“Yeah? Did you learn anything?”
“Logic doesn’t exist with toddlers.”
“She’s not?—”
“I know.” I hold up my hand, interrupting her. “I was told she’s a big kid because she’s five.”
She snickers. “I’m sorry she was such a handful.”
“I mean, it really wasn’t that bad.”
“It does mean she likes you.” Presley smiles down at me.
“Really?”
She nods. “She pushes back on those she likes.”
“Then she must love me after I got us pizza.”
“What happened to macaroni?”
“I got the wrong kind.” I shake my head. “I thought it would be okay.”
“Was she at least excited for tomorrow?”
“She is.” I nod. “I got one thing right.”
Presley brushes a loose lock of hair out of my face. “I’m glad you got to spend some more time with her on your own.”
I stare up into her blue eyes, getting completely lost. We’ve only been together one time since I’ve been back, but I already know it won’t be enough. No amount of time will evermake up for what we lost, but getting to be with her now? I’ll take whatever I can get.
“Think I can convince you to let me stay awhile?” I ask Presley, burrowing into her side. She smells like the diner, but I don’t care. I’m exhausted and all I want is to stay right here.
“I’ll always let you stay, Kade.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
PRESLEY
“Someone’s looking awfully happy today.”
I startle, nearly dropping the empty plates as I head back into the kitchen as Rylee greets me. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, I don’t know. You missed girls’ night last night.”
“Crap. That was last night?” I grab the towel and wipe my hands off.
“Mm-hmm. But none of us minded,” she says, a happy lilt to her tone.
“Really?”
“Only if you tell us where you were.”
I can’t help the flush that creeps up my cheeks. “I was with Kade.”
Time seems to be moving at the speed of a light-year. Ever since he asked me on a date, I want to spend all my time with him. If I’m not going over to the ranch, he’s coming over to our place.
After Poppy’s bedtime. I don’t want to give her any ideas, even if she’s loving her time learning to ride out at the ranch.
