Page 51 of Unbreak Me
“I love you,” I whisper, our foreheads pressed together.
“I love you, too,” she breathes. Lifting her head, she gives me that blinding smile that always makes me want to drop to my knees and give her any damn thing she could ever fucking want.
“God, you’re so beautiful. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know it, too.” I run my hand through her auburn hair and watch the sunlight through the windows catch the golden strands hidden in there. Her cheeks get pink as I trace the light freckles across her nose before running my thumb across her full bottom lip. The ocean blues have me in such a trance that I don’t see Ryland come up to us until I feel something tug at my pant leg.
“Daddy.”
I grin down at my beautiful daughter and scoop her up. I don’t think my heart will ever get used to her calling me that. She giggles when I tickle her stomach.
“Daddy and Mommy love you so much, Rybug.” I rub my nose against hers in an Eskimo kiss.
“I do,” she smiles, holding my face with her little hands before laying her head on my shoulder. I rub my hand along her back and enjoy every second of this moment.
I hear a click and see Eve lowering her phone with a smile on her face.
“My new screensaver.”
“I think I can do better.” I hold out my hand, and she gives me her phone. Ryland lifts her head when Eve puts her arm around my waist and runs her hand through Ryland’s soft curls. “Say cheese, Rybug.” I hold my arm out and frame us in the selfie.
“Cheeeeeese,” she grins at the phone I’m holding, and we both laugh. I take a couple and hand her the phone back.
“Our first family photo.” She traces our faces on the screen. I watch her as she sets it to her screensaver.
“It’s perfect.” I smile at my beautiful family on the screen, my whole world captured in one moment.
I shutthe hood to the Maserati and glance up when I hear Eve’s sweet laugh ring out in the garage. Her hair is in a ponytail, the auburn waves still long enough to flow down her back. She’s wearing a black Ryder’s Restores t-shirt from our women’s line, and it looks like it’s made for her. The v-neck hugs her, revealing just enough skin to show some of her stomach. Just seeing her with my logo across her chest sends a deep satisfaction flowing through my veins, knowing she’s mine. I roam her long, tanned legs in that black skirt she’s wearing and the heels that drive me insane.
I told her she could dress in sweats for all I care, but she insisted that she look professional while working in the office ormeeting clients. I know she still wants to prove to me that she can do the job, but I’ve always known it was her I wanted by my side in this business.
I watch Nick carry on a conversation with her, standing a little too close if you ask me. I’ve had a good, long talk with him, so I know we are on the same page, but it doesn’t hurt to remind him every once in a while.
I walk over, and Eve catches my eye. I don’t miss the way her eyes linger on me a little bit longer before focusing back on Nick. Her cheeks get a slight blush to them, and I know she was checking me out like I was her.
Coming up to them, I place my hand on the small of her back as I grip her hip tightly. Nick steps back with a knowing smile. He’s not dumb. He knows exactly that I’m reminding him to keep his hands off of her. “Eve was just asking me about the parts we were looking for on the older vette we have coming in next week.”
“Remember that guy that Jimmy knew from a few towns over? He found that original part in that older vette you restored in high school. He may be able to help you.”
“I had forgotten all about that guy. How did you even know about him?”
“Jimmy’s cars were like his children,” she laughs. “He loved to tell me all their stories while I watched you work. I remember him being so proud of finding the original door handles and side panels for the sixty-one Corvette.”
I stare at her, amazed and a little in awe that she learned a lot more about cars than I thought she did while she used to watch me work.
“It’s definitely worth a shot. I’ve tried all the other places that are my go-to’s. It’s not easy finding some of these rare parts. Do you think you can track him down for me and give him a call?”
“Of course,” she says, beaming up at me. I could do it myself, but I want her to feel like she’s part of this team. It’s always a rush when you see something brought to life that you had a hand in creating.
“Let me know what you find out, Eve. I’ll give you a list of the other things you were wanting before I leave today.”
“Thanks, Nick,” she says, smiling at him. He glances at me before smiling back at her and returning to work. “You’ve got him so worried that you are going to fire him for just looking at me the wrong way,” she says when he’s gone.
“Good. That’s exactly what I want,” I grin. I release my death grip on her hip and run my fingers through the strands of her ponytail.
“I talked to Miles, and he’s about to put Ryland down for her nap. He’s having a blast with her today.”
“Hmmmm,” I say, trailing my fingers down her slender neck and loving the way her breath hitches at my touch. She says something else, but I don’t catch it as I run my finger along the vee on her shirt.
“Are you even listening to me?” I meet her blues and try to hold back a smile.
