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The last thing I wanted was for him to be angry with Jo, for this to hurt her career.

For there to be any ramifications because of me.

“You’re right, Walter. I wasn’t thinking about your brand. I was thinking about the woman I’m in love with.”

His stare intensified. “You have some fucking balls.”

“If it comes down to Spade Hotels or Joanna, I’m not willing to lose her.” I looked at my girl and added, “I will always choose her.”

He licked across his lips, his knuckles white.

The silence like nails stabbing me.

“I don’t know what to say to you right now, Jenner, but I will tell you one thing: there’s no way in hell I’m about to share this meal with you.”

His napkin stayed on his lap.

His ass planted on the seat.

He wasn’t moving.

That meant only one thing.

He wanted me to leave.

I got up from my chair and stood across from him.

I wasn’t going to make Joanna choose.

I would never put that kind of pressure on her.

This was her father.

Her employer.

So, I reached into my pocket and took ou