Teeth flashing in a mischievous grin, Nathan turned to her father. “She had the money on the fourteenth. I can attest to that. She refused to marry me because of it. And if you don’t give her what she deserves for all her hard work, she will continue to refuse me out of a sheer stubborn need to prove that she doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. Which, by the way, she’s been doing really well for a long time, only none of us have given her credit for it.”
Strengthened by Nathan’s support, she confronted her father. “I want my money signed over to me as soon as possible. I have a nursery to decorate.”
“And a wedding to plan,” Nathan prompted, demonstrating that he wasn’t kidding about persisting until she agreed to marry him.
“And if I don’t?” Her father hadn’t made his billions by being a poor negotiator.
“Then it will always be between us. I need you to look at me and see that I am a grown woman, capable of supporting herself. I deserve your respect because I earned it through hard work and determination.”
Her father scowled, but Emma stood her ground until grudging approval transformed her father’s expression.
“I only want the best for you,” he said at last, his tone gruff, but gentle.
“I know you do.” Emma gave him a weak smile. “And what’s best for me is to know that you believe in me and in my ability to take care of myself.”
“Very well. I’ll give you your trust fund back. You did earn it, after all.”
Emma mastered her shock before it showed on her face. Her knees weakened with relief. She pulled her spine straight. “And no more interfering,” she continued, capitalizing on her victory. “Meddling in my love life is wrong in so many ways.” She pinned her father with a fierce scowl and waited until he nodded. Then, she turned to Nathan. “Daddy is going to visit his new grandson. I don’t think he’ll mind if we use his study while he’s gone. You and I have a couple things to sort out.”
Her father looked nonplussed at being ejected from his domain, but went without protest. As he passed Nathan, he paused and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to the family. I always liked you.”
“Daddy!”
Once her father had exited the room and closed the door, Emma leaned against his desk and regarded Nathan.
“I’m sorry about the way I handled things earlier,” he said. “I never should have let you walk away from me like that.”
“I overreacted, too.”
“You had cause. I’ve been acting like a stubborn fool.”
“At last we agree on something.” She took the sting out of her words with a smile and pushed off the desk. “Thank you for helping me out with my father.”
He stood in place, his features like granite, but his eyes alive and wary as she advanced toward him one slow step at a time. “I’ll always be there for you.”
“I know that,” she said, putting her hand on his chest and backing him toward the study door.
It no longer scared her that he might never love her the way she loved him. Nathan was the perfect man for her. He would honor their marriage vows and be a great father to their children. And when it came right down to it, she had enough love in her heart for both of them.
When his back met the door, Nathan stared into her eyes but made no attempt to touch her. “You should also know that the only merger that’s going to happen between our families is you and me.”
His announcement startled her. “After everything we’ve been through, you’re not doing the deal with my father?”
“I don’t want it to come between us,” he said. “Plus, my brothers aren’t ready for the sort of risk it involves and I’ve decided to stop fighting them on it.”
“I don’t understand.” Her hand dropped away. “I thought you wanted to take over the company.”
“I thought that’s what I wanted, too. When my dad asked me to come back and help out Max and Sebastian, all I wanted to do was get back at them for the way they’ve always excluded me. But lately, I’ve realized that what I really want is to be accepted as part of the family.”
Seeing the way his mouth curved downward, she leaned her body into his and framed his face with her hands. “How about becoming part of my family?”
At first, Nathan’s expression reflected disbelief and hope. Then, his teeth flashed in a broad grin and his hands settled on her hips. “I think I’ve wanted that since the day you strutted past me in high heels and those ridiculous short shorts.”
“I was sixteen.” She regarded him in disbelief. “You turned me down flat, and I didn’t see you again for ten years.”
“I was way too old for you. I had to get out and stay gone. You scared the hell out of me.” Lightning danced in his eyes. “You still do.”
She was only half-ready for the arms that locked around her and pulled her up onto her toes. Her breath caught as his mouth claimed hers. Her body came immediately to life. She threaded her fingers through his hair and met the thrust of his tongue with matching passion while urgent encouragement issued from her throat.