Page 25 of Follow My Heart

“I don’t know if it’s edible,” Ryder said as we covered our dishes, then walked out.

My lips twitched. “It’s your first attempt. You’ll get there.”

“The class might have been a bit advanced for us.”

“We should have taken the kids’ class,” Faith said, looking a little deflated.

“We can cook something a little simpler at home. I’ve picked up on a few things since I’ve been coming here.”

“Why are you taking cooking classes?” Ryder asked when we were inside the cab of his truck and headed toward my shop.

“First, it was something to fill my time. But now I really enjoy making new things. Similar to the ice cream, I guess. The only problem is that it sucks cooking for one.”

“We’ll have to do it together sometime,” Ryder said lightly, keeping his gaze on the road.

Faith was engrossed in a book in the back of the car, using a book light to illuminate the page.

Was he asking me out? He couldn’t be, because why would he keep including Faith in our outings? He must view me as a friend he didn’t have to shield his daughter from.

I worked to hide my disappointment. “That sounds nice.”

When we reached my car, I was eager to get out and regulate my emotions. I was all over the place, pleased with how the day went, and wanting more. I said goodbye to Faith, who smiled distractedly at me, then returned to her book.

Ever the gentlemen, Ryder got out with me and walked me to my car. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Thanks for spending time with us today. It was the best day I’ve had in a while.”

The lights from his truck illuminated his face.

“I had fun too.”

Ryder’s expression turned contemplative. “Can you text me when you get home? I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe.”

“I don’t have your number. I realized that earlier when you were supposed to meet me at the shop.” I hoped he hadn’t noticed how fast my heart was racing as I offered him my phone.

“Oh, right.” He input his information, then sent a text to his. “Now you can let me know you got home okay.”

I smiled, feeling nervous. This felt like the end of a date, but it wasn’t because his daughter was in the truck. He wasn’t going to kiss me in front of her, so why was I so anxious? “Will do.”

He opened my car door, and I got inside. “Drive safely.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not looking forward to the drive, but it’s worth it to get a few more hours with Faith. She’s chatty in the car when she’s not reading or listening to music.”

“I love that. Father-daughter bonding time.” I couldn’t help but compare his situation with mine growing up. My parents hadn’t seemed like they wanted to spend time with me. We didn’t have much in common.

“Thanks for the perfect day, Violet. I’ll see you around.” Ryder carefully shut my door.

He waited for me to pull out before he did the same.

I felt a little shaky as I drove home. I admonished myself for thinking today was anything more than a nice time with a guy and his daughter who I was becoming friends with.

CHAPTER 7

RYDER

After the day I spent with Violet, things picked up at my job. We were investigating a big case, so I was answering calls when I was technically off the clock and working longer hours than usual. I worked as much as I could so I could still have off the weekends I was scheduled to be with Faith. Lately, Stacy needed me to watch Faith every weekend. She was busy with her new boyfriend, Phil, who had three boys of his own.

I didn’t want Faith to feel displaced, so I spent those weekends with her and tried to avoid work calls as much as possible.

I’d exchanged texts with Violet that Monday night, saying we were each home safely. Then that was it. I’d probably missed my opportunity. She’d given me her phone number, and I should have taken advantage of it. But I’d gotten so swamped with work, and I couldn’t think of what to say, especially when I didn’t have time for a social life outside of Faith right now.

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