Page 5 of Daddy's Heart

“You’re not staying in a hotel. I told George you can have my spare bedroom, and you can. We’ll get along fine.”

“You’re bossy, aren’t you,” she stated.

He laughed, soft and low, sending a warmth over her skin.

“You don’t know the half of it.” He craned his neck to check on George’s status. Finally, George was headed back to the table with her drink in hand.

“Sorry, the girl at the register was new.” George handed the coffee to Samantha.

“No problem. Thank you.” She grinned at him and took a long sip of the drink.

“Careful! It’s hot,” George said, but she’d already realized how hot when the first drop fell on her tongue.

She pulled the coffee back and wiped the bit of foam from her lip.

“A little. Not bad,” she lied, casually taking in a cool breath. Ryder’s eyes were on her, watching. He already thought she was careless, and now he probably graduated to moronic.

Ugh! She was getting everything wrong!

Closing her eyes and taking a long breath, she reopened them and focused on George.

“How’s your mom?”

“Stubborn as a mule, but fine.” He grinned.

“Maybe I can take her out to dinner this week. I haven’t seen her in years,” Samantha offered. Their moms were friends and had kept in touch since their sons’ graduated college ten years ago. Samantha’s mom always kept her up to date.

“I’m sure she’d like that. She’s been complaining about my kitchen not being big enough for her liking anyway,” George said. He looked over at Ryder. “Ryder’s apartment is bigger than mine. You two should have plenty of room.”

“It’s not for long,” Samantha said, trying to assure Ryder.

“It’s for as long as you need,” Ryder corrected, keeping his gaze steady on her. There was a strength to his stare that trickled down her spine. A strength a girl could get lost in if she let herself.

She took another sip of her coffee, turning to stare at the table. Ryder brought too many feelings to the surface. One moment, she wanted to smack the arrogance from his glare. The next, she had the urge to crawl into his lap. Both were inappropriate and she had to curb them.

“It’s really generous of you to let me crash. I won’t be any trouble, I swear. Like I said, hopefully it’s only for a short time.”

“Not a problem at all. I’m working some long hours this week anyway, so I won’t even notice I have a roommate.” He smiled, producing a deep dimple on his left cheek.

“What sort of work do you do?” she asked, playing with the cardboard protector around the coffee cup.

“I’m a carpenter. I have a few jobs lined up with the city this summer.” He crossed his arms over his chest, like he was daring her to judge him.

“Summer is the time for construction, you’re probably up to your balls—I mean, eyeballs!” Heat flamed her cheeks. “Eyeballs in work…” She swallowed again, trying to get rid of the dry patch in her throat.

Ryder tilted his head slightly, examining her.

“It’s a busy time, yeah.”

“Speaking of busy. I have to get to the club. I’m interviewing a woman for the manager position this afternoon. And I’m sure you want to get home and get unpacked.” George stood from the table, and Samantha pushed back, jumping to her feet.

“I’ll see you soon?” she rushed out.

George grinned. “Of course, Sam. I have to work tonight, but lunch Monday?”

Her shoulder dropped. A full twenty-four hours with Ryder and no buffer?

“Sure. Sounds good.”

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