57

“She’s with my parents.”

Sydney’s hand went to her chest, as though she could finally breathe. “I just had a heart attack.”

I smiled.

“Don’t laugh at me, Ford. I did.” She fanned her face with her purse. “All I could picture was that little muffin all alone in your house and—I can’t.”

“It’s all good. Don’t worry.”

She glanced toward the ground.

Since she was no longer looking at me, I took my time, taking her in. The dress was one I hadn’t seen her wear before, fitting her the same as the night we had met at the bar. The top hugged her tits, revealing a sexy amount of cleavage, the sides showing those achingly beautiful curves. The bottom landed far above her knees, her gorgeous, long, lean legs ending in a pair of sky-high heels.

I wasn’t just hard.

I was fucking throbbing.

“Except I think I just lost years of my life.” She patted her chest, like she was pushing air back into her lungs. “Anyway, I’m sorry I’m coming home so late. Gabby and I were at a bar, and”—she shrugged—“I don’t