Stealing Daddy’s Heart (Daddy’s Good Girl)

Chapter 4

Garrett

From George's fortieth-floor office, the city sprawls like a tactical map. I scan for vulnerabilities, old combat instincts kicking in despite the plush carpet under my feet.

Even here, in the heart of our empire, I can't shake the feeling that danger lurks just out of sight.

George's voice snaps me back to the plush confines of his office. “Garrett, for Christ's sake, sit down. You're making me nervous.”

I turn, taking in his relaxed posture—feet up on the mahogany desk, tie loosened.

“We need to talk about the Scarpettas,” I say, resisting the urge to pace.

It's only been a few days since Skylar's homecoming party, and I've been itching to have this conversation.

George sighs, leaning back in his leather chair. “Garrett, old friend, you're like a dog with a bone. I told you at Skylar’s party, and I'll tell you again—don't worry so much.”

The mention of Skylar’s name sends a jolt through me. I've been pushing thoughts of her aside, but they keep creeping back in. “This is serious, George. The Scarpettas are not the type to take rejection lightly.”

“What's got you so wound up?” George asks, his brow furrowing slightly.

I take a deep breath. “Yesterday, Marco Scarpetta's sister dropped by the office and left a graduation 'gift' with reception.”

George’s eyebrows raise slightly. “A gift? What kind of gift?”

“An elaborate flower arrangement,” I say, my jaw clenching at the memory. “With a card that read, 'Looking forward to future collaborations.' I had it disposed of immediately.”

George chuckles, waving his hand dismissively. “Flowers? Come on, Garrett. That's hardly a threat. Sounds more like they're trying to butter us up.”

I lean in, my voice low and intense. “It's the message. They can walk right into our reception area any time. And that card indicates they're not taking no for an answer.”

George still looks unconvinced. “Or it could be a peace offering. Maybe they're trying to smooth things over after we turned them down.”

I shake my head, frustration building. “The Scarpettas are sending a message. They're not happy with our refusal, and they're letting us know they can reach us whenever they want.”

George sighs, rubbing his temples. “Garrett, I appreciate your caution, I really do. But don't you think you might be overreacting a bit? We've dealt with pushy clients before.”

“They’re not pushy clients,” I insist. “The Scarpettas are part of a criminal organization with a history of violence and intimidation. We can't afford to take this lightly.”

George holds up his hands in a placating gesture.

“Apex Solutions has the manpower, the equipment, and the connections to rival any organized crime syndicate. The Scarpettas know that. They're not going to risk a public mess over a refused contract. But for now, let's focus on more pressing matters,” he continues, his demeanor softening. “How are the preparations for Skylar's surprise coming along?”

The abrupt change of subject throws me for a loop. And just like that, she’s back in my mind: Skylar, in that blue dress at the party, her smile lighting up the room.

I nod, pushing aside my concerns about the Scarpettas for now. “Everything’s on track. We’ve secured the Riverside building and will station discreet personnel for the duration. Skylar’s show will be 100% safe.”

“Skylar’s been having a tough time finding a space for her exhibition. I really appreciate your flexibility on this, buddy. We have big plans for that space, and it means a lot that you’re willing to put them on hold.”

“Generous,” I say, careful to keep my tone neutral.

George laces his fingers behind his head. “We'll resume our plans for commercial development after the show. It's a temporary favor for Skylar. You know I'd do anything for her.”

On instinct, my jaw clenches. If she’s successful, I think, if her show takes off, will George ever develop the property? Or will her exhibition become permanent, occupying not just the empty real estate, but all of us?

I refocus on my job—the event's security.

“It’s only a few months,” I say

He pauses, a wistful smile crossing his face. “I may not always have been the best father, but having Skylar in my life changes everything. It makes me see the world differently.”

I force a smile, ignoring the familiar pang in my chest. “I’m sure it does.”

George continues, oblivious to my discomfort. “One day, when you have kids of your own, you’ll understand. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “But hey, no rush, right? Plenty of time for all that. For now, you’ve got the freedom to pour everything into the business.”

His words, though well-intentioned, strike a nerve—the implication that my life is somehow less complete, that I’m missing out on something fundamental.

I push the thought aside, focusing on the matter at hand.

“Run me through the security arrangements for Riverside one more time. I want everything to be perfect for Skylar’s show.”

I nod, grateful for the change of subject. “We’ve secured the building and stationed discreet personnel. Skylar’s show will be 100% safe.”

As I begin to detail our security measures, my mind drifts. I can picture Skylar’s face when she hears about this gift, the joy in her eyes, the gratitude in her smile.

And despite my better judgment, a part of me looks forward to seeing that reaction.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. George and I exchange a puzzled look—we weren’t expecting anyone.

“Come in,” George calls out.

The door opens. Footsteps—soft, measured, but distinctly feminine—tap across the floor. It’s Skylar, a vision in a simple sundress, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders.

Her perfume wraps around me—jasmine, a touch of sandalwood. Designed, no doubt, to floor a man in three seconds flat. A warm, tingling sensation spreads through me, starting in my gut before radiating in wicked, traitorous ways.

“Hey, Dad. Garrett,” Skylar says.

George beams as he stands to greet her. “What brings you here, sweetheart?”

Skylar steps into the room, her eyes flickering between George and me. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d surprise you.”

I stand as well, my body on autopilot while my mind races.

Her gaze lingers on me for a moment before shifting back to her father. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?”

“Not at all! Sit down, sweetheart.”

As Skylar takes a seat, her eyes meet mine, and I sink back into my chair.

George can barely contain his excitement. “So, Sky, how's the search for a gallery space going?”

Skylar's face falls slightly. “Not great, to be honest. I've hit dead end after dead end. It's like the universe is conspiring against me.”

George's grin widens. “Well, what if I told you that the universe—more accurately, your old man and Garrett here—might have a solution for you?”

Skylar's eyes narrow suspiciously. “What are you talking about, Dad?”

George leans forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “How does the Riverside building sound for your exhibition space?”

For a moment, Skylar just stares at him, her mouth slightly open. Then her eyes widen, realization dawning. “Riverside? The waterfront property? Are you serious?”

George nods, his face beaming with pride. “Consider it your graduation present. The building is yours for the entire exhibition period. Parts of Riverside are still pretty raw. I'm sure we could work with that, right, Garrett?”

I nod, even as I feel the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. “Absolutely. We could leave certain areas unfinished, give it that industrial feel you're after, Skylar.”

Skylar's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flash of the same electricity I felt at the party. “You'd do that?”

“Of course,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Whatever you need to make this work.”

Skylar's eyes are wide, brimming with emotion. She looks from George to me, then back to her father. “Dad! I don't even know what to say. This is huge.”

“Garrett here helped set it all up,” George adds, gesturing toward me. “He's made sure everything will be safe and secure for your show.”

Skylar's gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us. “Thank you,” she says softly. “This means more than you know.”

I clear my throat, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Don't mention it.”

George claps his hands together, oblivious to the undercurrent between Skylar and me. “It's settled then! Garrett, can you show Skylar around the space tomorrow? Get her familiar with the layout?”

My heart rate spikes. Alone with Skylar in an empty building? “Of course. I'd be happy to,” I hear myself say with all the enthusiasm of a volunteer walking a tightrope over a pit of hungry crocodiles.

“That would be amazing. Thank you both so much. I can't wait to see it.”

As George launches into more details about the building, she smiles at me—completely unaware of the battle waging inside me. It takes every ounce of self-control not to reach out and touch her.

“...and of course, we'll have top-notch security in place,” George says. “Isn't that right, Garrett?”

I snap back to attention. “Absolutely. We've got it covered from every angle.”

Skylar turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So you'll be keeping a close eye on things, then?”

“That's my job,” I reply, hoping my voice doesn't betray the effect she has on me.

George pushes back from his desk and stands with a stretch. “I hate to cut this short, but I've got another meeting in five minutes. Sky, ready to head out?”

Skylar nods, gathering her things. “So, what time should we meet tomorrow?”

I swallow hard, focusing on the logistics and not on how her sundress hugs her curves. “How about 1 PM?”

She smiles, and it's like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. “That sounds perfect. I'll meet you there.”

As George leads Skylar to the door, I step forward, my hand half-raised as if to stop her from leaving. I catch myself just in time, my hand curling into a fist at my side, but not before Skylar glances back over her shoulder. The corner of her mouth twitches up in a knowing smile.

The door closes behind them, leaving me alone with the pounding of my pulse and the taste of frustration on my tongue.

I sink back into my chair, running a hand over my face. What the hell am I doing? I'm supposed to be protecting Skylar, not fantasizing about her.

I'm supposed to be her mentor, her father's trusted friend and business partner—not whatever it is I'm feeling right now.

I bite back a groan, the full weight of the situation crashing down on me.

If only George knew. If only he could see how my pulse races when Skylar's nearby, or how my eyes are drawn to her no matter where she is in the room. But he doesn't, and for now, that's a blessing.

Tomorrow, I'll be alone with Skylar. It should be strictly professional, but my body hums with a long-suppressed ache, a craving stirring within me.

I've kept this part of myself locked away so tightly that not even George suspects its existence. Yet the urge to take control, to guide and protect, to be the firm hand and the safe harbor—it's all threatening to surface.

As I leave George's office, I can't shake the feeling that I'm walking a tightrope, and the safety net below is full of holes.

One misstep, and I could lose everything—my best friend, my business, my reputation. But as I picture Skylar's smile and the defiant tilt of her chin, I realize that despite the risks, there's a part of me that can't bring myself to regret it.

I'm playing with fire, but God help me, I can't stay away.

Skylar Bennett is worth the risk, and that terrifies me more than anything else.

The question isn't whether I'll fall; it's how hard I'll hit the ground when I do—and who I'll take down with me.