Page 78 of Tempting Miles
Unfortunately for me, my mother had never respected boundaries a single day in her life.
“Is this a certain MacAllister friend?” she pressed.
“Yesss.” I dragged out the word, trying very hard not to give away more information.
“Is this your house host?”
“Yes.” My hands flew to my face, mostly to hide the stupid grin threatening to expose me completely.
“Oh, lordy.”
Before Mami could say anything else, Dad walked over and joined us.
“Susana, are you giving Penny a hard time?” he asked with a grin as he took the seat beside her.
“Of course not, I’m just enjoying spending time with our daughter,” Mami replied without missing a beat.
Dad gave her a look that made her laugh.
“Okay, fine.” She sighed dramatically. “You caught me.”
She gently patted his knee before pressing a kiss to his lips and wandering off toward tía Marta, already slipping into rapid-fire Spanish.
Dad watched her leave with raised brows and a fond smile.
“Yes?” I asked, suddenly feeling like a little girl again under his attention
“What?” He shrugged innocently. “I’m just sitting here wondering when exactly you became this amazing businesswoman. Last time we were here, I was teaching you how to ski.”
I scoffed, brushing off the compliment.
“Please, Dad. You’ve watched me be a successful businesswoman for at least a decade now.”
“That may be true, but seeing you not only handle investments successfully, but also oversee construction projects?” His eyes shone with pride. “It’s impressive, Penny.”
“I love you, Dad. Thank you for always believing in me.”
I rested my head against his shoulder the same way I used to when I was little.
“I hope you never change, Penny.” His voice softened. “Always remember what I taught you. Never let money make your choices for you. Let your brain—and your heart—do that.”
Something about his tone made me lift my head.
“Is there anything I should know, Dad?”
He reached over and patted my hand, his smile warm and reassuring. “No, my princess. Don’t worry. Everything is well in the Levine Kingdom.”
I smiled at the mention of the imaginary kingdom he created for my bedtime stories when I was a kid.
If I’ve ever had a mentor in life, it was my dad. He taught me everything I know about business, discipline, and believing in myself.
And judging by the calm confidence in his voice, I’m sure he had everything completely under control.
Today I decided to dress down and wear my new combat boots. Even though I’m spending most of the day in the office, a part of me wants Miles to see me wearing the shoes he bought me.
“Ms. Levine,” he greets me as soon as I step out of my car and start walking toward my office pod.
It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. At this point, I’m pretty sure everyone in Azalea Creek knows I’m living at his place.
