Page 55 of My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked 3)

“Hmm. Are you sure?”

“It’s the vibe I get from her comments and the way he looks longingly at the photos. At first, I thought it was only because he missed London, but I think it’s more than that. I think he misses her.” A tinge of jealousy coursed through me.

“You can miss a friend.”

“Right.” I laughed. “I better go. I have to go inform my daughter that her scumbag father is in town.”

“WHAT! Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I just found out today when I ran into him with guess who?”

“Kylie,” Emma growled. “I had heard rumors she was back in town and getting divorced. I wondered if Leland was why but didn’t say anything, hoping it was a coincidence.”

“It never is with those two.”

“I’m sorry, Aspen. I can’t imagine that was easy on you.”

“It felt like a punch to the gut, but . . . Miles was with me and he was . . .” I didn’t want to tell her about how Miles tried to protect me or the amazing hug that lasted for a few minutes, “nice.” I went with.

“Nice?” she snorted. “There is a story there, but you can tell me when you’re ready.”

I loved her. “I will. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck. Call me if you need anything.”

If she could get me a better father for my daughter, I would be forever grateful.Chapter Twenty-OneEvery time I walked into the cottage, I had to remind myself this wasn’t mine to keep. It was going to be hard to leave the cozy home with shiplap walls, stone hearth, and sweet little window nooks with built-in benches for reading or drinking morning coffee. The designer furniture was dreamy as well. So was the girl who sat on the couch in her PJs doing her homework. For a moment, I reasoned I shouldn’t tell her while she was studying. I knew she wanted to do well on her math test tomorrow. But what if we ran into Leland again? I knew I couldn’t keep this from her, as much as I wanted to.

I sat next to her on the couch and brushed back her wet hair with my hand. “You were looking fierce this evening on the field at practice.”

She set her pencil down, relieved to have an excuse not to study. “That new drill Miles showed me was awesome.”

I thought back to an earlier scene today in the backyard after school and before Chloe, Henry, and I headed to soccer practice. Miles skillfully showed Chloe the blind shot drill. He didn’t go easy on her, but he was kind and he worked with her until she was blocking everything he sent her way. My favorite part was when she got a few shots past him. My next favorite part was seeing Miles in athletic wear playing the sport I loved.

“I think you’re ready for the game on Saturday.”

“Do you think Miles can come?”

“Um . . . we can ask him if he’s available.” I was finding myself conflicted about him coming, especially given what I had to tell her. I didn’t want another man to disappoint her. Maybe he won’t, Emma seemed to whisper to me. That scared me.

“I’m going to ask him tomorrow.”

I nodded, giving her my approval.

She picked her pencil up and went back to staring at her textbook.

I placed my hand on her book. “Baby girl, I need to talk to you.”

Her cute button nose wrinkled. “Did you forget to order my new phone?”

I wished that was all it was. “No. That should be here on Friday.”

“Yes,” she squealed.

Great, now I got to crush her in her moment of joy. I took her hands, remembering how they were once tiny and kissable. I didn’t think she would appreciate me kissing them now. Instead, I held onto them tight. “Honey, there is no easy way for me to say this, so I’m just going to say it,” I rushed my words. “I saw your dad today,” I half mumbled.

Her trembling chin said she’d heard me loud and clear.

“He’s moved back to Colorado,” I added.

Her eyes began to water, making mine do the same. I pulled her to me and stroked her damp hair. I could feel her tears wet my shoulder.

“Do I have to see him?”

“Not if you don’t want to.”

“Does he want to see me?” her voice quivered.

“Yes,” I said quickly to soothe her aching heart.

Her shoulders relaxed against me. “But I can choose?” she needed me to reiterate.

“Yes, baby girl.”

She nestled into me like she was little. I loved it, but my heart ached for her.

“Why did he come back?” she begged to know.

I so badly wanted to tell her it was because of her, but I wasn’t sure. I hated Leland more than ever, but I knew I could never let her know that. Despite how awful he was, my little girl was half of him. I couldn’t tell her I despised part of her. But I knew I had to tell her the truth because odds were Leland would hurt and disappoint her again. And the higher her hopes got, the harder they would fall.

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