“You have no idea.” I scoop her into my arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed.” To my bed.
I’m not ready to let her go.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Ember
Today is Amelia’s birthday.
Ryder has a whole day planned out for the two of them. It’s the first birthday he gets to celebrate with her. Excitement rolled off him as we planned a few fun things for them to do. Mostly though, he wanted her to be able to pick. He wants to give her a dream birthday to make up for the four he missed.
I wish he knew he’s already done that. Amelia worships her father. I don’t think it’s possible for him to win her over any more than he already has.
“How do I look?” Amelia asks as she twirls, showing off her new dress.
“Absolutely stunning, my darling,” I say in my most eloquent voice.
“Ready to go?” Ryder asks, entering the living room.
Amelia sets the small matching purse on her shoulder, an item sure to be lost at some point during the day. “Ready.”
“You two have a great day,” I say, walking them to the door.
“We will,” Amelia says as she skips out the door.
“Enjoy your day off,” Ryder tells me.
Except the two people I enjoy spending time with the most just left—without me. I feel like an idiot for being sad that I’m not included. After all, I’m just the nanny, regardless of what Ryder and I do after hours.
I roam around the house for a while, then try to watch TV, but it’s useless. My mind is on them, wondering what they’re doing and if they’re having a good time. I need to get out of here. I need something to distract me.
With Hazel at work, I decide to make my way around town, winding in and out of the little shops. I grab a coffee from a small shop and make my way over to the park. Settled under a tree, I pull my book out of my bag. The birds chirping, the sounds of children laughing—it’s all so peaceful. As much as I’m enjoying the moment, I can’t help but wish I was with Amelia and Ryder.
“Hey, sexy mama.” The voice is disturbingly familiar.
“Edgar,” I say as more of an acknowledgment than a greeting. At least we’re in public. He wouldn’t try anything here.
“Where’s your boyfriend?”
“Please leave me alone.”
He squats down to look me in the eye. “No.”
“What is your problem? I’m not interested. Move on.”
“Not until you give me what I want. Just a little taste of that sweet pussy.”
Shoving my book in my bag, I attempt to get up, but he shoves me back down.
“I’ll scream,” I tell him as I glance around at the full park.
“No one will care. They’re all too wrapped up in themselves.”
“Ember,” a small voice shouts out. Amelia, I would recognize her voice anywhere.