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So Austin didn’t show. Didn’t even call.

Are you surprised?

Didn’t think so.

Guess who’s standing behind me at my van as I get the sweaty rain-soaked kids inside?

Ridge.

I didn’t stay around the field long after the game knowing anytime spent around Ridge wouldn’t be good. He’s a temptation I don’t need or want today. Between us, there’s history there and a level of comfort to which I find myself drawn to him.

Ridge, he had other plans.

He waits until the parking lot clears out before he approaches me.

He stops when he gets about a foot in front of me, his lips curving into a half grin when he notices that my eyes unintentionally betray me and travel down his body.

Fuck, why does he have to look so damn good? Flushed cheeks, water bottle in hand, rain-soaked hair and a crazy grin that has panties melting whenever it’s flashed your way.

Jesus. Stop staring at him.

How does he have this effect on me?

In my heart, I know this reaction can’t happen—shouldn’t happen—wouldn’t happen without consequences. Yet here I stand, hypnotized by his good looks.

Just like every other time he’s near me, my heart responds, beats faster, gives a reaction. “I’d ask what’s wrong, but I think I know.”

Tossing gear bags in the back, I twist to face him, breathing heavily, nearing a complete breakdown. I’m not talking about a few tears. I’m close to collapsing and breaking down into a full-on kicking and screaming breakdown. I envy Ada right about now because she can get away with it, yet I’d be placed in a mental hospital and have my sanity questioned.

“Why can’t he just fucking show up? Why does he have to break their hearts?”

Ridge’s jaw clenches, tightens, his body tensing in the process. Dark eyes and a brooding stare shift from mine to the boys in the van, then back to me.

We stare at each other, breathing in quick breaths, the tears burning my eyes. I don’t want to cry and have the boys see me, though they’ve seen plenty of breakdowns over the last six months.

Ridge’s eyes are on mine as he takes a drink of his water. “Want me to kick his ass?”

“Not a bad idea at this point,” I whisper, my shoulders shaking in a disgusted laugh at the vision in my head. Austin, though much larger than Ridge, wouldn’t stand a fucking chance against him. I’d actually love to see Ridge kick his ass at this point.

Ridge gives a nod—and despite the years of separation—I know this nod pretty well. If there is anyone I can read, it’s Ridge Lucas. In fact, he still knows me probably better than Austin ever did. Sad to say, but true.

He moves closer to me. Keeping my eyes on his, I watch his every move intently, like I’m watching a dangerous animal approach me. My eyes drift to his lips, and I remember how he kissed—just like his personality—on the edge and out of control.

I know having Ridge around isn’t a good idea. Not with how I’m feeling, on the edge myself, lost, confused and looking for comfort. I could easily make a decision that could be bad for the boys just based on my emotional stability, or lack thereof.

I don’t say anything, can’t say anything when he leans in closer. “What would he do if he knew I wanted to kiss you in front of everyone here, including your kids?” His voice is strained, as if it took a lot to ask the question and not actually kiss me.

“Knowing your past with him, I’m sure he’d have something to say about it.”

There’s something in the way Ridge is staring at me that unnerves me, makes my skin tingle and my breath hitch. He nods and twists away, picking up the last bag and tossing it in my van for me, his arm brushing against me in the process.

And then he stands there, still staring, as though he’s waiting for something. I hear him suck in a deep breath and then slowly lets it out. Do you notice the way I breathe in right then?

My body is betraying me.

“Mommy! We’re hungry!” Grady yells from inside the van, and I snap out of my Ridge mind fucking.

Ridge chuckles and then turns to walk away. He stops when he gets to the bumper of the truck parked next to me and looks over his shoulder at me. “Maybe I wouldn’t care what he’d say about it.” The words hit my chest like a hammer, stealing my breath. “He’s not here and I am. You keep looking at me like you have been today. . . I might not be able to ignore you again for the sake of your kids.” He turns and struts away like he’s just pissed on my leg and marked his territory.

Had I been that obvious during the game?

Of course I had been!

There’s a level of dread that settles in my chest. At least he’s thinking of my kids, but damn, why couldn’t he have kissed me?

Aly, you know why!

His remarks are exactly what I expected from him. I thought maybe he would have said more, or even actually kissed me. Ridge is arrogant like that. But thank God, he didn’t. How would I have explained that to the boys? “Oh, boys, Mommy’s just whoring around with your teacher. Turn your sweet little heads the other way.”

That’d surely get me the mother of the year award!