Page 121 of First Comes Forever

“Hey, do you happen to like donuts?”

Her eyes grow even bigger if that’s possible, and she nods in that crazed way kids do when they are bribed with sugar. She turns her head to look at Liv. “Mommy, please?”

Liv exhales. “Just one, okay? I’m going to close out the register. Are you guys good on your own for a moment?”

“Yeah, definitely.” I slide deep into the booth and pat the space next to me. Summer gleefully takes a seat right next to me and I hand her a donut.

“Jelly donuts are my favorites,” she says before munching away happily. She joyously smacks her lips, savoring her treat.

“Mine too.” But I’m not worried about the donut. I can’t take my eyes off the little person next to me who was almost mine.

“Mommy and I are going to the movies after this. Are you coming?”

“No, I’m afraid not. Summer, I know we just met, but I’m going to be moving soon. So I probably won’t see you a lot. But I’m going to leave my number with your mom, and I want you to know if you ever need anything, even just a friend, you can call me, okay? I’ll answer and I’ll be there.”

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll miss you.”

“Really? You don’t even know me.” I grab the remaining donut and take a large bite. The tart berry glaze is nearly a religious experience.

She shrugs nonchalantly. “I’ll still miss you.” She scrunches her nose, flashing me a toothy, jelly-stained grin.

“You know what? I’m going to miss you too, kiddo.”

thirty-five

My knees dig into the hardwood floor as I fill my packing cubes to the brim. I don’t leave until Wednesday, two days from now, and I’ll only be in New York for a few days. I realize I’m over-preparing, but it’s from excitement. I’m looking forward to meeting Roland and learning more about Rychess Media and their nonprofit division. Truthfully, I fear I’ve over-committed, and I have a lot to learn. It’ll be hard work, but for once, it’s not work I’m dreading.

Standing, I stretch my back, pressing my bare feet into the cool wood floors. I know when I get back, it’s time to look for a new place. As much as I enjoy living fifty yards away from Noa, I’m ready to take my own steps and start my new beginning. I have to promise myself not to fall in love with New York. I just moved home from L.A., and Quinn might actually lock me in a basement if I try to leave again.

I head to my kitchen to fetch a drink, when I check my phone. The ringer was on silent and I missed eight calls from Adam. Panicking, I dial him immediately, fearing the worst. Mr. Montgomery comes to the forefront of my mind, then Carson.

“There you are,” Adam says. “A little late, though. Noa already let me in the main gate.”

“What?” My heart thumps as I race to the bay window at the front of the guest house. I have a panoramic view of the estate from this large window and can easily spot a very familiar Porsche parked in front of Chase and Noa’s house.

Adam must spot me because the driver’s side door opens before he steps out and waves.

“Wow,” I say, clutching my phone tighter.

“What?” he asks, staring in my direction. “Surprised?”

“I forgot how hot you are.”

He holds his hand over his chest as he roars in laughter. “Can you see me from all the way over there?”

“Barely. Why don’t you swagger on over here,” I sass.

“As you watch from the window?”

“Yup. And walk slowly. Really strut your stuff.”

“Now who’s the stalker?” He pulls off his sunglasses, then ducks back into the car. He reemerges with a brown paper bag and heads in my direction. But neither of us hangs up. My heart is racing out of control, a million thoughts running through my mind as he gets closer.

“What are you doing here?”

“Business,” he says simply.

Sometimes I forget I live on the same premises as his best friend and only client. And Chase is home from filming now. They probably have a lot to prepare for his movie promotional obligations.

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