Page 42 of Fateful Hearts

“Did she even say hi to you?” Zoey asks.

I shrug it off. “She’s with her father. It’s fine.”

Zoey widens her eyes. “She didn’t, did she? She gets so excited when Kyle pays her attention like this because it’s so damn rare. She gets so completely wrapped up in it because when he doesn’t pay her any attention, she’s so hurt by it. So when he does, she laps it up. I’m so sorry, Blake. It’s not a reflection on you. You know she adores you.”

It still hurts though, which is an odd feeling for me. I never knew having Hailee ignore me like that would sting so much, but it does. I guess I’m more attached to these two than I thought.

“I adore her too. But, I only want her to be happy, and right now, if Kyle is making her happy, then I am okay with that.”

Zoey smiles wide, her eyes shifting to the cupcake box. “You brought me more cupcakes?”

Tilting my head, I waggle my brows. “I know how much you love them.”

“You spoil me.”

“You deserve to be spoiled.”

Her cheeks flush as she places the lid back on the pot. “Okay, Kyle, dinner will be ready for you both in about half an hour. All you have to do is serve it up.”

Kyle glances back while continuing to dance with Hailee. “Got it! And no sugar before bed, I remember, Zo. I know how to take care of our daughter.”

I roll my shoulders, wanting more than anything to punch this guy square in the cock.

Fuck, I detest this smug asswipe.

Zoey inhales sharply, her eyes meeting mine like she knows I am boiling on the inside.

“You ready to go, baby?” I ask loudly so dickface can hear.

Zoey’s eyes widen a little like she wasn’t expecting the term of endearment, but she grins and nods. “Sure, let me grab my purse, and we can take off.” As she walks past me, I lean out, place my hand on her hip, and pull her to me. She leans in, and I plant a tender kiss on her cheek. She bites her bottom lip, looking slightly embarrassed, but then takes off for her purse.

“We won’t be out too late. I’ll text you when we’re on our way home,” Zoey states, and Kyle waves his hand through the air dismissively.

“Yeah, yeah. Just remember some of us have to work tomorrow. Weekends don’t matter in my world.”

Zoey nods, walks over to Hailee, bends down, and kisses her head. “Have a good night with your father, Starshine. Love you.”

“Love you, Mom. Have fun, Blake!” she calls out, finally acknowledging my presence.

I smile, my stomach squeezing with happiness. “You, too, kiddo.”

Zoey winks as she steps up to my side. “Okay, let’s go.”

Sliding my arm around her waist, I walk with her toward the front door. The sounds of Hailee and Kyle dancing in the living room grates on my last nerve. But he is her father, and at least he is making an effort tonight.

That’s all anyone can ask for.

The fact I feel so damn protective over Hailee though, does surprise me. She’s a good kid, and it’s hard not to feel connected to her.

Opening the front door for Zoey, she walks through, and I follow, hearing Hailee laughing behind us.

Zoey lets out a heavy exhale. “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you that Kyle would be here. I should have texted, but it was too late when he arrived. I had to deal with dinner, get Hailee settled after school, clean the house, and get dressed for tonight… I am so sorry, but time just slipped away from me. But thanks for stepping into your role so effortlessly.”

“It’s not a hard role to step into, Zoey. On the contrary, being here with you is easy,” I reply.

Her cheeks flush red again as she gestures for my car. “We should go. We’re gonna be late.”

Placing my hand on the small of her back, I lead her to the car and open the passenger side door.

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