and I don’t want to let all my good years pass me by. We don’t know how much time we have on this earth, honey, and I don’t want to spend all of mine at the office.”
A soft smile spreads across my face. “I’m happy for you, Daddy.”
“Me too, but it’s not final yet. I’ve had a few offers, but one in particular I’m drawn to. They’ve made a more than generous offer, and I’ve signed the letter of intent to sell. It’s another technology firm here in Boston with some big hotshot at the helm.”
I snort. “Sounds like you.”
Dad barks out a laugh. “Maybe back in the day, but I’m content with just being your father for now.”
And that right there is why I’ll never leave.
I’m all he has left in this world. With Mother passing, he’s all alone in that big house.
“All right, I need to go. My next appointment is here.”
“Let’s do lunch soon,” I suggest.
“Sounds good. You could bring that fella you’ve been dating, you know.”
I think back to Matthew and his recent standoffish behavior. “We’ll see. He’s been busy with work.”
“Bring him by anytime. I’d like to meet the man my daughter is interested in.”
“We’re still pretty new and casual, Daddy.”
“Humor your old man, will you?”
Smiling, I reply, “Okay, I’ll bring him by.” I have no intention of doing so.
“Love you, Kyla.”
“Love you too, Daddy.”
I press the end button on the screen and back out of my parking spot. With a quick glance at my dash, I realize I have a little free time to stop by the shelter and visit with the animals before I need to head home to prepare for my dinner with Matthew. I have no idea how tonight will transpire, but I’m hoping to have the answers I need by the end of it. The truth is, we’re missing that spark.
That sizzle.
Sure, he’s handsome in a domineering, brooding way, but the few times we’ve kissed, my toes haven’t exactly curled. In fact, it was more reminiscent of kissing a cousin, if I had