Page 71 of Forbidden Kisses

"No, that's out of your way. And you’re going to miss Jeremy's bedtime if you do."

"That's true," I said. "Then I’ll order you an Uber."

"Really?" The corners of her mouth twitched. "Why do we want to start that argument again?"

Jeremy snatched his head up, and she pressed her lips together. Her tone had been flirty, and he could tell that it was different than usual. We were walking a very fine line.

"Riley," I said in a determined voice.

"Fine," she replied.

"Thank you." I knew she didn't like splurging, and I had asked her to come here, so this felt like a fair deal.

I turned to Jeremy. "Buddy, we're going to wait here until the Uber picks Riley up, and then we're going home, okay?"

"Sure.” He turned to face her. “Thank you for coming tonight, Riley."

"Of course. I'm glad you guys thought about me."

"I did," Jeremy said proudly, "not Dad."

I laughed and glanced at Riley, giving her a look that indicated otherwise. I’d been thinking about her more than I wanted to admit.

Her Uber arrived a few minutes later, and her jaw dropped. "What did you order, Uber Luxury?"

“What do you mean?"

"This is a Mercedes!"

"I always order the most comfortable option."

She opened her mouth, but I narrowed my eyes, and then she closed it again. If she was her usual sassy self, Jeremy would pick up on something for sure.

"Thanks. Both of you have a great evening."

Jeremy was busy investigating the magnets we'd bought earlier today. He didn't even glance up. I kept an eye on him while I tilted closer to Riley.

"Thank you for joining us, Riley. It was the highlight of the day."

Her lips parted slightly as she lowered herself into the car, and I closed the door.

As the Uber drove away, I turned to Jeremy. "Come on, buddy. We're ready to go home."

After a quick dinner, and despite my fears that the ice cream would give him too much energy, he went out like a light at eight thirty. The excitement of the day had probably counteracted the effects of the sugar.

I paced the living room, unable to relax. I needed to talk to Riley. Ideally, I’d do that face-to-face, but I wasn't going to leave my son alone at home.

I was seconds away from calling Mom or Finn and Knox and asking them to come watch him, then stopped myself. First, they’d realize I was up to something, and I didn't want a million Sterlings weighing in on this. I didn't actually want anyone's advice. And second, Jeremy himself would be scared if he woke up and I wasn't here. He’d think something bad had happened. I didn't want to put him in that position.

Damn it! I couldn't believe that I was desperate enough to even consider calling my family. No, I wasn't going to see Riley tonight, but that didn't mean I couldn't call her.

I went outside on the terrace. I had too much energy coursing through my body to sit on the couch, so I stood at the edge, looking down at the pool.

"Come on, Riley, pick up."

She answered after a few rings. "Hey." Her voice was soft.

"You were asleep?" I asked.