Beautiful Entourage by E. L. Todd Page A

father. An excellent punching bag, taking swings and moving with the inertia.
    After I talked myself down, I walked to his office.
    Like I expected, he was hitting a golf ball around on the fake green.
    I hate him. I hate him. I hate him . “You wanted to see me, sir?” The last conversation we had in this office hung above my head like a cloud.
    You better not cry. You know how I feel about that.
    I held my hands together at my waist and regarded him with a stoic expression.
    Dad put down his club then abandoned his ball on the green. He crossed his arms over his chest while he regarded me like I was a stranger, not his flesh and blood. “You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend.”
    Why would I? It’s not like we’re pals. “I didn’t want to say anything until I knew we were serious.”
    He nodded then paced around the room. “I like him, Aspen. He’s a good man. I don’t know how you landed him but I’m glad you did.”
    My eyes narrowed in offense. I don’t know how you landed him . What the hell is that supposed to mean?
    “He golfs, knows his cars, and comes from money.”
    “Yes, the only qualities that matter.” My voice was full of sarcasm but I doubt he picked up on it.
    “And, I must admit, he’s a very good-looking chap. Where did you meet?”
    “Coffee shop.”
    “I don’t know how you charmed him but you did something right. It’s clear he’s really into you.”
    He didn’t know how I charmed him? “Surely, you must realize I don’t look like a troll and I’m a very pleasant person.” It took all my strength not to rip his head off.
    He ignored my statement altogether. “I want to golf with him this afternoon. Set it up.”
    That was short notice. I had to give Rhett’s office seventy-two hours notice in order to book a date with him. That seemed unlikely. “I’ll let you know.”
    He picked up his club again. “Let me know as soon as possible.”
    I wanted to beat him over the head with that damn club. “Of course, sir.” I walked out.
    “Aspen?”
    I turned before I closed the door.
    “Where are those faxes I asked for an hour ago?” he demanded.
    “I emailed them to you fifty-nine minutes ago. If you were at your desk, you would have noticed.” I shut the door and didn’t even feel bad for snapping. The dickhead deserved it.
    ***
    I called Danielle with hesitation. She laid down the rules already and I signed that contract. She said seventy-two hours and I doubt she would make an exception. I’m sure Rhett had other clients he had to attend to, and if not, he had a life.
    She answered. “Beautiful Entourage. How may I help you?”
    “Hey, Danielle. It’s Aspen.”
    Her voice picked up in excitement. “How are you? Is Rhett performing to your satisfaction?”
    “He’s amazing,” I blurted without thinking.
    “He’s quite popular with the ladies.”
    “Shocking…”
    She chuckled. “What can I do for you?”
    I knew I shouldn’t even bother but I had to try. “I know you said you needed seventy-two hours notice but I was wondering if I could use Rhett this afternoon to play golf with my dad…”
    There was a pause on the other end. “I’m sorry, Aspen. Rhett has other obligations, and plans his weeks accordingly. You’re paying for a high quality date, not someone who can change their life around to accommodate you. He’s not a dog.”
    “That’s not what I was implying at all,” I snapped. I had a long day so my tolerance was low. I could yell at Danielle but I couldn’t yell at my father. “I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Geez…”
    Danielle breathed into the phone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off rude. Like I said before, I’m protective of my boys and I don’t let people walk all over them.”
    “That’s not what I’m trying to do. I thought if Rhett was free, by chance, it wouldn’t be a big deal.”
    “I’ll give him a call,” she said with a sigh. “But don’t expect this treatment again.”
    “Thank