Page 62 of Broken Grump

I wasn’t expecting her to say that, but I hold my fingers up. “Scout’s honor.”

With that, we relieve the nanny and head upstairs into Luna’s bedroom. She looks so peaceful as she sleeps, and I can’t help but recognize that she sleeps just like me—on her belly with one arm at her side and the other perched up at an angle.

“Thanks for that,” I say after we come back down to the main foyer. “I, um. I suppose I’ll be going then—”

I turn my back away from her, but she stops me. “Hayden. What exactly is it you want here? With me, and well, with Luna.”

Facing her again, my brow furrows. “What do you mean? I don’t want anything.”

She rolls her eyes but mutters, “Fine, then. Good night.”

I hesitate and glance at the upper level.Is it so bad if I never know?What I do know, however, is that I feel this undeniable urge deep in my bones to get to know the kid better. But I don’t want to admit that to her and make her freak out. So, I just explain my behavior by saying, “I just like the kid.”

I then notice Addie blinking back tears.

“Add—”

Before I can think another thought, she’s up on her toes and kissing me.

Chapter eighteen

Addie

I’m in Abuelo’s oldoffice, trying to get some work done. There were just a few things that didn’t sit well with me when it came to the Ivory Shores plans, so I’m putting my own touches on them on my computer.

First, I added the chapel near the swimming pool that we promised to Randall. It was a giant pain in the ass, but I finally got it to a place where it not only fit but also kind of made sense. Now, I am just rounding out some edges that I find harsh and unnecessary.

“Perfect.” I sit back and admire my work once I’m finished.

Shortly after that, my phone buzzes on the desk next to me. I don’t need to flip it over to know that it’s Hayden.

God, you’re such a coward.

I bury my face in my hands.

I just can’t face him. Not yet.

Was the kiss amazing? Yes. Honestly, I felt like I was being projected towards the moon as soon as our lips touched. And it was even more affirming when he rested his hand near my lower back and brought me even closer to him.

However, it just ended after that.

There were no goodbyes or anything. He just stopped, wiped at his mouth, and then stormed out the door.

It was humiliating, and I’ve been wondering ever since if I made a ginormous mistake for ever kissing him in the first place.

Why the hell did I do that?I’ve asked myself that question over and over again, but I still can’t think of a reasonable explanation. Well, other than the fact that he’s devastatingly gorgeous and was just doting on how much he liked my kid.Okay, perhaps that’s reason enough. Is it?

“Ugh!” I groan out loud. My mind has been going around in circles like this ever since it happened, and I fear if I don’t get off this tilt-a-whirl of conflicting feelings, I might make myself physically ill.

Then there’s also the matter ofwhyhe’s taken such an interest in Luna. It’s undeniable that they have a strong connection and bond, but he still hasn’t mentioned getting a paternity test.

Part of me wonders if he just doesn’t want to know—either out of placid ignorance or prolonged resentment towards me.

If it’s the former, he might not want the legal and “official” responsibilities that come with being a father. And if it’s the latter, he’s holding onto the anger he felt towards me after that stupid article was released, which his father allegedly died after reading it.

Feeling like I’m going to explode and leave bloody goo all over the antique furniture if I don’t get some of these emotions out in the open, I place a call to Sam.

“Hey, Flores. How’s The City of Angels treating you?”

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