Page 53 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

As they separate, I feel lighter.

Dad and Vanessa walk away to fetch more champagne, leaving Garrett and me alone. My heart is racing from the emotional rollercoaster of the evening—the success of my show, the resolution with the Scarpettas, and now Dad's unexpected blessing.

Garrett's hand finds mine and he guides me to a quiet corner. Despite the people around us, it's like we're in our own little world.

“You were incredible tonight, babygirl,” he says.

I melt into Garrett's embrace, his praise warming me more than the champagne ever could. The pet name reminds me of how far we've come in understanding each other’s deepest needs.

“I couldn't have done it without you,” I murmur, breathing in his familiar scent.

His touch trails up my spine, igniting sparks along my skin. I shiver, pressing closer as he insists, “You'd have managed just fine.”

As we pull apart, a mischievous grin spreads across Garrett's face. It's a look I've come to love and fear—it usually means he's up to something.

“What's that look for?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“I have a little surprise for you.”

Reaching into his pocket, he produces a length of crimson silk rope—the same type Raven used in her performance that night at the warehouse party.

I burst out laughing, my face heating up from both the humor and the hidden meaning.

“And what did you have in mind for this silk rope, Mr. Hayes?”

Garrett's lips curve into a wolfish grin as he runs the smooth silk through his fingers. “We’ll put it to good use when we get home. I'll show you exactly how proud I am.”

I bite my lip, the familiar warmth pooling low in my belly making me squirm. “I can't wait,” I breathe, leaning in closer. “I hope you know what you're doing with that.”

“Patience, babygirl.” His grip on my hip tightens, making me gasp. “I've got plans for you. Big plans. Promise I'll make it worth the wait.”

As his mouth covers mine in a searing kiss, I know the night is far from over. I melt into him, savoring the moment. For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel truly free—free from the shadow of the Scarpettas, free from the tension with my father, free to fully embrace this thing between Garrett and me.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless. Garrett's eyes are dark with desire, but there's something else there too—a tenderness that makes my heart skip a beat.

“I love you, Skylar,” he says softly, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

I lean into his touch, overcome with emotion. “I love you too,” I whisper back. “Always.”

The night winds down, guests filtering out with final congratulations and promises to keep in touch. As the last person leaves, I take a moment to survey the gallery—my gallery. The fruits of my labor and my vision were brought to life.

Dad approaches with a tray of champagne flutes. “To new beginnings,” he says, raising his glass.

“To family,” Garrett adds, his arm around my waist.

I lift my glass, swallowing the lump in my throat. “To us,” I say softly.

With one last look at the gallery—my triumph, my future—I turn to leave, Garrett's hand in mine, ready to start the next chapter of our lives together.

Epilogue

Skylar

I standin the middle of Garrett's—no, our—penthouse, surrounded by a sea of cardboard boxes in the space that’s about to become my new home.

I pause unpacking, a framed sketch in my hands, and watch Garrett rearranging his bookshelves to make room for my eclectic collection.

It’s still surreal how much has changed in such a short time—from the moment I saw Garrett again at my graduation party to the whirlwind of passion and danger that followed, and now, moving in together and building a life.

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