“That sure was fast, wasn’t it?” she muses. “The announcement.”
Noah steps beside us. “If you’re here to ambush an innocent little girl again, you’re asking for a restraining order.”
“Don’t be silly, Noah. I’m on the school board. I was merely helping out the dismissal staff. They were low on—”
“In other words, if I were to subpoena records such as timecards and policy on minimum staff for dismissal, I’d find that someone called in sick and you were their last resort?”
She smiles tightly. “I respect your dedication to your friend—”
“My client.”
Her jaw ticks. “But this isn’t about me.”
“It is when I’m your opposing counsel. Now do us a favor and let the happy couple enjoy their night without you breathing down their necks.”
She smiles. “Fine. But since you’re here, I’m doing you the courtesy of letting you know that I’ve petitioned for Ellie to move back in with Cole, as he still has legal custody.”
Noah doesn’t flinch. He keeps his piercing blue eyes on Glenda. “Guys, if you’ll excuse us for a moment.”
I don’t hesitate to lure Willow away. I suspect Noah’s about to drop some unethical threats against the vulture.
I pull her behind the stairs, finding those pretty brown eyes swimming with tears. All at once, I’m outraged, concerned, and filled to the brim with a whole new level of protection.
But it’s not for my daughter right now.
“Don’t tell me she scared you, Sunset.” I swipe a strand of hair behind her ear to get a better look at her face.
“She’s going to take Ellie back to Cole,” she whispers, her voice cracking. “Who would do that? What kind of person, what kind of court would let a child be bounced around—”
I press my finger to her mouth as her voice grows loud. And it was a mistake—feeling the soft tremble of those lips.
They part slightly and it’s almost like a kiss to my flesh.
“She’s not going anywhere. Not for any longer than a short visit, I promise.”
She’s breathing hard. With fear or desire—I’m not sure either of us know. A tear slips down the slope of her nose and I swipe it with my thumb. I’m not a shusher, but I find myself shushing her, my fingers stroking her jaw like they’ve got a mind of their own. She’s slipping and I feel helpless. She’s been so strong, so willing, but one threat against my little girl and she spirals like it’s a personal attack.
One I’m feeling with her.
“How can you know that? What are we even doing here if I can’t do the one thing that—”
Hitting my breaking point, I cover her mouth with mine, sliding my hand into her hair, gripping the back of her neck, anchoring her to me as I kiss her with an intensity I can’t comprehend.
Her throat vibrates with a moan and my body reacts, plastering my hips against hers. I can feel her pulse drumming beneath my thumb. Fast. Alive. Wild.
The seam of her mouth opens, giving me a taste of tequila, lime, and something out of this world.
Something that’s all Willow.
God, she’s soft.
Every inch of her responds, fits like that damn puzzle piece.
When whistles and applause roll in like a rough wave, we break apart. Our eyes stay connected for no more than a second. I might not know what she’s thinking, but I know we’re both done with this crowd.
Noah wraps an arm around my shoulder, a rare smirk on his face. “Nice touch, Romeo. But Glenda was already out the door.”
“What did you say to her?”
