Page 65 of Daddy's Heart

“Great. Perfect. Thanks, man.” Ryder scraped the last bit of salad from a dish and handed it over to Kendrick.

“You said George is friends with her older brother. Where’s he in all this? If my sister were involved in this mess, I’m not sure I would be comfortable leaving her alone.”

“Your sister wouldn’t let you anywhere near her if you were to barge in all commander style.” Ryder laughed. Kendrick’s sister had an independent streak that ran wild and deep.

“True. Sharon would hate it.” Kendrick dropped the dishwashing pod into the compartment. “Still, I’d probably at least go check in on her.”

“Well, Paul is a bit caught up in his own drama right now, so he can’t get away.”

“Oh yeah? Anything bad?”

“His wife, or ex-wife, is giving him trouble or something.” Ryder shrugged.

“Jerri? What is she doing to Paul? Why can’t he get away? What’s going on?” Samantha interjected from the kitchen doorway. Ryder turned to see her holding the large salad bowl in her hands, her glare on him.

“What is it? What aren’t you telling me?” she demanded, putting the bowl on the counter. Kelly stepped up behind her.

“What’s wrong?” Kelly asked.

“Nothing,” Kendrick answered. “Maybe we should give them a second,”

“Ryder?” Samantha pressed. “Oh, I get it. I can’t keep things to myself, but you—you can keep whatever you want a secret, even if it’s aboutmybrother.” She spun around to Kelly. “I’m sorry, but I think I’m going to head home. It was really fun to meet you, and I’d absolutely would love to meet up for lunch this week, but I need to go.”

“Sam,” Ryder said, stepping toward her.

Kelly’s gaze flickered to Ryder, then settled on Samantha. “Sure, hon, that’s fine. You have my number.”

“Samantha,” Ryder said with more heat. He could and would explain everything, she just needed to give him a second.

“It was nice to meet you as well, Kendrick.” Samantha gave him a little wave and hurried from the kitchen.

Ryder’s jaw clenched. “Samantha, don’t you dare leave,” he called after her, then turned to Kendrick. “I’m sorry. I’m gonna take her home.”

Kendrick nodded with a grin. “Of course. I get it.”

“Why is she upset? What did you do?” Kelly set her fierce glare on Ryder.

“Kelly, stay clear of it,” Kendrick warned.

“She’s upset.”

“Ryder will take care of her.”

“He’s the one who upset her,” Kelly pointed out.

“I better catch up to her. I’ll text you tomorrow about the security system,” Ryder waved and navigated around Kelly out of the kitchen.

“Leave it be, Kelly,” Kendrick’s voice trailed behind Ryder. He caught sight of Samantha as soon as he opened the door.

“Sammy! Not one step!” he called down the hall and started to jog.

Chapter 25

“You don’t get to be upset.” Samantha pushed past Ryder into his apartment. The ride from Kendrick’s place to Ryder’s had been stuffed with silence.

“I told you not to leave, and you did,” Ryder shut the door and locked it.

She tossed her purse on the side table. “Yeah, because you aren’t telling me something. I want to know what the hell is going on with Paul and Jerri!” She fisted her hands on her hips and settled a heated glare on him.

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