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)
Violet taps her chin thoughtfully for several seconds and then says, “The panda bears!”
“Holy shit,” Ryder says once she’s out of earshot, running ahead toward the panda exhibit. “That was rough.”
“Tell me about it,” I groan. “I hate it for her … not having a dad. I know exactly how she feels since my dad wasn’t around either. I think that’s why I gave in to moving in with Brian so quickly. I wanted to give her the family I’d never had. Of course, with how shitty he was, we would have been better off alone.”
“I get it,” Ryder says. “Both of my parents are worthless. I stayed with my ex in hopes that we would give Addie the loving family I’d never had.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me into his side while I push the stroller. “It’s a shitty situation to be in, but you handled her questions well. And I meant what I said.” He looks over at me. “You love that girl enough for ten people. She might not have a dad, but the only person she needs is you.”
“Same,” I say, nodding toward Addie, who’s toddling behind Violet, trying to keep up. “You’re the dad I wish Violet and I had.”
“Oh, yeah?” He smirks. “If you want to call me daddy”—he waggles his brows playfully—“I could be down with that.”
“Oh my God,” I choke out. “Don’t ever say that again.”
“What?” he says with a laugh. “Lots of women like that.”
“Really? You have a lot of women calling you daddy?”
“No.” He laughs. “But they say it a lot in romance books. Especially in bed.”
“Well, I can promise you that I will not be calling you daddy in bed.”
When he doesn’t say anything, I look over at him and find him grinning.
“What?” I ask.
“You said you won’t call me daddy in bed.”
“Okay, so?”
“So, that means you plan to be with me in bed. And who knows?” He smirks devilishly. “Maybe I’ll satisfy you so good, like in those books, that you’ll be calling me daddy.”
“That is not happening.” I choke out a laugh.
“Okay, fine.” He winks. “I’ll settle for you just calling out my name.”
Before I can argue, he takes off after the girls, leaving me visualizing what it would be like to be with Ryder in bed, calling out his name.
chapter fifteen
KIRA
“My feet hurt,” Violet whines as we walk toward the exit of the zoo.
Today has been a great but long day. Of course, Ryder wouldn’t let me pay for a single thing, using the excuse that it’s Mother’s Day, while he spoiled the girls with rides and treats and stuffed animals.
“Addie’s sleeping in the stroller,” I tell her even though she can see it for herself.
When she started to get tired, I told her to get in the stroller—it’s a double-seated rental from the zoo—but she insisted she was a big girl and didn’t need a stroller. Addie fell asleep, sprawled out across the two seats, and there’s no way I’m waking her up even if that means I have to carry Violet despite the long walk we have.
I’m about to ask Ryder to push the stroller so I can pick her up when Ryder says, “Wanna piggyback ride?”
“Yes!” She runs over, and he kneels so she can jump onto his back.
She yells, “Giddyup,” and he goes along with it, making the sounds horses make.
Violet giggles the entire way to the exit, and my heart that I’ve kept hidden and protected feels like it’s been removed from my chest and placed on my sleeve for all to see.
After we’re home and both girls are asleep in their beds, I take a quick shower to rinse the day off. When I get out, I find a text from Ryder, asking me to meet him in the garage.
When I walk outside, I immediately notice my SUV has been replaced by another vehicle.
“Hey, did you move my car?” I ask.
I wouldn’t dare drive it unless it was an emergency, but the thought of having no vehicle has me damn near hyperventilating.
“It’s gone,” he says, closing the gap between us.
“What?” I whisper. “Ryder …”
My vehicle is the only way for me to escape. I might have some money saved, but it’s nowhere near enough to buy a new car.
“I had it taken care of,” he explains like that will make me feel better when it’s only making shit worse. “Nobody will be able to find it, let alone your ex.”
“But …”
“This is for you.”
He takes my hand in his and guides me over to the gorgeous metallic-gray Mercedes SUV. I know nothing about cars, but even I know this SUV costs a cool six figures.
“I can’t afford this,” I choke out.
“It’s paid off,” he says. “And in your name. The insurance has been paid for the year as well.”