Page 25

I don’t want her to leave.
Damn you, Atlas. I love you, but couldn’t you have visited tomorrow instead?
I have an open-door policy in my home, but I guess, if I want to have a relationship one day, that rule will need to change. A woman who is not their mother wouldn’t appreciate them just walking into her home.
My chest tightens.
I’m not sure I could ever be ready for that.
Or if they will be.
I glance around and then tuck a stray dark lock over Penelope’s ear. She’s put the rest up in a ponytail, making her look younger than her forty-one years.
It’s time for that goodbye.
“Once again you were absolutely divine,” I rumble.
She nods, dropping her eyes. I lift her chin with my finger, stepping closer, as the Uber she ordered pulls up.
“I want to see you again.”
Shit.
It falls out.
I don’t know what I’m asking, but the words just tumble out before I can stop them.
“No,” she replies, immediately meeting me head-on. “I can’t.”
I nod.
“Okay.”
No, it’s not.
Fuck that.
“Why?” I ask, not accepting her answer.
The driver gets out and rounds the car, opening the door for her.
Fuck off.
“Because I could fall in love with a man like you. And you will never love me. Goodbye, Ward,” Penelope says, kissing my cheek, then rips out of my arms.
She’s in the back of the car before I can catch my breath after the shock of her words. I stand there watching the driver pull away and take her with him.
I could fall in love with a man like you.
I don’t know how long I stand there. The Uber has left the property, and I’ve swallowed loudly at least twice.
“Dad?” Atlas says behind me.
“Yes.” I shake myself out of it, turning.
“Who is she?”
TURNS OUT MY MEMORYis going because an hour later my house is filled with my kids and grandkids for lunch.