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“I understand. But who is watching Avery?”
“Oh, I was thinking about talking to my neighbor. Natasha has always been supportive at the last minute, and Avery likes her.”
“Or... I can spend the evening with Avery.”
Was it too fast? Too early? I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was playing this by ear, following my instincts.
“Wow. Really? She’d love that. I’d love that too.”
Her voice was bursting with excitement. I liked that I was the reason for that.
“Perfect. What’s the schedule?” I asked.
“Well, the two of us are home already. I need to leave in about three hours. Isn’t that too early for you though?”
Damn, it kind of was. On days like this, I had to be on top of things even after the stock market closed.
“I’ll be there on time and just bring my laptop with me,” I said. I wasn’t missing out on time with my girls for anything.
***
I was at Heather’s place at six o’clock on the dot. She opened the door for me with a huge smile. She looked phenomenal, wearing a black suit. The skirt reached just above her knees. Her legs looked endless in high heels.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
“Good evening to you too.” Her smile grew more pronounced. She took my laptop bag, placing it on the small chair next to the closet. I kissed her as soon as I stepped inside the door. I hadn’t seen her in two days, but this hunger I felt for her was insatiable, as if it had been two weeks. I wrapped a hand in her thick hair, tilting her head, kissing, claiming, marking her as mine. Her lips were slightly swollen when I pulled back. I ran my thumb over her mouth, pressing on the upper bow.
“Ryker, don’t,” she whispered weakly.
“What? Just kissing you for good luck. So you can focus better.”
“Well, if you keep it up, all I’m going to accomplish is to daydream about you during the interview.”
I took a large step to one side, keeping my hands up in surrender.
“I don’t want to jeopardize your professionalism. Where’s Avery?”
“In her room. So, I’ve left puzzles out, and if she wants to watch cartoons, she’ll tell you what her favorites are on Netflix.”
“Babe, we’re going to be fine,” I assured her. “What time will you be back?”
“Nine or ten.”
We heard Avery stomp through the apartment, running toward us.
“Ryker, you’re here!”
“I am.”
“Be a good girl, okay, Avery? Listen to Ryker,” Heather said.
“Yes, Mommy.”
“Okay. I have to go. Call me if you need help with anything.”
She fiddled with the strap of her bag, clearly wondering if this was a good idea.
“I’ve got this,” I said. “Go. Don’t be late.”
