He swallows audibly before inclining his head. “I’m trying. I tend to dwell on things and that’s a tough one for me to let go. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, Lia.”

I can’t help myself. I begin laughing. Nothing about Lee Jacks says “old.” He doesn’t even look like it would be possible to have a daughter my age. Rose is a big Son’s of Anarchy fan and I watched it with her a lot when we lived together. Lee reminds me of a slightly older Charlie Hunnam. His hair is a little lighter but styled very similarly. They both have the same ruggedly handsome features, although Lee dresses in expensive suits versus jeans. Something about him says he might also be just a little dangerous. All in all, my father is a very handsome man—actually, Rose calls him sexy mob daddy, but I try to ignore that. “You look so young, you could pass for my brother,” I say honestly.

He gives me a soft smile that looks filled with pain as he says, “I was never young, Lia, even when I was a child.”

With complete understanding, I reply, “Neither was I, but my daughter will be. She’ll have the childhood we were denied and we’ll live every moment of it through her.”

“Indeed we will,” he agrees before seeming to make an effort to shake off his sober mood. “So, I came to ask you to consider a business proposal.” He holds up a hand when I begin to protest, thinking that he’s offering me another job in his company. “This is different, Lia, so please let me explain and then we’ll talk about it.” When I don’t protest, he begins. “I’ve recently purchased a medical staffing company. The business was once very successful and profitable but has fallen victim to bad management in the last several years. Squabbling among the officers and principals drove the company very nearly into bankruptcy. I saw potential though and bought it for a very good price. It’s going to be a challenge, but I believe strongly that with careful analysis and changes, it can return once again to the top.”

I’m hanging on the edge of my seat by the time he’s finished. My degree focused on this very principle and what he’s saying fascinates me. “That’s so exciting. I’m sure it will be just as successful as your other holdings at Falco.”

He takes his time before saying, “This company wasn’t purchased under Falco. I bought it personally.”

Confused, I ask, “Are you starting something new then?” Men such as Lee and Lucian rarely seem content with just remaining the same. The need to grow and expand is always there.

“I hope so,” he says as he stares at me. “I’d like this to be a joint venture with my daughter.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to congratulate him when I realize he’s talking about me. “What?” I ask, dumbfounded by what he’s said.

He moves forward until he’s sitting on the edge of his seat. “Lia, this is what you’ve been trained for. You’ve told me that your dream is to take a company and apply your new knowledge to make it better. You’re intelligent, driven, and insightful. I have no doubt you can succeed and I’d like to be by your side for it. I know you aren’t planning to go to work until after the baby is born, which is fine. It will take a while to finalize the takeover details anyway. You’ll be able to set your own timetable. Plus, as a partner, you’ll also have a flexible schedule that will make things easier for you with the baby.”

“Oh, my God.” I’m stunned as I stare at him. He’s offering me a dream come true, but I can’t help but feel it’s out of some misplaced sense of guilt. Like he’s trying to make up for the fact he wasn’t a part of my life until recently. I swallow the lump in my throat as I say, “Lee, it sounds…amazing. Beyond that really…but you don’t need to do this.”

Now he looks puzzled as he asks, “Do what?”

“You know…buy me a company because you feel bad about what happened to me. I promise that I’m not angry with you. And I really appreciate you offering to do this for me…but it’s too much.”

“I will admit you were my motivation in buying the company, but not for the reason you think. I found out about the company through a mutual friend. I had no vague interest until he filled me in on their background. Then I was intrigued. I understand and even admire you for not wanting to work at Falco, but this company will be ours alone. Pete can assist me with it until you’re comfortable coming onboard.”

“But I don’t have any hands-on experience,” I protest weakly, still reeling from his offer. Truthfully, I’m so tempted to say yes that I’m finding it hard to practice restraint. His excitement is contagious, and I find myself grinning with him.

“We all have to learn,” he says simply. “Years ago, Victor Falco gave me a chance. I’m not going to sit here and make it sound pretty or glamorous because it wasn’t. But, without him, I’m not sure where I would have ended up. I grabbed that opportunity with both hands and took the ride of my life. Let me do that for you. My daughter. This isn’t charity or some misplaced attempt to clear my conscious. You’re a Jacks, and even if you weren’t, I’d like to think I’m smart enough to have recognized a little of myself in you even without a blood tie.”

“I…don’t know what to say,” I murmur as I sink back into my chair.

“Just think about it,” he encourages. “I’m sure you’ll want to discuss it with Lucian, who will no doubt be pissed that I’m trying to steal your savvy business mind away from Quinn Software.”