Happily Ever After Collection by Melanie Moreland

Author:Melanie Moreland [Moreland, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moreland Books Inc
Published: 2020-07-28T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 2

Jackson

Hank hung up the phone, passing a hand over his face. I glanced over from the desk I was using with a frown. “Problem?”

“My daughter’s coming home. She’s decided to take me up on my job offer.”

“This isn’t good news?”

“It should be. With Sheila leaving, Laura is the perfect person to take over her job. She’s got experience, she’s organized, and she won’t take shit from anyone.” He ran his finger over the picture of her he kept on his desk. I had seen the picture often—his daughter, Laura, was a pretty girl; long, dark hair with blue eyes that sparkled with mischief.

I had worked for Hank for two years but never met his daughter. He usually went to visit her, and the occasions she was in town, she never came to the office. A couple months ago, Hank had shared the news she was separating from her husband—news he wasn’t exactly upset about. Craig, in Hank’s opinion, was lazy, always willing to take the easy road for everything and didn’t look after his little girl the way he should. Laura, it seemed, had been carrying the load for far too long. Hank had been after her to come home and work for him so he could keep an eye on her. He worried about her constantly and talked about her so much, I felt I almost knew her.

“You don’t think she can handle the job?”

He sat back in his chair, staring out the window. “It’s not the job I’m worried about. Running this place and running the big, fancy office she used to work at won’t be the problem. It’s…the crew. I don’t want any of them around her. She’s vulnerable and has a heart of gold. She’s also beautiful—I don’t want her overwhelmed or bothered.”

I nodded in understanding. Hank had always been protective of his daughter. “I’m sure the guys will be respectful. I can have a word if you want, Hank. Tell them to stay away.”

He turned in his chair, his expression serious. “She’s off-limits to everyone here, Jackson. She isn’t just another employee. She’s my daughter.” His fingers drummed on the desk. “Maybe I should implement a new policy—no dating within the company.”

I had to laugh. “Since Laura will be the only woman here, Hank, that might be a bit obvious. It would make her uncomfortable, and frankly, it might make it more tempting for a few of them.” Then I smirked. “Besides, you’ll break Tom’s heart. He’s been after Simon since he got here. You can’t do that to him when he’s so close.”

Hank laughed. We all knew how Tom felt about Simon. Except, it seemed, Simon.

“Maybe you’re right. They’re all the right age, but I want more for her.” He sighed. “At least I don’t have to worry about you.”

I chuckled. “Oh? Not her type? Too rough around the edges?”

“She’s twenty-six, Jackson. That’s twelve years younger than you. I don’t think you’re into cradle snatching.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you?”

I shook my head, amused at his fierce expression.

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