“That may be a good idea and I can go ahead and give Delilah her bath.”
“Sure thing. I’ll just hang out in here.”
“Thanks. We’ll be back shortly.”
River watched the duo carefully move to the hall bathroom while she went to work tidying up the mess on the high chair tray and table. Most of the noodles were confined to a small space, so River was able to make quick work.
Turning on the oven's warming setting, River unpackaged the pie and then searched for a baking sheet, which she found in a small cabinet next to the oven. She quickly set the pie on the center rack, closed the door, and then glanced around the kitchen. Knowing that Ridge was busy cleaning his daughter River went ahead and cleaned the dishes in the sink and placed them on the drying rack. She could have put them in the adjacent dishwasher, but she figured the extra w
ork would kill some time.
Just as she finished, River could overhear splashing quickly followed by girlish giggles and she couldn’t refrain any longer. She followed the hallway to the small full bath and found Ridge kneeling beside a bathtub where Delilah played with bubbles and a few toys. Her hair was spiked into a tall brown Mohawk and River swore she had never seen anything cuter.
Delilah chose that moment to splash again, soaking Ridge in the process and River heard her laugh echo in the space. Ridge must have heard as well because he quickly turned his head in her direction, smiling.
“Bath time gets a little messy.” If River didn’t know any better, she would almost bet the redness in his cheeks was in embarrassment.
“I wouldn’t expect otherwise.”
“We’ll be done in a second. She’s been fighting back yawns.”
“No problem. I’ll wait out in the kitchen.”
She didn’t wait to be dismissed. Instead, she made her way back to the kitchen and sat on the barstool she had vacated earlier with her half-empty glass of wine. She wasn’t sure how long the nighttime routine for Delilah would last, but she was certain todays would go quicker than usual since the little girl had to be exhausted from the day. This was quickly affirmed when Ridge walked into the kitchen five minutes later, the shirt still soaked with water.
“She passed out on the changing table. I didn’t expect that.”
“She had a big day. So did you. I know it can be an adjustment. Here, have a seat. I’ll get the pie,” River insisted as she vacated her chair and moved toward the oven needing to occupy herself so that she wasn’t stuck staring at the taut muscles outlined by the soaked shirt.
River and Ridge ate their dessert in comfortable silence after plating the cherry dessert, something that surprised River. She was one that always had to fill the awkward quiet during a conversation. She assumed it was due to years of childcare training and the non-stop energy of kids.
As she cleared her plate, Ridge gathered the dish along with his own and placed them in the sink.
“You didn’t have to do the dishes.”
“It’s fine. I didn’t mind. Anyway, thank you for letting me crash your evening.”
“You’re welcome to stop by anytime. And thank you for the pie. It was delicious. Let me walk you home. I just need to grab the baby monitor.”
“No, you don’t need to do that. I’ll be fine crossing the street.”
“I’ll at least follow you on the porch and watch you cross the street.”
“It’s that superhero complex, isn’t it?”
Ridge didn’t respond, just chuckled low and deep, a sound that vibrated through every nerve in River’s body. Ridge guided her across the threshold with a gentle hand on her back and River wondered if he could feel her body quaking beneath his touch. If he did, he didn’t say anything, which River was grateful for.
“Thank you again for allowing me to crash.”
“I was happy to have you.” Beneath the glow of the porch light, River sensed that Ridge wanted to say more. His eyes flicked back and forth between hers and seconds upon seconds passed in the night. Crickets played a melodic tune and wind rustled the changing leaves on the trees surrounding them, but to River, it seemed as if they were playing a song just for them. They were in a moment that she couldn’t pull away from even if she tried.
Ridge inched closer to her from his position against the doorframe, bringing his face closer to hers. She tried with all her might to tear her gaze away from his full lips, but they hypnotized her.
Static noise sounded from the monitor latched onto Ridge’s hip, breaking through the natural musical bubble River and Ridge had found themselves wrapped in. He pulled back at the same time she took a hearty step backward, almost repeating the same incident from when they first met. Luckily this time, she caught herself before she could tumble down the steps.
“Thank you again, Ridge.” Quickly she spun and walked quickly down the pathway leading to his driveway. River didn’t turn around, though she felt his stare on her backside the entire trek across the street. Somehow she was able to make it to her own porch before glancing back and offering a small wave in Ridge’s direction. He stood as a shadow figure, proudly leaning against the jamb of the door, appearing like the stealth savior she knew that he was. He was tall, dark, and handsome. And so much trouble.
Chapter Six