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She giggled. “Yes.”
That meant no.
“If you don’t, I really will tell Alessa to change the pin code.”
“I’ll change it back.” She tipped her nose up. “I’m a strong, independent woman, Star.” She spoiled that by crying, “Girl Power,” then cascading into even more giggles.
I smiled at the sight of her rolling around like a lunatic and, shaking my head, drawled, “I’ll call you later on before bedtime. Tell Maverick I want to talk to him?”
“You’ll call before bedtime?”
“I will. Don’t forget to tell Maverick?” At her excited nod, I winked at her. “Be good.”
“I’ll try. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I let her cut the call then I turned my face into Conor’s throat, not even bothering to ask why that was so easy to do, and I let the impossible happen—I allowed the dam to burst.
He embraced me through it. Silently. Didn’t say a damn thing. Just let me loop my arms around his waist and clutch at him.
The tears burned like a corrosive as they coursed down my cheeks and he held me together as I fell apart.
I’d let her down so badly.
“She’s okay, Star.”
I clenched my eyes closed. “More by luck than anything else.”
“She snuck out when Maverick had a hospital appointment.” His hand smoothed over my hair. “It was an aberration, and now that they know she has mad skills like her mom, they’ll be watching out for her more.
“But there won’t be any need for that, will there? She’s a good kid. As long as you call her, she’ll stick fast to her home until you’re back.”
“When I think what could have happened—”
“No point in thinking of what ‘could have’ happened,” he interrupted firmly, “It didn’t. She’s fine. Safe. Happy to have heard from you and even happier that you’re calling her tonight.”
“You’re right,” I whispered, inwardly sighing when he started to pull away from me.
Before disappointment could take over, his hand dipped into his pocket and he withdrew a packet of Sour Patch Kids.
Biting my lip at the sight, I accepted the treat with a soft snicker. As I opened the bag, the first piece of candy I removed, I placed against his lips, chuckling when he took my offering then nipped my finger.
Taking a piece for myself, I asked, “You really meant that, didn’t you?”
He knew exactly what my mind had focused on. “About choosing you both?”
Awkwardly, I nodded.
“You know I have.”
“I think you’re crazy to pick me, but I won’t argue.”
“Like I said yesterday—” He winked. “—insanity runs in the family.”
“That works out to my benefit then.”
“It does,” he agreed, eyes twinkling.
