Page 25 (2/2)

Hadley grabs her cell off the coffee table, clicks a few buttons, and smiles “Done Have a safe trip, Dad”

I follow the senator to the door Once he steps into the hallway, he turns back to ht away if she’s in any danger?”

“Of course,” I reassure him

“Good” He slaps a hand on ives a small smile “So, tell me, is it time I tell the missus that Hadley has a new someone in her life?”

He could, but…“Sir, if your wife is anything like your daughter, I would suggest you not speak for Hadley or it ht not end well for you”

The senator barks a laugh “Touché, Blackwood Touché”

Hadley

Less than an hour after Dad left,and it didn’t stop until I picked it up I drop down onto the couch and pull s underneath me, a bit sad that I can’t see out my s anymore Ryder lowered all the blinds, and I reed with his suggestion The thought of anyone watching h I also have other concerns now, and I quickly realizein coation “No, Mom, Ryder’s not my boyfriend,” I say into the phone for the thousandth ti each other, that’s all” I instantly regret what I’ve said

“When so but a blanket that issafe?”

“Yes, I’ safe”

“How safe?”

“Oh, rilled about it?” I drop in to respond, “Yes, I like him…Yes, he is cute…Yes, he’s very nice to me…Yes, he does have a sweet smile”

It’s at that moment, my front door opens and Ryder enters the roo what I’ve said, he gives ood look at that sweet smile and a sexy wink, too

My body warms, just that easily I’m not sure how anyone has that much power over me to control my body’s reactions, but it’s true nonetheless “Moo…Yes, I love you…Yes, I’ll call you and tell you if we become exclusive…No, you won’t hear about my life after the world does Ok

ay, okay, Moh and press end, then toss my phone onto the couch “I love that woman, but she seriously can talk like nobody’s business”