“But you’re recording everything she tells you, right?”
“Every damn thing. And it all brings me one step closer to gaining full custody of her.”
“Good.” Another glance at his screen. Still nothing.
“Why do you keep looking at your phone?”
For a moment, Kayden considered lying, but what was the point? “I texted Tilly. It’s the first text I’ve sent her all week. I’ve been trying to give her space, but after so many days of barely touching or talking to her, I’m going crazy.”
“She hasn’t texted back?”
“Not yet.” He sucked in a long breath. “And I understand why. Hell, I wouldn’t trust me either. But if this last week has shown me anything, it’s that I need to be better, because I need her. I need to be close to her. To hear her voice.”
“Jesus, Kayden, that almost sounds like love.”
The word should have scared him. It didn’t.
When his phone dinged, his eyes shot straight down.
Tilly: I think I miss you too.
He frowned. Think?
Before he could respond, another text came through.
Tilly: That might be the cocktails talking. I’m not sure. I wish you’d trusted me.
Kayden: I wish I’d trusted you too. Next time I’m tested, I promise you, I will.
Tilly: That would require us getting back together.
Kayden: We are going to get back together.
The three dots popped up, then disappeared.
Kayden: Where are you?
Tilly: Oh, no. No, no, no. I cannot see you while I’m under the influence of alcohol. You’ll take advantage of my poor judgment.
Kayden: I’d never do that. I’ll look after you. Where are you?
“They’re at the bar.”
Kayden’s gaze shot to his brother. “How do you know?”
“Cody mentioned Harper was taking the night off to have some drinks with Tilly.” He tilted his head toward the door. “Go. Fix what you broke.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“Thank you for looking after my daughter.”
Kayden drove too fast to the bar, all the while wrapping his fingers far too tightly around the wheel. Even though the drive was short, it felt endless. The moment he stepped into the bar, he spotted her. The place wasn’t too busy, and she was just shuffling out of a booth, Harper opposite her, a half dozen empty glasses on the table.
He walked straight over to her. When she got to her feet, she wobbled, and he held her arm to steady her.
“Hey, I don’t—” She stopped when she saw it was him. “Kayden…how did you—”
“Eastern told me you were here.”
