Before I can stop myself, I place a soft kiss against her hair. “Wanna talk about it?”
Bypassing my question, she asks, “Why didn’t you tell me you were at my show?”
I almost slip up and ask which one, but I remember the hoodie. “I didn’t want to take time away from your fans on your last tour stop.”
The lie slips effortlessly off my tongue. The truth is, I’m content to stand in the shadows without her ever knowing I’m around, silently cheering her on in everything she does. If I told her I was there, she would’ve invited me backstage, given me VIP tickets, the whole nine. I don’t want that. I want to be a spectator; I want to see her through everyone else’s eyes because through mine, she’s already more than they could ever dream she’d be.
“I think it’s your turn to answermyquestion,” I say. “What made you get wine drunk all alone and crawl into my bed?”
She sighs, and her fist clenches in my shirt. “I was worried about you. When you called and the sirens went off, Ipanicked.”
I sweep her hair away from her face, letting my fingertips coast along her jaw. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think. That’s always a possibility in, but I never intended to scare you like that.”
“It’s ok. I imagine it’s ten times worse for the partners of everyone else at the station. I’m just the temporary nanny.”
“You’re notjustanything, Goldie. You’re…” Fuck. Is there even a word for what she is to me?“You’re family. You have been for a very long time.”
“Connor and I broke up years ago.”
“Not because of Connor. Family isn’t based on blood or romantic ties. Family is the people you choose—the people who mean the most to you in the world. That’s you, Ruby. It always has been, and it always will be.”
She looks up at me through glassy eyes, her chin quivering.
“You still a little drunk?” I ask.
“Shut up. That was really sweet, and you’re ruining the moment.”
I glide my thumb gently over her cheek to capture a fallen tear. “I meant every word,” I murmur.
“So… the fire. Was it bad?”
“No, b—” I was so close to calling her baby again, but I stopped myself. I’ve said it before, in the heat of the moment, but this is different. It feels far too intimate considering our current position.
I hold her tighter, hoping to ease some of her worries. I don’t often get to see this softer, more vulnerable side of Ruby, and I’ll hold onto it for as long as she’ll let me. “Brush fire. It was out within minutes, and we stopped it from spreading.”
“That’s good. Can I ask you something personal?”
“Anything.”
“If something happens… to you. Who’ll take care of Aiden?”
A pang of sadness hits me. Her question brings up somany haunting memories of me and Connor going from one home to another after we lost our parents. I’d like to think I could rely on Connor to take care of my son, but I don’t want him to feel like he owes me something.
I take a deep breath and blow it out. “Because of the nature of my job, I’m prepared for every outcome. If something happens, my will gives custody to Ivy and Luca.”
She nods against my chest. “That makes sense. Thanks for telling me.” A yawn slips free.
When I glance down, I see that her eyes have fallen shut.
I gently press my lips to her forehead. “Rest, Goldie. I’ve got you.”
And you’ve got me. My heart never stood a chance.
Chapter 12
Kiss The Girl
? We Could Be in Love Right Now - MaRynn Taylor
