Page 146 of The Legend (Rivers Wilde 2)

He mouths, “Sorry” before he turns around.

Bianca stands all shy with her head of dark brown curls and the glasses she started wearing this year. She looks just like I did at her age. And she’s just as skeptical. She sticks her hand out for Remi.

“Nice to meet you, Mommy’s friend.”

“Bianca, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, finally.” Remi takes her hand and bows over it like he’s meeting the queen.

She giggles.

My little girl is so like me at that age and never, ever giggles.

But then, she’s never met Remi and he could charm a giggle out of Medusa.

“Nice to meet you, too. Mommy showed me your picture. Said you’re her best friend.”

“Bianca, it’s not nice to repeat private conversations,” I reprimand her.

“I already knew that. And she’s mine.” Remi runs a hand over my daughter’s head and my heart quickens.

“We just had dinner, but there’s some leftover, if you’re hungry,” she says, batting her lashes at him. Oh boy.

My daughter is a firm believer that the path to everyone’s heart is through their stomach.

“I ate already, but maybe we can have breakfast tomorrow? Sweet & Lo’s makes a mean omelet.”

“Can we, Mommy, please?” she asks and I smile stiffly at Remi.

“Of course we can. Now, run upstairs and get me a vase for these flowers.”

She grins at both of us and then darts through to the back. As soon as I hear her feet thundering up the stairs that lead to our living quarters, I speak.

“Way to put me on the spot.” I cross my arms over my chest in disapproval.

“I wasn’t. She invited me to dinner and I didn’t want to completely disappoint her. But, I do want to talk to you.”

He steps toward me and I take a step back and glance over my shoulder to make sure Bianca’s gone.

“Come back later. After she’s asleep, we can talk then.”

“Okay. What’s her b

edtime? Ten?” he asks.

“Eight thirty. She’s only nine.” I remind him teasingly.

“Oh, yeah. Of course.” He is nervous and it’s cute.

“Okay. I’ll see you later.” I say when he just stands there.

“Okay.” He nods tersely.

“And, uh…I put the trellis back up. Step up your groveling game. Right now, it’s a little lame,” I joke.

Then reach up on my toes to press a kiss to his lips.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you tonight.”

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