Rebel Heir (Rush Series Duet #1)(26)

“Must have been why my ears were ringing.”

Tony turned to me. “I hear you gave Gia a job and that you make sure she’s safe in getting home at night. I never really loved the idea of her moving out there all alone and so far away from me when I have no choice but to be here for work. But you know Gia. She has a mind of her own, couldn’t be stopped. So, I really appreciate any help I can get in looking out for her.”

I felt like a fraud. My thoughts when it came to Gia were far from “safe.”

Nevertheless, I took credit. “No problem. It’s my pleasure.”

He brushed a piece of food off his navy uniform. “I raised my daughter to be smart and independent. But there’s only so much she can do to protect herself. I worry about her, particularly because she can be hotheaded like her dad. She can be minding her own business one minute and breaking up a bar fight the next.”

“Well, I can definitely agree with you on that one.” I chuckled. “Gia is definitely…spirited.”

Gia winked at me. She seemed to be enjoying this interaction, whereas I was watching the clock, rearing to leave.

The waitress set a glass of water and a steaming mug of coffee in front of me. I took a sip of the hot liquid.

Tony was just watching me and then caught me off guard when he said, “So…that being said…in all seriousness, what exactly are your intentions when it comes to my daughter?”

I nearly spit out my coffee.

A long moment of silence passed before they once again turned to each other and burst into laughter. These two were in cahoots—a couple of pranksters.

Tony cackled and pointed. “I loved the look on your face.”

“Don’t worry,” Gia said as she placed her hand on my forearm. “He knows you’re not interested in me and that you’re harmless, despite how dangerous you might look.” Leaning her shoulder against mine, she said, “Right, Rush? He has nothing to worry about?” She batted her eyelashes at me.

I swallowed. “That’s right.”

The better to eat you with, my dear,

Said the big bad wolf.

She addressed her father, “Rush says because he’s my boss, we can’t date.”

He took a sip of water then said, “Well, that’s smart, I suppose. Never hurts to keep things professional.”

I glared at Gia. “I completely agree.”

“Although, you’re probably kidding yourself,” Tony said. “I see the way you look at my daughter, and I’m not sure I like it, to be honest.”

My eyes narrowed.

Shit.

He must have sensed the worry on my face when he said, “Man, you’re gullible.”

He was fucking with me again. Gia and her dad were once again laughing at me. Two peas in a pod.

“You want to know the truth, son?”

I let out a long breath. “Sure…”

“I did my best to lead by example as far as my daughter is concerned, show her what a good, decent, hardworking man is like. I trust her judgment. So, if Gia feels that someone is worthy of her time and trust, then that’s enough for me, whether it’s a friend or more. Who she associates with…well, it’s not my decision to make anymore.”

I nodded once. “Alright…”

“Plus, I ran a full background check on you a little while ago as soon as she told me about you. Came up clear.” He grinned. “Heathcliff Rushmore. Interesting name.”

Thanks a fucking lot, Gia.

Gritting my teeth, I said, “It’s a family name.”

“Speaking of family...your father is Edward Vanderhaus…”

Hearing him mention that name made my skin crawl.

“I’m quite aware of that, yes. He’s my biological father, but he didn’t raise me.”

“I was on patrol once for a private event in the City that Vanderhaus booked. He’s kind of a dick. No offense.”

“None taken. And believe me, I’m quite aware of that.” I sighed. “What did he do?”

“It wasn’t so much what he did…just the way he spoke to people, you know? Just my observation.”

“Yup. I know exactly what you mean.”

“Gia was telling me everything—about your inheritance. You don’t have to go into it. Very interesting story, though, to say the least.”

I turned to her. “Did you talk about anything other than me today, Gia?”

She shrugged. “Sorry. But I tell my dad everything.”

“I can see that.” I offered a slight smile so she didn’t actually think I was mad at her. I could’ve cared less what her father knew. I had nothing to hide.

The waitress came by to refill my coffee and warmed Tony’s, too.

He gulped some of it down then said, “Sounds like you’ve done the best you can with all that you’ve been given, son—the good and the bad.”

“At heart, I’m still a blue-collar guy from Long Island. I saw how hard my mother struggled. I never expected things to be handed to me. I still work hard and don’t take anything for granted.”

“Well, this poor boy from Queens finds that admirable.”

Gia interrupted, “He’s fixing my car for me, too, Dad.”

“You know your way around cars?”