I woke up to an empty bed . For a second , didn't understand where I was . The room was filled with soft morning light , the curtains pulled back just enough for the sun to slip in . The sheets beside me were rumpled , but cold . Then it hit me . A dull ache pulsed between my thighs . Froze , staring at the ceiling . My hand flew up to my mouth , stifling the breath that caught in my throat as the memories of last night came flooding back Rick , his mouth , his hands and his voice when he groaned my name . Esat up too fast and winced " Oh my God , " I whispered . Panic surged . What did I do ? What do I do now ?! ? How do I even look him in the face ? What the hell is wrong with me ? I ran both hands through my hair , trying to think . I was wearing his shirt , he must've dressed me in it after everything I looked down at myself , the fabric big and soft , drowning me . It smelled like him . " Nope , " I muttered , throwing the sheets off and standing up . " This didn't happen . It was a mistake . That's it . We were drunk . We're under stress . I'll pretend this never happened . " Topened the door slowly and peeked out , making sure no one was around before stepping into the hallway . " Mommy Lena's voice hit me like a truck , Iturned so fast I almost tripped . She wa was running down the hall , just popping out of a room , her pigtails bouncing , her little sneakers hitting the floor in frantic pitter - patters . Before could brace myself , she launched into my arms . " Oh my God , " I whispered , pulling her close . My knees buckled slightly as I held her , her arms wrapped tightly around my neck . I held herso close i could barely breathe . My fingers raked through her hair . Her little hands clung to the back of my neck . " I missed you so much ," I whispered . " You have no idea . " She pulled back slightly to look at me . " You smell funny . " laughed , blinking back the tears . " I'll shower in a second , promise . But first , I need to hold you . Just for a bit . " She didn't let go . She tucked her head under my chin like she always did when she was sleepy . " Let's do something today ," I said into her hair . " Just us , okay ? I'll take you out . Anywhere you want . Ice cream , the zoo , the park , your call . " She nodded against my chest . I didn't want to let go . Holding her grounded me . I could pretend last night never happened . I could block it all out if I just focused on this one thing , being Lena's mom I spotted her near the far end of the hallway , from the room Lena had poppped out from , She was the young woman who had been with Lena when I first came out of the room , light blue blouse fucked into dark jeans . low ponytail. Lena had already darted off , loving the woman quietly gathering up a law e is scattered boys . 10:14 Wed , 27 Aug @UU · Chapter 44 I walked over , still wearing Rick's oversized shirt that brushed against my thighs . " Hey , " I said softly . he turned quickly , then smiled . " Oh , hi . Good morning . " I smiled back , wrapping my arms across my chest . " I just wanted to say thank you . For taking care of her . " She looked surprised . " Oh , it was no trouble . She's such a sweet kid . Really smart too . She told me all about her stuffed animals and this … imaginary bakery she wants to open one day ? " I laughed , my chest warming " Yeah . That sounds like her . " " I just kept her company while you were resting . She didn't want to leave the hallway , kept peeking under the door . " My throat tightened slightly , I nodded . " Thank you again . Really . It means a lot . " The woman smiled and gave a small nod . " Of course I watched her walk away before turning back toward Lena . Then I heard his voice . " you're up Rick . Lena turned her head , curious . I turned slowly , schooling my face into something neutral . My heart was racing . g , but I managed a smile . He stood at the end of the hallway , arms folded , shirt sleeves rolled up , looking every inch the composed billionaire . But I saw it . The flicker in his eyes when they landed on me in his shirt . He didn't say anything about it . Just walked closer . I told myself it was best not to act confused . " I'll be taking a very short break from work , " I told him with a form voice , hoping for the love of me my racing heart wasn't causing me to stutter at all , " i want to spend time with my daughter and I am not asking for permission . " He paused , face blank as he orketed his hands like he still had so much left to say Lena stared up at him , wide - eyed . Rick crouched down slowly , like she was a tiny animal that might spook . His expression softened , but it was awkward like he didn't know what to do with a child in front of him . " Hi , " he said . Lena stared at him . " Do you like pancakes ? " he asked . She tilted her head . " Do you have chocolate oner He looked up at me , like he wasn't sure what the right arrower wa Side probably does , I said gently . Rick nodded , than yes , chocolate pancakes 10:14 Wed , 27 Aug Chapter 44 Lena grinned . She stepped forward , grabbed his hand , and tugged . " Come make it . " Rick's eyes widened slightly . He looked down at their joined hands like it was foreign but he followed her . I walked behind them , watching slotly , Lena ' dragged him into the kitchen and pointed to the cabinets . " We need the mix . Mommy says I'm not allowed to pour the batter but I can stir . " Rick opened the cabinet she pointed to , still awkward but trying . He set everything on the counter and paused . " Where's the whisk ? Lena climbed on a stool . " Drawer , bottom left . " A part of me felt so bad that she had spent so much time with the staff to know where little things like this were in the house .. He opened it , grabbed the whisk , and handed it to her . " I stir until my arms fall off , " she announced proudly . Rick actually smiled . by the door , arms crossed , watching them . I stood by He was stiff , unsure , but he didn't pull away when she asked him questions . She asked if he liked cartoons , and he said he didn't watch much TV . She said he had to fix that . She told him he had serious eye problems if he didn't like bright colors . And somehow , through it all , Rick didn't run . He listened . He answered . He helped her stir . Something strange twisted in my chest . I hadn't even realized I was smiling until he turned and looked at me but then he stood straight and the smile dropped the moment he asked his next question . He waited until she was distracted to ask me in a whisper . Lena was still humming to herself too busy whisking to hear " Who's Lena's father ? " 色 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!