Page 85 of Untroubled Heart

Callie drops her head to my shoulder, arms tightening around me as her hips slowly circle, keeping me in her warmth.

Catching my breath, I brush the hair back from her face, and lay kisses on her forehead, her cheek, and finally her lips.

There’s no rush to leave each other’s arms. I lie back, my cock still buried inside of her as my fingers trail the length of her spine.

“Promise me you’ll stay,” she whispers, fighting against sleep.

I know she doesn’t mean tonight. She means forever. She doesn’t want to let another man into her life who won’t stick around. But there’s nowhere I’d rather be.

“Always.”

Chapter thirty

“She’s gotten so big.” Mum smiles through the phone, where Navie and I have her on video call. “I should drive up and see you both.”

I know why she hasn’t in the weeks since everything went down with Dad. He lives here somewhere, with his wife. I can’t imagine how that must feel for Mum, knowing he’s probably continued living as if it’s so easy to close that chapter with her.

“Or Navie and I could come down to you? I think there’s a long weekend coming up soon,” I say as I cross through the staff car park to the front doors of Two Hearts Homes.

“That would be lovely. I’m trying to convince your brother to redo his kitchen. Perhaps you can help me.”

“Ohh, I’m down. Those neon orange and lime green tiles need to go.”

Mum laughs as a notification drops down on my phone.

MASON:

Can Navie have a babycino yet?

I’ve brought Navie to work today. She had a check-up with her doctor this morning, and Mason insisted she come back to the office instead of going to daycare.

I love how much he wants her around. I always assumed I’d date in a few years, when Navie was older and I felt more ready. I couldn’t fathom what dating as a single mum would be like, but I was certain it wouldn’t be without its challenges. No matter who came into my life, they’d have to accept they’d be second to Navie’s happiness. Mason has surprised me with how easy he’s made it—not only opening up to someone, but making room for both Navie and me in his life.

“Sounds good. We’ll make a plan for me to come down soon. I gotta run though, I just got back to the office.”

“Okay, sweetheart, have a good day. Bye, Navie.” Mum blows a kiss to the phone before she ends the call.

I’m so lost in my thoughts of how perfect life is going that I don’t notice the guy leaning against a bollard as we pass.

“Well, don’t you look happy?”

Ice runs through my veins as Derek’s voice pierces my ear.

“Derek?” His dirty blond hair has grown longer since I last saw him, slicked back over his head, and short around the sides. His stubble has grown into a thick beard, and his right arm, which used to be bare, is now covered in ink from the sleeve of his white T-shirt all the way down to his knuckles. “What are you—how’d you know where to find me?”

“Saw your photo online at some fancy new bar opening. Imagine my surprise when you were looking all chummy with the rich folk, the same ones who owned this place.” He looks up at the building beside us. “Didn’t take long to spot you coming out here.”

“Okay.” I adjust Navie on my hip, trying not to freak out that he’s been watching me. “So what do you want?”

His light brown eyes fall to my daughter. “This her?”

My heart is thrashing in my chest, too anxious as I pore over all the possible reasons he has for seeking me out. “Yes.”

“How bad do you want her?”

“Excuse me?”

He steps closer. He’s bigger than I remember. A year in prison has apparently given him nothing to do but work out, get tattoos, and completely abandon any sense of decency he used to possess.