Bachelor Swap by Lacey Black (best ebook reader under 100 .TXT) 📗

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 I should.”

He nods in understanding as the waiter returns to collect our dishes and offer us dessert. We both decide against it and finish our drinks. “Thank you very much for meeting me for dinner,” he says, reaching for the tab before I can grab the folder. He slips his black credit card into the slot. “My treat.”

“I am more than willing to cover my portion, Jerald.”

“Jerry,” he corrects with a smile. When the waiter returns with the credit card slip, Jerry scribbles his name down on the paper and hands it back.

We walk side by side through the restaurant, heading for the exit. As we approach the hostess stand, the blonde from earlier offers me another flirty grin and slips a piece of paper in my hand. I already know what it is, and if the way she’s looking at me is any indication, my brother has probably already met her after hours a time or two.

Ignoring her and sliding what is certainly her phone number into my suit pocket, I step outside, pleasantly surprised to have made it through the dinner without any of the worrisome shit I’d expected happening. The valet calls for our rides, leaving us standing on the sidewalk alone.

“It’s a shame my daughter is seeing someone. I think you two would make an interesting team,” he says with a jovial smile.

I snort out a laugh. “Well, I believe you mean that as a compliment, but I’m not so sure I believe you.”

He looks at me as his car is brought around. “You’ve always been hard on yourself, Wilder, but deep down, I see the goodness inside you.”

My heart hammers in my chest. Goodness inside me? I don’t feel an ounce anywhere. Not in my head and definitely not in my heart. Except for the place Kyla has rooted, the happiness she brings me growing every day.

I clear my throat. “I’m not so sure about that,” I reply honestly.

Jerald gives me a grin. “I do, Wilder. I see it, and that’s why I’ve agreed to your offer. Even though several have come in, some even more generous than the one we agreed upon, but do you know what? I’m not out to make a fortune. I want to sell for a fair price and know my employees are going to be well cared for. I want someone to