Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,88

I eat and watch them.

“I thought spending the day with you would help this craving I seem to have where you’re concerned.”

I just about choke on my garlic bread. I cough, chew, swallow and take a drink of water before asking, “And?”

“Not even close. I hate that you’re going home soon.”

“Hey, you’ll see me tomorrow though, right? Knox has his one-month appointment.”

“Yeah, it’s first thing. That way, I can just take him to Mom after then head to work.”

“Good plan. Then your parents are having their Memorial Day cookout this weekend. Reagan invited Dawn and me, but. . . .”

“I want you there, Kendall. Not as a friend of Reagan’s, but as my girlfriend. And that’s not until Saturday night. No way in hell am I going from spending the day with you today to a quick visit at your work and then not again until Saturday. No way. I need more time with you.”

“I’m home most days by five, unless I’m covering for one of the girls. You let me know when you have time.”

“Every night after five.” He laughs. “All the way through until . . . What time do you leave for work?”

“That’s a lot of time.” I smile at him.

“I don’t know if any amount of time with you will ever be enough.” He says it almost as if he’s talking to himself, all the while looking at Knox. Someone walking in on our conversation would think he was talking about his son, and he very well may be, but I also know those words are for me.

I stay long enough to help him clean up the kitchen, and then head home. He walks me to my car and gives me a good-bye kiss that I won’t soon forget, with a promise from me that I’ll let him know I make it home safe.

Ridge and I have been official for over a month now. I met his parents at their Memorial Day cookout, and he met mine when they showed up at my grandparents’ house to check out all the work. Ridge promised me that they didn’t say anything to embarrass me.

This is a short workweek, today being my last day since Saturday is the Fourth of July. My office is closed on Friday in observance of the holiday. Gotta love three-day weekends.

Ridge and I are going out tomorrow night, just the two of us; Reagan’s going to watch Knox at his place. I’m excited and nervous. We’ve spent every day together this past month, since each night after work, I stop by his place and we have dinner together. It’s just easier with Knox and all his stuff being there. It’s a lot to travel with a baby to anticipate what you might need.

Normally, I would feel guilty leaving Dawn at home so much by herself, except that’s not the case. She and Mark really hit it off and have been spending a lot of time together. I’m happy for her.

Me: Leaving work now. Have to stop by the house and change. You home yet?

Ridge: Yep. The boys and I took off early today.

Me: Lucky. See you soon.

Ridge: Be safe, babe.

I place my phone in the cup holder and pull out of the parking lot. I’m ready for this weekend, and excited for tomorrow night with Ridge. Dawn is staying at Mark’s, so we’ll have my place to ourselves, if that’s where the night leads. If our make-out sessions are any indication, or Ridge’s vow that I’m killing him, I would say the chances are good.

Chapter 35

I let the guys off early today. I’ve been ramped up on excitement, surprising Kendall with a night away. I’ve antagonized over leaving Knox, but Reagan will have him at my house. He’ll be in a familiar setting, and regardless of how she pouts when Kendall’s around, he loves his Aunt Reagan. He also loves my girl.

I’ve been taking things slow with her physically. I know my bet involving Stephanie worried her; I could see it in her eyes. I wanted to make sure she knew she’s what I want, not just what she can give me—not because she loves my kid, but because of who she is. I’ve found willpower I didn’t even know I had. She’s stayed over a few nights and it was hard as hell—literally and figuratively—to hold her next to me all night and not know what she feels like from the inside. Tonight, I plan to change that.

I need her. It’s way past