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.”

“Oh yes, you can. Especially when the owner of said restaurant tells you to.” I cross my arms in front of my chest, going all mean boss on her. “Your work is done here tonight. Let’s go home.”

“But . . .”

“No buts,” I tell her. “We’re leaving. Now.”

She smiles, her eyes full of promise. “I really like it when you use that stern voice on me.”

“I know. Why do you think I use it?” Chuckling, I place my hand at the small of her back and steer her through the crowd, making our way to the short hallway that leads to the manager’s office. The moment I get her in there, I shut and lock the door, pressing her against the wall with my body, effectively trapping her there.

She places her hands on my shoulders, not to push me away but to pull me closer to her. Our lips meet and cling. I slide my tongue against hers, taking the kiss deeper, and she moans into my mouth before breaking her lips from mine. “We so shouldn’t do this here.”

“Why? We christened my office. Let’s do the same for yours.”

She rolls her eyes but she’s smiling, her hands running down the front of my chest slowly, feeling every inch of me. I harden, ready to take her right here against the wall, but I don’t want to push if she’s not into it.