Page 28 of The October Arrangement

My father shut the door and sat across from me with an expression I knew all too well. He looked amused, and that was rarely good news for me.

“What?” I asked, as he didn’t say anything.

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit,” I said.

He brought his ankle up to his thigh and placed his hand on it. “I met Bella this morning.”

“You what?” I narrowed my eyes.

“I met Bella. You know. Tall, brunette, pretty. Apparently lives in your penthouse.”

“I know who Bella is,” I sighed.

“I would hope so, considering she’s living with you.”

“She’s not living with me,” I said firmly.

“Does she sleep there?” He stared at me.

“Yes.”

“Does she use your kitchen?”

“Yes.”

“And her belongings are there?” he asked.

“Unfortunately.”

“Then I believe that’s generally considered living with someone,” he said.

“It’s only temporary.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “Until October 31st. No exceptions.”

“She told you about the rules?” I narrowed my eyes.

“She did.” He nodded.

“Of course she did.” I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my jaw.

“All ten of them.”

“Okay. Before you start, I had no idea she was there. Daisy told her she could stay while I was in Los Angeles.”

“So I heard,” he smirked.

“I came home and found a complete stranger in my penthouse.”

“And your first instinct was to create a list of rules, son?”

“No. My first instinct was to throw her out.”

He threw his head back and laughed.

“I don’t see what’s funny here,” I said.