His focus slides to my lips, and the whole world stops. It’s just me and him, and I’ve never wanted him to kiss me more.
“Where’s Santi?” I ask hoarsely.
“He’s changing, putting on his knight costume. Ines is helping him.” He chuckles. “It’s funny that it took one very observant three-year-old for me to realize you are indeed a princess.”
“He’s very observant for sure, because you are big and…bad.”
“Careful, Ry.” He leans in, our breaths mingling. “You make it sound like a compliment.”
A shiver works its way through me. “Because it is.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, his lips are on mine. He kisses me gently, his intoxicating scent making my head spin, but the kiss is fleeting. Before I’m ready, he rears back, wearing a beautiful smile.
There isn’t an ounce of regret on his face.
“Sorry,” he says. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Little feet thwack against the hallway floor, signaling the moment is over.
And I’m okay with it. That simple kiss gave me hope this is more than just friendship for him too.
Santi rushes into the room, eyes sparkling with excitement. He’s in a helmet, carrying a wooden sword and a shield. “Ready to play?”
Hayden wraps his fingers around mine and squeezes lightly. Then, he stands and winks at the boy. “Always, kid.”
We play until Santi is nearly delusional because he’s so tired. While Hayden reads him a bedtime story, Ines and I sit in the living room, sipping tea.
“Santi likes you,” she says. “I’ve never seen him warm up to a person so quickly.”
“I like him too.” I smile. “He’s amazing.”
Her gaze lingers on me, her expression kind. “So are you. Hayden is like family to me, so I’m happy for him.”
I look around the room. “We aren’t a couple. We’re just…friends expecting a baby together.”
The chuckle that leaves her mouth is soft. “I see the way he looks at you, so I’d say you aren’t a coupleyet.” She places her hand on my knee. “He wanted me to meet you, told me you were special.”
Emotion clogs my throat, so I sip my tea, grounding myself.
“Losing Owen was hard on him. They were incredibly close. I can’t imagine what it was like for Hade to find him.” She presses her hand to her chest, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She peers at me again, eyes brimming with tears. “His death shattered our world, but I had to keep going. Santi is my reason why I’m working so hard to get my life back on track. Hade struggled to find his reason for a long time, but something changed recently. He smiles more, and it’s not fake or forced. His eyes are bright and full of life. It wasn’t until a few days ago that I realized it’s because of you.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, my heart full.
“Just speaking my truth.” She swipes at a tear rolling down her cheek. “And if you decide to do a pregnancy photoshoot, I’d love to take the photos for you. There’s no way I’m going back to workingwith bands or traveling now that it’s just Santi and me, so I’m working on a new portfolio.”
“I’d love to.”
She shows me a few images she’s taken recently, and I immediately fall in love. Her pictures are full of life. She’s talented, and her work makes it obvious that she loves what she does.
The city lightsflicker through the tinted windows as Wyatt takes us back to the penthouse. We had a great time, but I’m wiped. Hayden has been silent since we got in the car. One hand loose on his knee, he drums his fingers absently against the door.
“Thank you,” he says eventually, his voice low.
Frowning, I survey him. “For what?”
“For coming tonight. For being…you.” He meets my eyes. “Santi loves you.” A heartbeat later, a crooked smile pulls at his lips. “So does Ines.”
Warmth unfurls in my chest and spreads through my limbs. “I like them too. Thank you so much for inviting me. I had a great time.”
