Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“I know,” I tell him, spinning back around to focus on what I’m doing. “But eating has nothing to do with working.”
“I meant you waking up and taking care of Addie for me.”
I shrug him off and turn back around, grabbing the bag of chocolate chips. “I was up anyway. Changing a diaper and feeding one more child breakfast isn’t a big deal.” Especially not after everything Ryder’s done for me.
I think back to our conversation last night. The way he listened and then promised to help me. When I went to bed, it was the first time in a long time that I truly felt like maybe everything would be okay. And it was because of him. Sure, there’s a chance that he’s full of shit, and it won’t be the first time I’ve been wrong about a man, but something about Ryder makes me feel like I can trust him. And if I’m wrong about him, it’s not as if I gave him my heart or anything.
As I pour the chocolate chips into the batter, I feel his warmth behind me, and when I glance back, he’s standing over me, his masculine scent enveloping me.
He reaches around, and for a second, I assume he’s about to wrap his arms around me—and crazily, nothing in me even thinks to stop him.
But then his finger dips into the batter, and he brings it to his lips, moaning, “Damn, I love your brownies.”
The girls and I made brownies the other day, and Ryder damn near ate the entire pan himself after everyone went to bed. The next morning, he told me with a teasing smirk that I wasn’t allowed to make them anymore because he couldn’t control himself.
So, that day, we made a cake. And after he ate several slices, he told me I should open my own bakery and that I was banned from baking in this house anymore.
“Get out of here!” I playfully scold. “These aren’t for you.”
Ryder slides around next to me and leans against the counter. “Who the hell are they for?” He pouts like a petulant child, making me laugh.
I’ve learned the past couple of weeks that Ryder is as immature as he is mature. He’s got many sides to him—the serious businessman, the doting and loving father, the sweet and caring confidante, and the side I’m seeing more and more of … the playful friend. And the more I get to know him, the more I like every part of him.
“Ana,” I tell him. “In case you forgot, you’re going to visit them today. I’m making a couple of dishes for you to bring over. The lasagna is already done.”
I remember how hard it was to juggle everything after I had Violet. I’m sure they have plenty of help, but nothing beats a homemade comfort meal. So, after I made the girls breakfast, I got to work on making lasagna and brownies for Ana and her family.
“Thank you. She’ll love it.”
He leans over and gives me a quick kiss on my cheek, which does something to my insides that I refuse to acknowledge.
“Any plans for today?” he asks, opening the fridge and grabbing a water bottle.
“Nope. I’m sure Violet will beg to go in the pool.” I glance back at him and roll my eyes. “Wherever we move will have to have a pool. Living here is spoiling her.”
I expect Ryder to laugh, but instead, he frowns. “Are you planning on leaving?”
“What? No. I mean, not unless you decide not to extend my contract after the ninety days are up.”
“That’s only for you,” he says, encroaching on my space. “To make sure you’re comfortable. I’ll gladly sign a contract for however long you want.”
“I think twelve months is good.” I go back to mixing the batter. “And obviously, if anything changes and you want to break the contract, as long as you give me a little bit of notice, I’ll understand.”
“Why the hell would I want to do that?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “What if you meet someone and decide you don’t want Violet and me crashing your mansion anymore?” It’s supposed to come across like a joke, but the humor gets lost in my words.
“That’s not happening,” Ryder says. “And there’s nothing wrong with Violet being spoiled by my pool. For too long, it never got used.”
“Dada!” Addie calls. “Up!”
Ryder lifts her into his arms and gives her a kiss on her forehead. “Morning, Chunk.”
“Mommy, can I have a brownie?” Violet asks.
“No, these aren’t for us,” I tell her, pouring the batter into the pan and then popping it in the oven. “But you can lick the spatula.”
I hold it out for her, and she runs over, her eyes lit up in excitement.
“Thank you!”
“Me! Me!” Addie squeals.
“Okay,” I tell her with a laugh. “You too.”