Such Great Heights - Sydney Logan Page 0,23
You’d think he’d know better. But love makes you blind. And stupid.” Dana sighs heavily. “All I know is she better not show her face at the benefit.”
My eyes widen. I didn’t even know that was a possibility.
“She wouldn’t. Would she?”
Dana shrugs. “Her rich boyfriend likes to make public appearances for good causes. I think she’d be crazy to show up, considering Dad’s firm is hosting the event, but I can’t promise she won’t be there.”
Great. Like I need something else to worry about.
“But it doesn’t matter, Liv. Their marriage is over. Besides, it’s just a date. One night at a fancy black tie event. It’s not like you’re hooking up with my brother. I mean, unless you want to. I bet he wouldn’t say no.”
“Stop it.”
Dana grins. “I’m just saying . . .”
“We can’t. Even if he was single.”
“Why not?”
“What if it didn’t work out? Ryder would need another nanny. I would need another job. Why confuse things?”
Dana nods thoughtfully. “All good points.”
“Thank you.”
She sighs heavily. “I wish I’d known this was how you felt before we went shopping.”
“Why?”
“If you don’t want my brother having impure thoughts about you all night long, we really should’ve bought you a different dress.”
She laughs loudly, and I toss the throw pillow at her head.
“Daddy, you said a bad word.”
My son doesn’t know it, but I’ve cursed plenty in the past twenty minutes. That’s how long I’ve been standing in front of this full-length mirror, struggling with this stupid bowtie. A tie that I’ve tied a thousand times before.
“Sorry, buddy. Daddy’s just frustrated.”
Ryder climbs on the bed and lays down in the sea of pillows. Natasha loved big, ornate pillows. I hate them. I don’t know why I haven’t burned them by now.
“Hazel says you’re nervous. That’s why you keep saying bad words.”
Hazel knows me all too well.
“Are you scared?” he asks.
“I’m a little nervous, yes.”
“Why, Daddy? She’s not Mommy. ‘Livia doesn’t care if your tie’s crooked.”
My fingers freeze on the tie as I lock eyes with my son in the mirror, marveling at his wisdom. Regardless of our messy marriage, Natasha demanded our lives at least appear perfect to the outside world. I tried to keep her happy—and quiet—by making sure she had nothing to complain about. It rarely worked, but I tried.
My son’s right. Olivia doesn’t care if my tie’s crooked.
But I’m not nervous about the tie.
I join him on the bed. “You’re sure you’re okay with me borrowing Olivia for the night?”
“It’s okay. Dr. Jane says you and Olivia need grown-up time.”
God bless Dr. Jane. She’s really worked wonders with him.
“Will you dance at the party?” he asks.
“I hope so.”
Honestly, I’ve thought about nothing but dancing with her since I’d finally found the courage to invite her to the benefit.
“She looks really pretty.”
“You’ve seen her?”
“She’s in the living room. Finally. Girls sure do take a long time to get ready.”
I laugh and hug him tight. “Yeah, but it’s worth it. Come on. Let’s see if Hazel can fix my tie.”
As Ryder and I walk toward the living room, I mentally prepare myself for the night. I haven’t enjoyed the benefit in years, but tonight’s different. I don’t have to worry about my wife embarrassing me or causing a scene. I can relax and have a good time with an incredible woman who’s been nothing short of a miracle in our lives. I deserve it. Olivia deserves it. But she also deserves to be treated like a lady.
I will be a gentleman tonight.
Then I see her, standing next to the piano and gazing out the window. And in an instant, all my chivalrous thoughts are gone.
Olivia’s always gorgeous. But tonight, in this red evening gown with her long blonde hair cascading down her back, I know I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.
“Told ya she was pretty,” Ryder whispers.
“You were right.”
Olivia turns then, and when her deep green eyes lock with mine, she smiles the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen.
Ryder tugs on my hand. “Say hi, Daddy.”
I clear my throat. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“You look amazing, Olivia.”
“Thank you. Need some help?”
I frown.
“With your tie?”
“Oh. Yeah. If you don’t mind.”
My breath hitches as she slowly walks over to us.
“Did my sister pick those heels?”
“Yes. And I’m going to kill her.”
“I’m gonna buy her a car.”
A faint blush creeps across her cheeks as she fixes my tie. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hazel watching us with a wistful smile.
“There you go,” Olivia says softly. My entire body trembles when her fingers gently