Page 129 of The Heartbreaker
“Ridge, how would Jana react if I was there?”
He searched my eyes. “That’s what you’re worried about?”
I nodded. “Of course. Her feelings will always matter to me, especially because she’s going to be attending with Daisy. I wouldn’t want her to feel uncomfortable in any way.”
“God, I fucking love you.” He kissed me deeply. “But I’ve already given Jana a heads-up. She’s fine with it.”
It was a relief that he’d thought to ask her prior to this conversation and that he was respectful to her about us. Still, I needed to be assured one more time. “You’re absolutely positive there won’t be any drama by my presence?” I pressed. “I don’t want to cause any type of commotion?—”
“If I thought that was going to happen, I wouldn’t invite you. I’d never put you in that situation, and I certainly wouldn’t bring drama to someone else’s wedding.” He traced his thumb over my lips. “I want you there. I want you there with me.”
I heard the patter of feet on the floor, and I moved to the other side of the island, resting my hands on the counter, trying to calm down my heart and breathing—both affected by everything he’d just said. And even though he was barely within reaching distance, I could still feel him.
On my neck.
On my lips.
I could taste him on my tongue.
“Soon, I’m not going to let you move away,” he said, his voice low. “I want my daughter to see the way I love you.”
All that did was add to the explosion that was already taking place within me. But it went deeper, his statement churning through my throat to my chest, settling in the base of my stomach that was a mess of tingles, so the only thing I could utter was, “Ridge …”
As Daisy came running into the kitchen, she stopped right next to me, her breath coming out in pants, her ponytail a few inches lower than it had been before. “I showed my pet animals the flowers, and they think they’re so beautiful. They say thankyou.” She smiled and hugged my side, looking up at me. “Want to help me fold towels now? And then we can go to my room, and I can show you all my animals?”
I stole a quick glance at Ridge, whose smile hadn’t faded even a little bit. I returned the gesture and glanced back at his little girl. “I would love that.”
THIRTY-ONE
Addison
Ridge
I just finished putting Daisy to bed, and the last thing she told me was how much she loves you.
Me
Awww, Ridge. I love her. We had such a good day together.
Ridge
She said good night to the flowers. It was really cute.
Me
Thank you for today. I’ll never forget it.
Ridge
Neither will we.
You know … you never gave me an answer about the wedding.
Me
We got a little interrupted, and then Daisy pretty much owned me up until I left.
Ridge
