Page 76 of Single Mom's Secret Diary
Avery nods. “Good.”
I want to reach out and touch her, gather her in my arms, and it hurts to stand here not doing it. Apparently, I’m not the only one to think so. Wyatt nabs her pinky, pulling an arm free from her defensive posture and holding onto it.
He clears his throat, but his voice remains husky. “I’m not sure what we did wrong, and I need you to tell me so that I don’t do it again.”
Her eyes round and grow glossy.
“I don’t ever want you to walk away from me like that again.” He works her palm between his hands, rubbing it as if not touching her will be the end of him.
God, I know that feeling.
“When did you learn about the leak?” Her voice is soft, not accusatory.
“This morning. Around one.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” She squeezes his hand. “It was my project, too.”
I swallow back the guilt of her words, confirming what I’d already guessed. We left her out. Dismissed her contribution. Made her feel like she wasn’t integral to this entire thing.
That she wasn’t important to us beyond our personal feelings for her.
“But we did tell you…” Wyatt starts, but Ryder pats him on the shoulder.
“No. We ambushed her at the office.”
Avery nods, eyes bright again.
“There’s something else,” I say, earning a renewed glare. I’ll take it, as long as I’m nearby enough to see it. “Our relationship broke on the news. With pictures—nothing scandalous, but enough to support the story.”
“Let me guess, one that spins me as a woman climbing the corporate ladder with my vagina?”
Ryder snorts and dissolves into laughter, waving his hand. “Yes. That’s pretty much it exactly. But we’re no better, mindless men who can only think with our dicks.”
Finally, a small crack in Avery’s face. She’s actively frowning to keep the smile off her face. Oh, how many times I’ve seen that exact look on her. “If you’re smart, you’ll use that to spin marketing on the new formula. Good for your heart and an aphrodisiac to boot.”
We all let out a little laugh, relief unspooling slowly through us.
“We didn’t mean to ambush you. It was my fault. I thought I’d let you sleep in while we figured it out. I was wrong.” It had been entirely my idea. Besides, she’s very used to being upset with me.
Her shoulders slump, and she shakes her head. “Stop trying to play the hero and just tell me things.”
I nod and step forward, taking her by the shoulders and dragging her into my embrace. She doesn’t fight me, and I close my eyes as she hugs me back.
“Forgive me. Us.” I pull her outside with me.
Ryder and Wyatt are right there, surrounding her, too.
“You three are utter idiots, but yes, you’re forgiven.”
Thank God. I can’t keep it in anymore. I whisper in her ear, “Good, because I’m in love with you. Don’t ever run away from me again.”
Her grip tightens around my waist, and I kiss the side of her head, just happy to drink in the feel of her, the scent of her.
“If we’re going to profess things, I’m in love with you, too.” Ryder draws his hand through Avery’s hair.
She retreats from my chest to look up at me, then Ryder. He plants a kiss on her forehead.
I catch movement inside the house—my mom grabbing Dominick’s hand to quit spying on us. Although wherever they retreat, I’m sureM?will still be able to hear us.
