DREAM Read Free Page B

to the hostess and give her my name. She nods and tells me to follow her. We walk the length of the restaurant until we reach a private dining room in the back. My father would reserve one of these when he had business dinners.
    Gable stands when I enter. “Right on time. I like that.” He pulls my chair out for me to take a seat.
    “Let’s cut the shit and get down to the purpose of the meeting.” I take a large gulp of the water from the glass in front of me.
    “Your father told me you like to get to the point. I like that, too, because I’m the same way. I think that’s another reason why you and I would be good together.”
    Before I open my mouth to give him a piece of my mind, the waiter comes in. I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager. I already know what I want and order it.
    When the waiter leaves and we are alone again, I turn my attention back to Gable. “I don’t know what you and my father had planned, nor do I know what sort of sick daddy-daughter fetish you have, but I’m not going to marry you.”
    Gable stares me down for a moment.
    “First, there is no fetish of any kind. Second, the contract is simple and had you read it, you might not be as upset.” He reaches down then puts the contract in front of me. “Why don’t we read it together? This way you can sign it here and we can be married tomorrow.”
    “You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you?” I cross my arms, not touching the papers in front of me. “Whose idea was this originally? Did my father approach you first?”
    Gable shakes his head. “Actually, our meeting was about me just buying the company outright. I knew JE was in trouble. I knew it was a good company and had a lot of decent contacts.”
    “But, Dad refused?”
    Gable nods and takes a sip of his wine. “He claimed JE was his, but you were going to be the one who was going to put it back at the top. When the conversation turned to you...well...one thing lead to another.”
    “So, my father was bragging about me and you thought marriage was option to what… meet me?”
    “No. I’ve seen you a lot around the University campus. You father enlightened me about you, your accomplishments, and I became more impressed . Then I was able to get a hold of your thesis and I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen something that specular since I wrote mine.”
    “I’m glad to know your ego isn’t easily inflated.” I roll my eyes. “I’m guessing stalking is part of your résumé, too.”
    Gable smirks. “Among other things.”
    I look away from him, trying to figure out what the hell kind of tailspin I am in. My father had always been a determined, hard-working businessman. Among his other great qualities, he was a loving, caring father. He wouldn’t hand me off to some stranger.
    “How did you meet my father?”
    “I’ve known his reputation for years, and I had contacted him when I had heard of the demise of JE and offered some help.”
    “I can guess his answer.” My father was a proud man. I know there was no way he was going to take a handout from anyone. He may have borrowed money, but he wasn’t a charity case.
    Gable chuckles. “It was a few colorful words, but he turned me down. Soon, the conversation turned to you and now we’re here.” He taps on the contract.
    My heart is racing. Gable makes it sound like they had been talking about the weather more than my life. “You can’t do this. I’m an adult and you can’t force me into marriage under duress.”
    “I know, Dream.”
    “Then what are you doing?”
    “I see a beautiful woman, a smart mind, and a company that needs help. Think of me as a fairy godfather.”
    My mouth curls in confusion and I’m lost for words, which rarely happens. “A fairy godfather? You seriously let those words leave your mouth.”
    “I’m sure you understand what I mean.” He shakes his head realizing that his words aren’t exactly what he meant to say.
    “My answer is still no.”
    Gable places his elbow