Page 8 of Daddy's Heart

“Perfect.” She grinned.

Her phone chirped from her purse, and the smile dropped from her lips. He wanted to pressure her about what was upsetting her. Every time the damn phone made a sound, a cloud appeared over her head.

“Okay, I’ll let you get to it.” He started to walk out, then stopped. “The key! Sorry, here’s a key to the apartment. The code to the parking garage is the apartment number plus one. So, eighty-seven one.”

“Got it.” She nodded.

He left the key on the dresser and made his way out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him. Once in the hallway, he blew out a long breath.

It was going to be a long few weeks.

Chapter 4

Samantha folded her legs beneath her and stretched her arms over her head, taking in the fresh air. She’d walked the seven blocks from Ryder’s apartment to the closest beach, reminding herself the smog and exhaust smell would clear the moment she got to the lake. Thankfully, her fibs were right.

Laying on the beach, feeling the sun warm her skin, while the cool breeze brushed away some of the humidity, she felt herself finally relaxing. The drive had taken a lot out of her, and the anxiety of meeting Ryder yanked even more energy from her, but nothing refueled her like taking in fresh surroundings.

Swimming for the past hour in the crisp, cold water of Lake Michigan had at first invigorated her, but now she felt the effects. Another yawn escaped her as she pushed her sunglasses onto her head and wiped the sweat from beneath the nose pads. A nap sounded good, real good, and the sun was starting to show signs of setting.

It was time to get back to Ryder’s and take a power nap before making evening plans. She’d already heard Ryder was going to the club with George, and she didn’t want to impose herself on either of them, so she wouldn’t be tagging along. Besides, as much as she loved George, it was a strange feeling being at a BDSM club with her big brother’s friend hanging around.

Samantha made her way back to the apartment easily. The city was big and could be confusing, but she’d already picked up on the grid system. It also helped that Ryder’s apartment was a straight shot from the beach entrance.

The cool air in the lobby washed over her when she entered. She hoped some of the sweat from her walk would dry before she made it up to the apartment. Her hair was already frizzed out from the humidity and getting wet in the lake, she didn’t need sweat streaks on her face to make her look any worse before she saw Ryder again. The man looked like those Facebook posts she let herself drool over before swiping past. And from what she could tell, it wasn’t on purpose. He naturally looked like someone who could crush any threat coming his way.

He also looked strong enough to handle a girl like her, but she wouldn’t let her thoughts travel down that path. He was a friend of a friend, and he probably had dozens of submissives lining up to play with him at the clubs. Hell, he probably had a steady girlfriend waiting for him. A woman who wasn’t as needy. A woman who didn’t have the history trail she did.

No. He was completely out of bounds.

Completely.

“Hey.” Ryder stepped into the hallway as soon as she closed the door behind her and locked it.

“Hi.” She put on a smile. So much for getting into a shower and cleaned up before he noticed the hell she’d made of herself.

“You went to the beach,” he said with a frown.

“Yeah. It’s a nice beach.” She walked past him, trying to ignore the displeasure written on his face. Her stomach sank with his downturned lips pointed at her, and she couldn’t afford that feeling. She needed to get showered. The smell of lake water would seep into her hair if she left it too long.

“You got a lot of sun.” He followed her down the hall.

She stopped outside the guest bedroom and looked down at her chest.

“I guess I am a bit pink.” She shrugged.

“Didn’t you use sunscreen?” he asked, his hands perched on his hips.

She scrunched her eyebrows together. She didn’t have to answer to him. She didn’t answer to anyone.

Anymore.

And probably never again.

“I was hoping to pass a store on the way there to get some, but there wasn’t one,” she answered, keeping her tone firm.

“You should have asked. I have a bottle in the bathroom under the sink.” His brows furrowed.

“Okay, well, now I know. Thanks.” She pushed open the bedroom door, trying to end the conversation, but he followed to the doorway, taking up all the space. She was trapped.

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