Page 29 of Daddy's Heart

“No,” she snapped. “No,” she started again, softer. “I don’t want to drag Ryder into this. He’s a good guy. He’ll drop everything trying to make sure Randall doesn’t try anything, and he doesn’t need that. I’ll talk to George and let him know what’s going on. Let me handle this, Anderson.”

Another heavy sigh. “You swear you’ll tell George?”

“I will. Just let me handle things here, and you keep an eye on things there?” Having an older brother with such devoted friends came in handy when she was younger, but as a grown woman, it was a pain in the ass.

“Okay, Sam. But Ryder deserves to know what’s going on if you’re staying with him.”

He wasn’t wrong.

“I’ll tell him if it becomes an issue. For all we know, Randall will crawl back into the hole he came from.”

“Sometimes I wish I could see through those rose-colored lenses you wear.” Anderson’s years as an attorney, both district and private practice, had warped him.

“It’s going to be fine.” She assured him. She’d left Indiana to put the past behind her, not carry it with her the entire way.

“Just be careful.”

“Always,” she promised.

Another sigh. “Call if you need anything, Sam. Anything.”

“I will, I promise.”

After another warning to be careful, Anderson ended the call, letting her fall back onto her bed and worry in peace.

Randall had been a mistake. Of epic proportions. He hadn’t been into anything she’d been into, but she’d been drawn in by his devilish grin and charming ways. There wasn’t a story he could tell that didn’t have her captivated. And he knew how much she loved stories. She’d mistaken his love of deception for a passion for fiction. She’d been an idiot. For three months, she’d followed him around like a puppy dog, hoping he’d start to see who she really was underneath it all. Praying he’d be more attentive once he got to know her. Less selfish, less self-absorbed.

It never happened.

Tossing the phone onto her bed, she headed to the bathroom. Might as well get dressed. Maybe a long walk along the lake would be good. The sun would be up soon.

* * *

The walkwayaround the lake had been full of runners and other walkers. For such an early morning, she had been surprised. But seeing the sunrise had made the annoyance of so many people worth it.

A man in running gear stood next to her on the elevator going up to Ryder’s apartment. He mumbled to himself as he swiped his thumb over his screen.

“Uh, I’m sorry, but do you know what time it is?” In her haste to get out into the fresh air, she’d forgotten her phone on the bed.

He frowned. “Seven ten,” he muttered, not bothering to look up from his phone.

“Thanks.”

She’d been gone over an hour. Time really had flown. The humidity from the day before was gone, and the morning air carried a cool breeze. It had been nearly perfect.

When the elevator doors opened, she stepped forward at the same time as the runner. Still engrossed in his phone, he didn’t notice her and ended up shoving her out of the way. She held back an insult. He hadn’t even apologized.

She was still contemplating all the things she could have said to him—all the names she wanted to hurl at him—when she unlocked the apartment door.

“Samantha?” Ryder’s voice carried through the apartment before he stepped into the hall. His dark glare settled on her, and she swallowed back a greeting. “Where the hell were you?”

“Walking,” she answered, shutting the door behind her and pocketing her key.

“I tried calling you and texting you, you didn’t answer.” His hands hugged his waist. He was already dressed for the day in worn-out jeans and a gray t-shirt.

“Aren’t you going to be late for work?” she asked, taking a small step toward him.

“I’m not even sure if we’re working today. I’m waiting for a text. And don’t change the subject.”

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