With the intensity of my work, I didn’t have time to nurture a relationship, nor deal with another person’s expectations. Between my father, mother, brother, and a fuckload of employees…I was drowning. The only way I coped was to lose what mattered most—my compassion. Just like my dad.
It wasn’t until Grayson met Josie that something shifted inside. I grew to envy the love they shared, and when they had that damn baby…fuck, I was a goner. I tried to fight it. I tried to ignore what my soul craved, but the universe had other plans. When I walked into that bar, hours after Harrison’s birth, to succumb to whiskey and unavailable women, I saw her. The perfect distraction from my fucked-up life.
Green eyes, green dress, gorgeous legs…and the most impressive set of tits I’d ever seen. The best part? She was married…or so I thought. My dick was homing in on her before I’d finished my first drink.
What I didn’t expect was how incredible the sex would be. Unforgettable, mind-blowing, life-changing sex. Our connection was more than physical, and I think our souls knew it before we did. Her body against mine was like fucking poetry, and when I found my bed empty the next morning, I was equally angry and relieved, because I wanted more. I never wanted more.
Cassidy’s back straightened as she turned to me. “Youdostill want kids, don’t you?”
“Of course. I know you and Finn are a package deal.”
“No…I mean…more.”
“Well, yeah…” I kissed her soft cheek. “You know I do.”
The corners of Cassidy’s mouth curved as she mused.
“Actually…” I curled my fingers around her hand and ran my thumb over the engagement ring that once belonged to my grandmother. “That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”
She peered up at me curiously.
“When Finn and I were getting ready this morning, he asked me a question.” I swallowed back the nerves that had plagued me all day. “But I said I’d have to ask you first.”
“Oh?”
“He wanted to know…”—I drew in a deep breath before clearing my throat—“if he could call meDad.”
Cassidy’s body stiffened. “He did?”
“It’s okay if you don’t want him to. If you’re not comfortable, or you think it’s disrespectful, I totally understand.”
“Doyouwant him to call you Dad?” she asked, raising her hand to my pounding chest.
“Yeah…” I blinked away the mist clouding my eyes. “I really do.”
Cassidy’s mouth parted while she drank in my aura. “Wow,” she breathed out before rising to her feet. “I mean…you may as well start getting used to the name.”
Just as relief and elation settled over me, I froze. Surely she didn’t mean…
“I’m going for a dip in the pool,” she said before wandering off into the darkness.
“Wait. What do you mean by that?” I called after her.
“A swim, silly.” She pulled off my hoodie and threw it back to me.
“That’s not what I’m talking abo—” The silk of her wedding gown dragging along the ground, drew my eyes up to the sexy sway of her hips, and I almost lost my train of thought. “Cassidy!”
A small smile played on her lips as she quickened her steps to the glowing swimming pool.
“What are you doing?”
I’d almost caught up when she pushed the straps of her wedding dress off her shoulders and let the material fall to the ground.
“Holy shit, Cass.” I peered back at the house. “The guests are still here.”
“And they’re inside, having the time of their lives. And besides, it’s not like I’m naked.”
“Yet,” I murmured with a familiar twinge below. She looked goddamn radiant in the moonlight. Her silk camisole traced every curve, and I knew, once she hit that water, it would stick to her like Cling Wrap. The mere thought had me readjusting my suit pants.