Addison
I can’t stomach how much you’re spending on me.
Me
I can afford it. You don’t have to worry about that.
Addison
I know … I Googled you. Let’s just say, my jaw is still on the floor. Cole and Spade Hotels, Ridge? You said nothing about it to me. Why?
Me
You don’t really talk about your time at the club. I don’t discuss the inner workings of my job. It’s that simple.
Addison
But you don’t exactly have a job. You have an empire.
Me
I share an empire with several other people, but, yes, it is quite the undertaking.
Addison
Which explains why you’re spending so much time in Malibu. I read that you’re doing construction at that hotel, almost a full remodel, and that you’re the man in charge. That’s amazing—truly.
Me
Do you want to see it?
Addison
Do I want to go to the beach, my favorite place in the world? What kind of question is that? LOL.
Me
Don’t tease me, Addison. I’ll pick you up right now …
Addison
And leave your daughter with a substitute teacher? I would never. ;)
Hear me out. I have about two months left. Maybe less if things continue to go well. I care about you, Ridge, and what I’m doing feels so wrong. I want it to feel right. You deserve that.
Me
We deserve that.
Addison
Best answer ever.
SIXTEEN
Addison
The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes wasn’t the sun that was just starting to peek through the bottom of the blinds. It was the light from my phone as it vibrated on my nightstand.