Page 66 of Worth the Risk

About to head into my room, I see my mother coming out of hers. She must see the despondency on my face because she asks, “You okay, sweetheart?”

“I don’t know. I just had dinner with Leo and his dad, Connor. It wasn’t what I was expecting, I guess.”

“How so?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure Leo’s dad knew I was there. He barely acknowledged my existence.”

“Maybe he’s just a quiet person?”

Hmm… maybe, but I don’t believe that was it.

“Maybe.” I shrug, too confused to say more.

“Did Leo tell him I keep sharp knives?” Manda says as I jump. I had no idea she was behind meshe was so quiet.“If he is bothering you, Kylie, let me know.” She crosses her arms over her chest, her face stern.

Shit, she may be telling the truth about her knives.

“No, Manda, nothing like that. He’s just a quiet man, I’m sure.”

Connor may not appreciate it, but I just saved his balls.

I giggle at the image of Manda dressed in black with only her eyes showing. She lifts one eyebrow at me. “Something funny?”

“Just picturing you chasing down men with knives while dressed like a ninja.”

“Hmpf. Don’t think I won’t do it, young lady. How do you think I kept your grandfather in line? He was a smart man and knew better than to second-guess my threats.”

She’s so full of crap. Those two doted on each other. There was no fear, only love.

“Mom, we know that’s not true,” my mom tells her.

“Do we?” she asks.

Damn, now she has me second-guessing what I thought I always knew.

I say goodnight to them and go to my room.

I’m about to fall asleep when a text chimes from my phone.

Leo:Missing you tonight. Sleep tight, Sunshine.

His text warms my heart.I love this man.I may not be able to tell him verbally again right now, but I send the next best thing to let him know how I feel.

Me:Goodnight Leo < 3

I fall asleep hoping that one day he will love me as much as I love him.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Leo

Dad left shortly after we got to the house, and Nash took off soon after him. He’d been quiet all day, and when I asked him about it, he said he had a lot on his mind but was fine. He’s visiting his mom and sister this week and will let me know when he’s returning.

Before Dad left, he told me he needs me in the New York offices this coming week for business. The last thing I want to do is leave Kylie for another week.If it’s this hard now, how bad will it be when I move?

We haven’t talked about it yet. She has her student teaching going on this fall, so she can’t leave, but if we’re able to make it work, I wonder if she will consider moving in with me in New York after that? It’s not that far away. I’ll drive here every weekend so we will see each other if that is what it takes to be with her.

I want to talk with Dad about dinner tonight. It’s clear he’s making no effort to get to know Kylie. He left too quickly, and I didn’t want to talk to him about it in front of Nash. I’ll have to wait until I’m home, but we will talk about it because I know this stems from the bullshit Mom pulled on him.

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