Page 10 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

What would have happened if we hadn't been interrupted?

I shake my head. Garrett is off-limits, no matter how much I might wish otherwise. I need to focus on my art, on building my career. That's what I came back for, isn't it?

Deep down, I know that's not the whole story. I came back hoping to fix things with Dad, to close the gap that's grown between us over the years. But instead, I'm drawn to Garrett.

He gets me in a way no one else does. When I'm with him, I feel like he really sees me, really hears me. It wasn't what I expected, but it's what I've found.

I'm ready to test the boundaries, even if it means crossing lines I shouldn't.

Chapter 3

Skylar

Autumn slidesinto the seat across from me at the cafe, her reporter's notebook peeking out of her bag.

“The usual?” I ask, signaling a barista. “One lavender latte and an americano, please.”

Autumn leans forward, elbows on the table. “Spill it, Sky. Who's the lucky guy?”

I freeze, my hand halfway to my water glass. “What are you talking about?”

She cocks an eyebrow. “I've known you since freshman year. You've got that dreamy, distracted look.”

My fingers find a strand of hair, twirling the teal-streaked lock. “I'm excited about the exhibition. You should see the line up.”

Autumn’s eyebrows are raised so high they're practically touching her hairline. “Nice try, but I'm not buying it. Your work always gets you fired up, but this is different. Come on, Sky. Who is he?”

Damn. She's relentless, probing like it's an interview for her next big story. “Fine,” I concede. “There's someone I'm interested in.”

Autumn's eyes light up with triumph. “Now we're getting somewhere. Details, please!”

I hesitate, my heart racing. How much can I safely reveal?

“He's older. Confident, but not arrogant. When we talk about art, he actually gets it, you know?”

“Where did you meet this mystery man?”

My stomach knots. The full truth–that I've known him for years–feels too dangerous to voice. Instead, a partial truth seems safer.

“At the grad party last night,” I say, heat rising to my cheeks. “He was there as a guest.”

Autumn's face falls. “Damn, I can't believe I missed that! I could've met him if I hadn't been stuck covering that city council meeting. My editor owes me big time for that snooze fest.” She leans forward, her reporter's instincts kicking in. “Now I'm even more intrigued. Give me all the details.”

Our drinks arrive, providing a welcome distraction. As I stir my latte, unbidden memories surface–Garrett's intense gaze, his fingers grazing my arm, his deep voice sending shivers through me.

I recall how he sipped his whiskey, a stray drop lingering on his lip before his tongue caught it. My cheeks flush at the vivid replay, desire coiling inside me.

I squirm under her relentless gaze, my heart pounding. “He's thirty-nine.”

Autumn leans back, letting out a low whistle.

“I know how it sounds,” I say, my head snapping up. “Age is just a number. It doesn't define who we are or how we feel.”

She holds up her hands. “I'm not judging. Does this dreamboat have a name?”

“Garrett Hayes,” I say. Speaking his name sends a little thrill through me.

“Wait, as in Apex Solutions?”

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