Page 43 of Wild Hearts

I pulled Dakota close and gave the top of her head a noogie.

She screeched and pulled away from me.

Scarlett pointed in the direction of the bathroom, and when she was out of sight, smacked me across the chest. "You can't do that to a teenage girl!"

"I'm more used to hanging out with men," I said sheepishly. Between my brothers and coworkers, I didn't spend a lot of time with women.

"Yeah, no kidding. I hope you plan to treat Addison better than that," Scarlett teased, and it felt good to be home.

"I'm gonna head out," I called to Dakota, ready to be free of my family's scrutiny over my relationship with Addison. I was overthinking everything. It didn't have to be the perfect date. I just needed to be there for her and intentional about our next steps.

"Bye, Dad," Dakota called to me.

I'd never get used to her calling me Dad. It was the best feeling.

I texted Addison I was on my way. This time, I'd be thoughtful about our interactions. Not that I wasn't nice back then, but I wanted to be the best choice for her going forward.

When I pulled up to her house in town, my heart was racing. Why was I so nervous? We'd dated before. I knew something about her. This wasn't a blind date or someone I didn't know. Unfortunately, the pressure was there to make up for our breakup.

I had to move forward and focus on the present. Hopefully, there would be time to make amends for past mistakes.

10

ADDISON

Yesterday, Walker asked for a second chance, and we were interrupted before I could give him my final answer. My initial response was that it was a bad idea. I'd read somewhere it was never a good idea to go back to an ex. There was a reason we broke up. Why would we be compatible a second time if we weren't originally?

I wanted to protect my heart. I didn't want to jump in without any guardrails. I needed protection this time. I couldn't forget what happened last time.

When the knock sounded on my door, I felt jumpy. This whole thing felt surreal. Did he really want another chance? Or was I just convenient since we'd dated before or that he needed me to help him with his daughter?

I slowly opened the door, my heart thudding heavily. "Walker."

He grinned. "Are you ready to have some fun today?"

"I don't know. This feels so weird." Then I cringed because that sounded unwelcoming.

He stepped inside, forcing me to step back. "I told you last night I wanted a second chance."

"I don't know what that means though." Was he just going to walk away when he had a major life change? Would he even be living in town in a few months?

"I want to get to know the person you are now."

"Ah. Okay." That took the pressure off. He just wanted to spend some time together and get to know me. No pressure. No expectations.

"Is that better?" he asked right before he stepped into my body and cupped my cheek with his rough palm.

"Mmm," was all I could manage because his breath ghosted over my face as he lowered his mouth to mine. The kiss was slow and sweet with promises of more to come.

When he stepped back, he smiled again. "Did that clear things up?"

"Not really." I was more confused than ever. But his kiss left an impression on my lips.

His brow furrowed. "You're not sure about me."

I shook my head. "I'm not sure about anything right now."

He lifted his chin. "I'm going to make myself so clear you'll never doubt me again."

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