Page 41 of When We Break

Yes, I’ll be seeing much more of Beckett.

Andyes, the thought of The Arsehole being back in New York does scare me. But I worked hard to ensure I’m safe here in Bitterroot Valley. He can’t get to me here.

I’m safe.

He’s three thousand miles away, and Connor will be alerted if he leaves New York City.

There’s nothing to worry about.

* * *

“My mom’s here,” Birdie says when the door to the studio opens, and Dani Blackwell steps inside, hugging Birdie to her in greeting.

“Hey, pumpkin. How was dance?”

“The best,” Birdie replies, making me feel good. I love that this wee girl loves my class so much.

“And how are you?” I ask Dani.

“Glad it’s Friday,” she replies with a tired smile. “What are your weekend plans?”

Before I can answer, Beckett himself walks in with intense eyes aimed at me.

“Well, well, well,” Dani murmurs, grinning widely.

“Uncle Beck,” Birdie exclaims.

“Hey, peanut,” Beckett replies, and kisses her on the head. Then he moves straight for me, cups my face in his hands, and presses his lips to mine, making my toes curl.

“Uncle Beck is kissing Miss Skyla,” Birdie says in a loud whisper, making me laugh against Beck’s mouth.

When he pulls back, his whiskey eyes are on fire, and I have to clear my throat.

“Well, it’s good to see you as well.”

Dani laughs at that, and Beckett finally looks away from me.

“It looks like I’m the last one to collect my kiddo,” Dani says, taking Birdie’s hand in hers. “So we’ll head on home. It’s our night to take dinner to the fire station.”

“We take Daddy dinner,” Birdie informs us. “It’s extra special. Tonight is taco night.”

“Have fun with that,” I reply as I walk them to the door. Birdie runs back and gives her uncle a quick hug, and he holds her close, his eyes shut.How this big man loves his wee niece.

“Bye, Uncle Beck,” Birdie says.

“See you later, peanut. Be good.”

“I’malwaysgood,” she answers, then runs to Dani.

When they’re gone, I lock up behind them and turn to the sexy man watching me from across the room. “Hi.”

His lips twitch, and I slowly walk back to him, taking him in. His beard has been trimmed since yesterday, but it’s still just begging for my fingers. He’s in a red Henley, with the sleeves pulled up his forearms, showing off muscles and veins that make me go weak in the knees.

His jeans envelop his muscled thighs perfectly, and based on the way his hands flex in and out of fists at his sides and his hot gaze as he watches me, I’d say he wants to get those sexy hands on me.

And I wouldn’t tell him no.

“Stay the weekend with me at my farm.” His voice is rough as I close the distance between us and push my fingers into that beard.

---