Page 19 of Wild Hearts

"So expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything," he said lightly.

I laughed. "That's parenting."

"I really appreciate everything you've done for us."

"That's my job," I said because his voice was far too low and intimate to keep my heart out of this conversation. I needed to create some distance.

He hesitated and then asked, "Should we talk about what happened between us?"

My heart rate picked up. I wasn't expecting him to go there. "I don't think so. We can act professionally."

"I think it would be good to clear the air."

"You said everything you needed to say back then."

"Addison—" His voice was anguished, but I couldn't listen to him say all the things he'd said back then.

There had been no point in continuing our relationship because he was leaving. His heart hadn't been ripped out of his chest. "Let's focus on Dakota."

He let out a long breath. "If you're sure."

"I'm positive this is the best way forward for all of us." I told myself I was thinking of Dakota. She didn't need awkward tension between her dad and her social worker. We weremature enough to put it behind us and move on. I had no interest in revisiting the past.

"If you ever want to talk, I'm here."

I was positive I'd never want to talk about that breakup again. It had taken me a long time to move on from Walker Wilde, and I wouldn't be getting entangled with him again.

5

WALKER

Iwas excited Dakota wanted to move forward, but I had a bad feeling about things between me and Addison. I hadn't gotten the closure I needed to put Addison firmly in the past. That was evidenced by the fact that familiar feelings rose to the surface when I was around her.

The lingering feelings only intensified the more time we spent together. It would be tough for me to ignore, but that's what Addison wanted me to do.

But she was right; I should focus on my daughter right now. There wasn't time or space for diversions. Addison Montgomery represented the biggest distraction of them all. She was the one woman I couldn't forget.

I suspected it was because she was my first love, but now I wondered if it was because things weren't settled between us. I'd made a snap decision to enlist and decided for both of us that we couldn't continue our relationship. I'd be traveling around the world. It wouldn't be fair to her to attempt a long-distance relationship. I didn't want to hold her back.

She had college and her entire life in front of her. I had a burning desire to prove myself. I didn't want the Wilde familyto help me. I wanted to make it on my own. I wanted my parents to be proud of me, had they been alive.

That desire overshadowed everything, even my love for Addison which, I told myself at the time, would dissipate. Unfortunately, I never quite let it go.

I still held her picture in my wallet. It was crumpled, the color faded, but it was there as a representation of what we used to have. Something sweet and pure. Addison was there for me when I felt like I had no one. I hadn't let the Wildes in, but in reality, I kept myself isolated in my grief.

She was the only one who could reach me, and now I suspected she was working her magic on Dakota. I needed her to help with this transition, and I wouldn't do anything to mess it up.

Scarlett was hosting dinner, so I didn't have anything to do to occupy my hands. I wasn't working at the moment, and I wasn't used to sitting around doing nothing. I went for a run through the woods on one of the trails that wasn't as snow covered. The ground was frozen, but it was good to get outside and breathe in the fresh air.

When I returned, I did some weight-bearing exercises, making a mental note to acquire weights for my workouts. I showered, then cleaned the cabin even though it wasn't messy. I needed to do something to calm my nerves.

I wasn't sure why I was so on edge. Was it that Addison didn't want to talk to me, or was it that I worried Dakota wouldn't like my family? A big reason for staying in Telluride was my extended family. If she didn't like them, I wasn't sure where that would leave us.

About thirty minutes before I told Addison to meet me at Scarlett and Eli's house, I drove over to see if I could help.

Eli opened the door. "Welcome to our humble abode."

"It seems five-star to me. Congratulations." I slapped his back.

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