Page 5 of Follow My Heart

Unfortunately, our antics landed us in the principal’s office, but it was so worth it. I loved having a boyfriend even if I was too young to understand what it really meant.

And now Ryder was back. Rumor had it that he and his wife were separated, and I didn’t need to get involved with someone who was going through a divorce. He had a history with his wife, one that he could return to at any time.

And I had an ice-cream shop to make profitable. I took my inheritance from my grandmother to come home to Maryland and open this shop. The rest of my family didn’t think I’d make it. That it was a waste of time and money. That I was better off in Florida working some administrative office job.

I didn’t want to work for anyone else. I loved the freedom that being the boss gave me, and I wanted to make it work. To prove to my parents that I could do it.

Dating would be a distraction. I needed to steer clear of Ryder Calloway. The fact that he was separated was a red flag, even though his daughter added an interesting element.

He was obviously worried about her dating. I’d seen the way his jaw had clenched and his eyes went hard when I teased him. Even now, his gaze was on the playground, watching his daughter interact with Izzy while he talked to Daphne.

He was protective of his daughter. I wasn’t sure why that was such a turn-on, but it was. The problem was, I tended to fall hard for guys before I saw any potential issues. With Ryder, I knew why he was home: to collect himself after a divorce.

Anyone who dated him would be a rebound at best. Thrown aside when his ex realized how badly she’d screwed up by letting him go. It was only a matter of time because Ryder Calloway was the full package. A sexy single dad who worked in federal law enforcement. The fact that he probably couldn’t talk about his job made him that much more attractive.

It gave him this dark allure. There was something that drew me to Ryder even in second grade, but now I was an adult. I knew he wouldn’t be good for me, and for once, I wasn’t going to be impulsive.

I wouldn’t fall for him, no matter how many times he came into my shop to buy ice cream with his adorable daughter. I’d resist him.

When the line slowed, Morgan leaned closer to ask, “Is that Daphne’s brother?”

I nodded. “The one and only, Ryder Calloway.”

“He’s hot,” Morgan said matter-of-factly.

“He’s recently divorced with a kid,” I pointed out.

Morgan’s forehead wrinkled. “Are you trying to talk yourself down or me?”

I blew out a breath. “You know I always go for the wrong guys.”

She raised a brow. “That’s what you say.”

“Ryder would be one more bad decision. He has rebound all over him.” I gestured in his general direction, indicating his entire body.

Morgan frowned as she watched him standing under the monkey bars, hovering near his niece as she tried to swing from one rung to the next. “Are they written on his bulging biceps or that fine ass?” Morgan pretended to squint. “Because I’m not seeing it.”

“You’re impossible.” Izzy’s legs flailed, and Ryder didn’t hesitate to grab them. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she fell against him. “He’s going through things, and a relationship is the last thing on his mind.”

“Do you have to have a relationship with every guy you date?” Morgan sighed as she cleaned the scooper in the water. “Maybe that’s your problem. You forget to let go and have fun.”

“I’m not made for a one-night stand.” I bristled at the thought. I was a relationship girl through and through. Not that it ever worked out for me. I fell hard, and the guy started to grumble about needing space and time out with his friends.

Morgan laughed. “I’m not talking about a one-night stand. I was referring to a friend-with-benefits situation.”

“We’re not friends. We dated in second grade. I introduced myself to him on the first day of school, and as soon as he said his name was Ryder, I asked him to be my boyfriend. He smiled, and I was a goner.” I hadn’t shared this with anyone, a little embarrassed that I was so forward at a young age.

“You must be a sucker for a nice smile, because he wouldn’t have had those muscles in elementary school.”

I pursed my lips. “He works in law enforcement. He probably has to keep in shape.”

“He’s hot, protective, and strong.” Morgan blew out a breath. “I have to say, Violet, I’m not seeing the downside. You can get lost in his arms for a little while. He’s not your forever guy; he’s your fun for now guy.”

Unease settled in my gut. “Yeah, I wouldn’t even know how to go about something like that.”

She bumped shoulders with me. “Just like you do when you were kids. You go along with it, and if you’re not having fun, you break it off. No one gets hurt.”

“I’m not sure I’m built for something purely physical.” Not with the way I developed feelings so easily.

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