Page 47 of Follow My Heart

I wanted to talk to her and keep the conversation going. But we didn’t have anything specific to discuss. That didn’t stop my fingers from hitting Send on video calling her.

When the video feed popped up, the camera was focused on a lovely view of Violet’s cleavage. Her nipples were visible through the silky-looking fabric, and her skin was the same blush color as her lingerie.

Violet was soft and feminine. I should have known she’d sleep in sexy lingerie versus an oversized T-shirt.

She fumbled with the phone. Then the camera rose to her face. “Sorry about that.”

Her cheeks were flush, her gaze averted.

“I didn’t mind.” My voice was gravelly.

She rolled her eyes, but the strain around her eyes eased. “I bet you didn’t.”

“I’m going to video call more often,” I teased, hoping to relieve her embarrassment.

“When I’m in bed wearing—” She gestured down at her body, the camera moving down so I could see the lacy edge of her shorts and the bare skin of her legs. The blood in my body heated.

It was as if I’d been dormant for years and was finally coming up for air. Everything about Violet was in vivid color, and my fingers itched to touch her bare skin.

“I shouldn’t want you, but I do.” I couldn’t believe I’d voiced what I’d been thinking out loud. It was like her state of dress gave me permission to be honest with her.

Her breath caught. “Ryder.”

I looked away from her expressive blue eyes. “I have a daughter to think about. A demanding job. I wasn’t looking to date.”

“I’m not either. I told myself I wouldn’t for a while. That I’d take time to focus on myself and the business.”

I looked at her. “I can’t help how I feel about you though.”

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted. “And how is that?”

“I want to see you.” I wanted to lick her exposed skin, tug down the camisole she was wearing, and suck a nipple into my mouth. I could practically taste it. She’d smell like lavender and woman. Everything I’d ever wanted.

“You have Faith.”

I cleared my throat, trying to remember I had responsibilities. “Not tonight. Maybe later this week? When Faith is with her mother.”

“All those things you listed as issues— Nothing’s changed.”

I groaned, knowing she was right. “This feels like the right move. I want to spend time with you. I want to get to know you.”

“This wouldn’t be a one-night stand or a friend-with-benefits kind of situation?” Violet asked hesitantly.

“That’s not my style. But I have to be honest with you. I don’t know what I can offer.” My stomach sunk at the thought. I was in a state of flux. I wanted her, but I wasn’t sure I was ready for the repercussions in my life. The custody situation with Faith wasn’t settled.

Violet nodded, but there was hurt in her expression. “I know.”

“You deserve better.”

Her face hardened. “I do.”

“But I’m a selfish bastard who wants whatever he can get.” I’d never been this honest with a woman before. Maybe it was the way my marriage ended. If I wanted something, I needed to be upfront about my desires.

Her eyes narrowed on me. “This is a bad idea.”

I looked away, cataloging the things in my room so I didn’t get distracted by her bare skin. “We can think about it. Decide if this is what we want.”

“But you don’t want a relationship.” She bit her lip as if she was struggling internally with the decision. I wished I was with her; I could do a lot of convincing with my fingers and mouth.

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