Free Shit Kickers & Stilettos (Heiresses In Aprons) by Rita Sawyer Page A

admitting that to her parents would only make things worse.
    “Did you at least try to stop the story before it got out?” Her father’s tone was more even, but still full of anger.
    “It spread way too fast. Rumors are fiercest when you give the fuel. This will die down if we ignore it.” Rosie knew there was nothing to do but ride it out.
    “Or you could just move back to your apartment.” Her father groused. “Better yet come back to live at home for a little while until this blows over.”
    “I’m staying here.” Rosie knew they weren’t going to agree with her right away.
    “I’m afraid the longer you are together the more people will talk.” Her mother might be right, but Rosie had committed herself to six months and she wasn’t backing out no matter how hard things got.
    “Mom, I’ve never let the media push me around before and I’m not going to let them now.” Rosie hoped she could get her mom on her side, because Rosie knew no matter what she decided there’d be no changing her father’s mind.
    Her mother was so quiet Rosie was about to give up, then she said, “I guess we’re going to have to trust that you know what you’re doing.”
    “It’s not Rosalind I’m worried about.” Her father turned to Dade. “Whatever you have going through your mind where my daughter is concerned I want you to know even if you do manage to seduce her you’ll never get your hand on even the slightest piece of Crestmont Hotels.”
    Dade laughed. “If I decide to seduce your daughter getting my hands on your hotels will be the last thing on my mind.”
    Her mother’s cheeks grew red, and so did her father’s whole face, well before it turned a purple-ish color. His dislike for Dade had never been subtle, but now he was just being rude. Not many people stood up to him though. Most people held their tongues and kept their notions to themselves most likely to avoid having to argue with him. Not Dade though, he hadn’t thought twice about speaking his mind. She liked that about him.
    That Dade had actually laughed at him surprised her, but Rosie didn’t think her father’s behavior was funny in any way. Even her mother, who always went along with her father, looked stunned. She couldn’t let her father get away with acting like this. Then again she shouldn’t let Dade talk about seducing her like it was some type of game.
    “Dad you owe Dade and apology. And you,” She turned to Dade and stabbed her index finger at his chest. “Owe me one.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I don’t plan to debauch you.” He flattened her hand against him and leaned in so only she could hear him. “Unless you want me to.”
    Flustered she pulled her hand away and turned her attention back to her father. “Damn it! I haven’t done anything I need to apologize for.”
    “You accused him of trying to use me to get Crestmont.”
    “Crestmont is a family company. He might have thought marrying you would make him family, unlike being Teddy’s ward.” It didn’t come as any surprise that her father’s first concern was for Crestmont Hotels and not his daughter’s heart.
    “Not that we’re getting married,” Rosie wanted to make that perfectly clear. “But that would make him family. I would think that you’d want me to settle down and have kids so there’s someone for the company to go to. Or do you want it to end with me?”
    “Rosalind,” Her mother tsked like she’d spilled something. “Of course your father and I want you to settle down and give us grandchildren. He just wants you to have the best.”
    “In case you missed it I’m not what your mother and father considers the best.” Dade’s warm breath brushed her cheek as he whispered. “I hope you at least give me a shot before you make up your mind.”
    Rosie jabbed her elbow into his side. He would choose now to flirt with her. She felt the heat bloom on her cheeks and hoped her parents didn’t notice.
    “I’m