Page 77 of Shattered Secrets

He let out a bitter chuckle. “The next day, my old partner came to visit. Even though Davidson and I didn’t work together anymore, we were still close. We still hung out. He was one of my closest friends. But he came to apologize. Said it was a lapse in judgement. That he’d never intended to get involved with Krista and that it was all a mistake. Like anything he said would make any of it better.”

Disappointment sat like a sour rock in his gut.

“Oh, Matt, I’m so sorry.” Scarlet scooted up his body and placed a tender kiss on his cheek.

“To this day, I still don’t know what hurt more—my wife cheating with my friend or my friend cheating with my wife.”

“Neither one of them deserved you.”

The corners of his lips tipped up at her fierce declaration. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“I’m serious, Matt,” she said, capturing his gaze. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. You’re kind and honorable and loyal. You didn’t deserve to be treated like that and lied to.Theyare assholes and you’re a million times better off without them in your life. Good riddance.”

His heart warmed at her words, and he stretched up to kiss her. “Thank you.”

Scarlet ran a finger along his jaw and stared at him for a moment. “You know I trust you with Daisy, right?”

His breath caught.

“Daisy’s the most important person in my life, and I trust you with her. I know that you’ll protect her and look out for her. That you’ll always try to do what’s best for her.”

“Scar...” He was speechless. Holding her face in his hands, he kissed her lips. She didn’t realize she’d just given him the greatest gift. “I swear to you, I will protect that wonderful little girl with my life. You and Daisy... You two... I just...”

He closed his eyes.Honest, Alvarez. Be honest.

When he’d collected himself enough to meet her gaze, the hope staring back at him had all the tension draining from his body. “Scarlet, sweetheart, I didn’t know you were missing from my life. And now that you’re here—both you and Daisy—I don’t want to let you go. Ever.”

“You don’t have to let us go. Ever,” she whispered, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She glanced at the clock and smiled. “We still have some time before I need to officially be up. Will you let me make love to you?”

Every cell in his body shot to attention, and his blood surged south. But he shook his head. “Baby, you don’t need?—”

She pressed a finger to his lips. “You made me feel amazing and cared for and loved last night. I want to do the same for you. Let me?”

God, this woman slayed him. Unable to resist, he pulled her in for another kiss. “I’m all yours, sweetheart. All yours.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“Well, aren’t you a chipper one this morning?” Martha teased as Scarlet grabbed a fresh pot of coffee from the beverage station.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” she replied in a singsong voice. Martha followed hot on her heels as she refilled mugs at the gossip train table. “It’s a bright, sunny Friday and the start of a holiday weekend.”

And last night had been the most amazing of her life. As for this morning... having Matt share with her what he had? Yes, it hurt her heart to know that he’d suffered such betrayal. However, it also made her heart so damn full that he’d gifted her with his story, that she’d been able to comfort him with her words and her body—just like he’d done for her.

Their budding relationship meant the world to her.Hemeant the world to her.

“Thank you, hon,” Mrs. Abbot said once her coffee was topped off. “How are you and Daisy getting along at Matt’s place?”

Mrs. Green gestured to Scarlet with her mug. “I’d say they’re getting along swimmingly by that hickey on her neck.”

Scarlet’s mouth dropped open as she gasped and slapped a hand over her neck.

“Bonnie,” Mrs. Yoshida admonished, though she was chuckling. “Don’t embarrass the girl.” She winked at Scarlet. “It’s on the other side, dear.”

Scarlet could only gape like a fish at the women, who stared at her with twinkling eyes.

Then they all burst into laughter.

“Oh, honey,” Martha said, wiping a tear away. “If only you could see your sweet little face.”

---