He didn’t gentle his grip; he didn’t lower the intensity of his gaze. “It’s nice to meet you, Joanna.”
He emphasized my name, like it was a slap across the face.
I deserved that.
I deserved even more.
“Likewise,” I responded. “But please, call me Jo. My parents are the only ones who call me Joanna.”
“And pumpkin,” my father added.
Trying to make light of the situation, I laughed. “That might be pushing it a little too far, Dad.”
“Jo, then …” Jenner said, releasing me but his stare didn’t.
It stayed on me.
It owned me.
It … punished me.
My father held my shoulders even tighter, shifting me so he could look at my face. “Jenner, this is my pride and joy right here. She just graduated from the University of Miami a few weeks ago with honors, a dual degree in marketing and business.”
