Page 65 of Mended Hearts

“I should hit the road.”

Reluctantly, he nodded. But his eyes dropped to my mouth, his tongue darting out to wet his own. He leaned in, and my chin lifted of its own accord, logic frantically trying—and failing—to slam the brakes. His breath brushed my face and heat roared to life in my veins.

A mistake.

This would be a mistake.

Thiswould mess everything up.

This was why I wasleaving.

Danger, Leighton Rhodes.Danger.

And yet—even as every logical neuron fired neon warning signs—his eyes, his mouth, the magnetic pull ofhimhad falling?—

“Daddy??” Beau’s panicked voice hadnightmarewritten all over it. We both froze as the thud of tiny feet hit the floor.

“Daddy!”

Saved by the toddler.

I slapped on a smile and peeled away from Ollie’s gravity. Smirking, heart hammering, I whispered, “Goodnight, Ollie.”

He gave me a tight smile. But the war in his body was gone. What stared back was disappointment. Pure, quiet, devastating disappointment.

“Night, Trouble.”

* * *

The Girls:

Elora

You feeling any better, Punky?

Leighton

Maybe last weekend put me in a sleep deficit or something because I am *wiped*.

Alice

I mean, Emmaline picked up some bug from Eli’s kids. Maybe you’re fighting something off?

Noel

My nieces and nephews are in school, and it’s basically one oversized Petri dish. I swear my sister is always sick.

Brexley

Facts.

Leighton

Nothing sunshine won’t help.

Elora

Good, yes, soak in that vitamin D.

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