Big Bad Boys A Romance Collection - Penny Wylder Page 0,130

I needed to succeed in life.”

“He didn't do that. You succeeded because you wanted to. Daniel didn't do that for you.”

“Yes he did, you don't know what it was like for everyone when I was a kid. My father actually left because of me when I was three.”

Holding her shoulders, I stop us so we're not moving. “Sylvia, your father didn't leave because of you.”

“Daniel said—”

“Daniel said,” I bark, cutting her off. “Who cares what he said, listen to yourself. You were three years old, there's no way you had anything to do with your real father taking off. Daniel is an asshole. Daniel will make you believe what he wants, just so he can get what he wants.”

“That's not true, you don't know what you're talking about.”

“Sylvia, come on, you can't be that gullible. Daniel doesn't see how incredible you are, he only sees what you can do for him. The truth is he's an asshole for telling you it's your fault your father left. It's never the child's fault—never.”

Taking a step back, she folds her arms across her chest and frowns. “You don't know shit about my life, Phade. Daniel has been the only father figure I've had, he's the only one that's pushed me and helped me. Yes, sometimes he's a bit much, but most parents are.”

“No, not like that. Parents don't tell their kids that another parent left because of them. That's cruel, Syl, you can't see it?”

“You know what,” she snaps, throwing up her arms. “I knew this was a bad idea.” Her brows drop, her mouth curls into an angry frown. “You don't know what the hell you're talking about. Daniel has been there for me, and he's been there for my mom. You have no right to judge him this way.”

“I'm not trying to upset you, but you can't let him treat you this way. You deserve more from life than this.”

“Did you ever think that this is what I want?”

“Syl—”

Holding up her hand, her jaw clenches as she speaks. “Don't, I'm not really looking for an answer. I'm done.” Her arms go limp as she whips her body around and storms off.

I stand dumbfounded for a moment, just letting it all sink in. I never meant to hurt her feelings or upset her, but I couldn't let her go on thinking that it's all right for an adult to tell a child that someone left because of them.

Dropping down into my seat, I let out a sigh. This isn't what I wanted for tonight. I had plans to take her home with me, to give her a night she'd always remember.

Picking up my head, I notice the binder still on the table. She left behind all her hard work, her imaginary life that she created for us.

Damnit. Why the hell am I doing this to myself?

7

Sylvia

Clutching my temples, I drop my head onto my desk and groan.

Why did I go out with him last night?

It was a dumb decision to go. I should have stayed in, watched a movie, finished a bottle of wine, and passed out on the couch. Instead I became subject to his ridicule, and narrow minded thoughts.

Ugh, I'm such an idiot.

Turning my face toward the window, the sun shines on my cheek, warming it up. Any other day I would be smiling, enjoying the way it streams in and makes rainbows off the crystal paperweight on my desk, but not today. Today my head is killing me, and I've been staring at the computer screen since six in the morning trying to redo everything I lost.

All the work I put into this engagement story, and I leave it on the damn table because Phade fucked with my emotions and pissed me off. I wish he would have just left it alone, keeping his opinion to himself.

But that's not who he is, and you know this.

Why are you surprised?

Phade's one of those guys that likes to hear themselves talk. I've already seen it with his interviews, and the articles in Sports Today and Pro Glove. He doesn't know when to shut up.

Now, I'm starting over from scratch, rebuilding the most important task I've ever been given. My step-father's going to base his next decision, and where I stand with this company, on this. I can't screw it up.

Closing my eyes, I let the sun soak into my skin and just breathe. I got this.

“Whatcha got there?” Claudia's voice rains down on me from over my shoulder, her face almost