Page 13 of Wild Hearts

"I'm sure you're not bad. It's one of those things that you have to do a few times before you get the hang of it."

"If you say so," Dakota mumbled.

Addison looked from me to Dakota. "I'd better get you back to the hotel."

"Unless you want to stay for dinner. I'll cook."

Addison waved a hand. "Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude."

It would give me more time with Dakota, and I wouldn't mind getting to know who Addison was now. "It's not any trouble."

"Do you want to stay?" Addison asked Dakota.

"If it's okay with my grandparents?"

"Let me check," Addison said, and we waited for her to type out the message, and a few seconds later, she said, "They said they'd get dinner on their own."

I let out the breath I'd been holding. "I'll meet you at the cabin."

Addison had already been to my cabin twice, and I figured Dakota would feel more comfortable riding with her.

We headed toward the parking lot, and when I stopped next to my truck, Dakota asked. "Can I ride with you? I want to see your truck."

I looked over at Addison who nodded her assent, so I changed course and opened the passenger side door for Dakota.

She climbed inside, her eyes wide as she took everything in.

I closed the door and turned toward Addison. "Was it okay that I asked her to stay for dinner?"

Addison smiled. "I think it's great. It seems like things are going well."

I had a feeling it was because I was a connection to her mother. But I hoped that we could build our own relationship. "It's been better than I hoped."

Addison held up her hands. "She's still a teenager and subject to mood swings. So when it happens, don't be offended."

I nodded. "Thanks for the reminder."

Addison grinned, then backed away. "See you in a few."

I was pleased with how the day and now the evening was going. I should have been solely focused on my daughter, but I couldn't help but be interested in getting to know the Addison she was now.

Did she enjoy her job? Was she dating, or was she married? I hadn't seen a ring on her finger, but I supposed she could be living with someone. Did she have kids of her own? She never referenced any, so I didn't think so.

I parked at the cabin, and we went inside.

"Make yourself at home. You can watch TV or hang out in the guest bedroom." I wanted her to feel like this was her home because soon it would be.

"Where's the bathroom?" Dakota asked.

I waved in the direction of the foyer where we'd just come from. "The first door past the entrance." Then I turned to pulling out the beef for dinner. I'd planned to make burgers.

Addison stood by the counter. "Do you need any help?"

I raised a brow. "Can you get out the lettuce and make a salad?"

"Of course."

For a few minutes, we worked quietly together. I seasoned the meat and formed patties while Addison dumped lettuce in a bowl.

---