“Hade?” she asks in a sweet voice.
I swallow thickly, my throat dry. “Yeah?”
“Have you ever seenWednesday?”
What?I pull back. “Um, no. I haven’t.”
“Want to watch it with me? I watched the first episode, but I don’t mind starting over.”
Blinking, I will my brain to fire on all cylinders. Her playful smile tells me she’s aware of the state she put me in. It also tells me she doesn’t regret it.
Neither do I, because flirting with her feels like oxygen—I can’t live without it.
33
you’re like a princess
RILEY
The elevator ride is a blur.My brain is too wired. When I agreed to come to Santi’s birthday, I didn’t expect to feel nearly this nervous.
Hayden tugs on my hand, ripping me out of my thoughts. He looks so good in his white shirt and blue jeans, his hair a mess, as usual. But not even admiring him brings me relief.
He traces my cheek with his fingertips. Heat creeps up the back of my neck. I’m not used to this kind of affection from him.
“You okay?” he asks, ducking his head low. “Your silence is freaking me out a little.”
The elevator stops and the doors open, saving me from having to answer. We step into the hallway, but rather than head for Ines’ apartment, he turns and focuses on me.
“What’s wrong?”
I bite my bottom lip. “I’m worried.”
“About?” He takes my chin between his thumb and index finger and tilts my face up. His dark green eyes shine warmly, a smile lighting up his clean-shaven face. “Talk to me, Ry baby.”
My heart melts at the kindness in his expression, but my apprehension doesn’t fade. “What if people see us together? What about the other guests? What if someone has already taken a picture of us?”
He sighs. “We came separately. We’re okay,” he assures me. “As for other people, the kids’ portion of the party is over. It’ll just be us and Ines and Santi.”
My heart lifts a little. “Really?”
“Really. Ines knows all too well what it’s like to be hounded by paparazzi. She suggested we come after the rest of the guests leave and have our own little party. I agreed it was a good idea.” He holds my gaze. “I’ll do anything to keep you safe. Never doubt that.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” He kisses my cheek, tucks the gift he bought for Santi under his arm, and clasps my hand. “Let’s introduce you to my family.”
It’s comforting and awe-inspiring, the way he cares about Owen’s widow and son. It’s more proof that blood doesn’t make a family. It makes me hopeful we can give our baby the best life.
Our baby… Goodness, it’s still absolutely surreal.
Hayden knocks and flashes me a cute little grin. I smile back, willing my nerves to calm down.
The door opens, and a woman with lively, dark brown eyes and a wide smile greets us. Ines is beautiful. I’ve seen her in plenty of photos, but we’ve never met. Her expression is open and inviting, her gaze warm. There’s not a hint of awkwardness on her face, and it puts me at ease.
“Hey.” Hayden steps inside, guiding me in by the hand.
“Hi.” Her voice is clear and melodic. “So happy you made it.”
