Three Broken Promises (One Week Girlfriend #3)(65)
Author: Monica Murphy

So does Colin, but he’s always felt like family to me. Now we’ve taken it that much more seriously . . .

He’s become my everything.

“I’m gonna put that brother of yours to work,” Colin promises Fable, his arm lowering to slide around my waist. He pulls me in so I’m nestled at his side. We’re a perfect fit and I gaze up at him adoringly. “I know he can handle it, though.”

Fable nods and smiles, her gaze going from me to Colin. “You two are so damn cute together. Took you long enough.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve already said that to us,” I remind her wryly.

“And it needs to be said a few more times, I think.” She steps toward us both and kisses my cheek, then Colin’s. “I gotta go find my men. I’ll talk to you later, Jen?”

“I’ll need you to rescue me, yeah,” I say as she waves at us and then walks away.

“She’s a good friend,” Colin says close to my ear.

I nod, smiling up at him. “The best. But so are you.”

He kisses me, like he can’t help it. “Right back at ya, baby.”

Warmth suffuses me, his love taking hold and giving me the courage I need to keep on top of this night, on the most important day of my career. “I need to go manage the front entry,” I tell him, kissing his cheek. “Wish me luck?”

“No.” He drops a kiss on the tip of my nose as I glare at him. “You don’t need it. You got this and you know it.”

I love his confidence in me. I freaking need it, especially right now. I’m a wreck. “I’m nervous,” I whisper. “So thank you for that.”

“Anytime, babe. You know I’ve got your back.” He hugs me, his mouth at my ear, nibbling on it. “I love you. So much.”

“I love you too.” My heart swells, and the nausea that plagued me the last hour or so evaporates completely.

Having this man by my side, I’m the luckiest girl in the world.

Colin

I watch her move about the restaurant, handling everything with calm efficiency, and pride ripples through me. She greets everyone who enters the door with a warm smile and introduces herself to the chamber of commerce members we invited for The District’s grand opening.

The parking lot is full, yet the people keep on coming. A local radio station set up outside, broadcasting live and encouraging their listeners to come and check us out. Every table is occupied, the bar is at full capacity, and the front lobby has so many people waiting to be seated they spill outside, waiting on benches, their kids dancing to the top-forty music the radio station is playing.

It’s a rousing success, all thanks to Jen. I wanted her to stay here in Redding permanently, more than willing to sacrifice and endure a long-distance relationship so she could take on this management position. She’s so damn good at it, I’m afraid the guy I have lined up to replace her won’t measure up.

Of course, no one can measure up to my Jen.

She refused, though. Simply told me she couldn’t stand to be that far away from me. She loves me too damn much and didn’t want us to be apart.

How can I refuse her?

“Hello, son.”

My spine stiffens, and I slowly turn around to find my dad standing before me.

“Hey,” I greet him weakly, giving him a quick hug. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Look at you, all dressed up. Quite the restaurant you have here. Looks good.”

“Thanks.” He drives me crazy, but I can’t help but be proud at his meager compliment. He took his father’s restaurant and turned it into something more. And I’ve gone and done the same, over and over again. I want him to be proud of me. Despite our tangled past, I’m still the kid who wants his dad’s approval.

I’m also pleased he showed up. I’d extended the invitation out of courtesy, never believing he’d actually come.

“Kind of surprised you came,” I say, immediately feeling like a jackass for saying it.

“Well, you did invite me,” Dad reminds me. “And I’m never one to pass up a free meal.”

I laugh. Thank God he relieved the tension.

“I saw your Jenny.”

“Yeah?” Warmth fills me at his calling her my Jenny. She is mine. Glad he realizes that, too.

“She looks nervous. I told her not to worry. She can handle it.” That he even said that shocks the hell out of me. Maybe he’s doing it just to make me happy, I don’t know. I’m glad for his support of Jen, though. I don’t want to fight.

I’m so damn sick of fighting.

“So. How’s work going for you?” I ask pointedly. He gives me some vague answer but I accept it. After I gave him the money, we had a long talk about his gambling problem and how he needed to get it under control. My dad’s compulsive ways finally got him into major trouble, and luckily enough I was able to bail him out. But I warned him I wouldn’t do it again. He needed to seek out help. So he did, in the form of a therapist, who he sees once a week.

After ensuring my dad has a table to eat at, I take off toward the front of the restaurant in search of Jen. I find her standing by the hostess’s desk, leaning against it as if she needs it to hold her up. Her shoulders are slumped and her head is bent, but she has a giant smile on her face.

Tired but happy, that’s how I read her.

The moment she spots me headed toward her, her eyes light up and she comes for me until we meet in the middle. “Hi,” she greets me breathlessly. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

Laughing, I reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Why do you say that?”

“Have you seen how busy this place is? It’s crazy.” Her smile fades the slightest bit though her eyes are still sparkling. “I saw your dad.”

“I know. He told me.”

“He was nice to me.” She smiles.

“I’m glad.” I drift my index finger down her soft cheek, getting momentarily lost in her eyes. I could almost forget we’re at the restaurant.

Almost.

“He said he’s happy that we’re together.” Jen leans into me, pressing her forehead to my chin, a sweet, trusting gesture. “So am I, I told him.”

Fuck yes, I’ll second that. “Baby, as soon as we can, let’s get out of here. I want to take you home.”

“Colin.” She rolls her eyes, pulling away from me. “This is my restaurant and we’re having our opening night. I can’t just bail.”