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Chapter Fifty Four
Chapter Fifty Four
Celeste’s POV
Ryan let out a low, guttural moan as I clutched at his shoulders, between us. My body ached for him with an insatiable need,
A blaring honk made us jump apart.
against my seatbelt to close the gap
“Get out of the road, you rich, entitled pricks!” A man hollered out of his window as he drove past.
We watched him go before turning to each other and bursting into
for the excuse to hide my embarrassment.
I’m certifiably insane for kissing him again.
belly deep laughter. I covered my face, grateful
“Are you ever coming out from there?” His teasing voice made me groan internally.
I peeked through my fingers. His hair was mussed from me running my fingers through it, and his lips were a
scandalous shade of red from my
“Never.” I said, closing my fingers. “This car should come with a panty dropper warning label.”
The engine roared to life as he chuckled.
“So it was the sports car you found irresistible, not me?” The gaiety in his voice told me he wasn’t buying a word.
I took a deep breath and dropped my hands.
“I had a day of emotional whiplash and it made me lose control.” I fidgeted with the hem of my dress. “But I swear, it won’t happen again.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” He grinned cheekily, wiping my lipstick off.
God, I was terrified he was right.
Why did all sense of reason go out of the window when I was with Ryan?
“Where’s Molly now?” I asked, desperate to change the topic.
“She’s at the studio with her nanny.” Ryan said, his lips quirking into a mysterious smile. “I shouldn’t say anything, but she has something special prepared for you.
I perked up. “What is it?”
But he just motioned, zipping his lips, a smile tugging up the corners.
When we arrived at the studio, he held open the door for me and I eagerly walked in. A homely woman in her mid- fifties stood from the sofa.
“This is Bernadette, Molly’s nanny. She’s cared for my niece from the time she was born.” Ryan said as he came in behind me.
I smiled politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She bowed her head slightly and gestured to my work area. The young lady awaits your audience.”
I thanked her and found Molly standing beside my workbench, hands nervously behind her back. There was a smear of glitter glue on her cheek.
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Chapter Fifty Four
“Auntie Celeste!” She beamed at me with anticipation. “Please close your eyes!”
I looked curiously at Ryan, but his teasing grin gave away nothing.
“Uncle Ry–Ry, don’t forget your job.” She scolded him hushedly.
He nodded solemnly and stood behind me, his heat scalding me through the thin material of my dress. Before I could say anything, his hands covered my eyes.
“No peeking.” His deep voice rumbled from far too close, sending a shiver down my spine.
When he released me, I scurried away too quickly. I opened my eyes to see a creative arrangement of paper cups, gold foil, sequences and glitter–a handmade trophy.
Scribbled on it in uneven handwriting was: “CELESTE–BEST JEWELRY DESIGNER–AWARDED BY MOLLY”
“Surprise!” She smiled brightly.
“What an honor!” I gasped, eyes smarting as I delightedly accepted the award. “Thank you so much, honey.‘
I bent to give her a tight hug.
“Molly wanted to congratulate you because Celine loved your jewelry,” Ryan said, patting her hair. “And to thank you for inviting her to play at your studio.”
“Do you like your trophy, Auntie Celeste?” She asked, fidgeting with her fingers.
“Yes! I absolutely love it. You know what?” I said, heading over to the far end of my studio. “I have the perfect place to keep it.”
I carefully removed the velvet necklace bust from a display and set Molly’s trophy in its place. The sweetheart stared up with wide eyes.
“Wow, Mols. Only five years old and you already have your artwork displayed in a famous designers studio.” Ryan whistled, impressed.
She giggled blissfully and hugged our legs.
My purse buzzed from my design table. Molly rushed to fetch it for me and I thanked her as I dug out my phone.
“Hello, have I reached Rosemary?”
I smiled when I recognized the voice of a friend Celine had introduced me to.
“Yes, Julie. I’m delighted you called.”
She chuckled nervously. “I know it’s uncouth to call so soon, but I just had to place an order before the rest of the ladies descended on you.”
I stifled a laugh as I recalled Brian’s anniversary gift.
“Oh, I think you’re very prudent–I already received an order at the party.”
I watched Ryan and Bernadette gather Molly’s belongings as I discussed the order. By the time I ended the call, they were packed and ready to leave.
“I need to get Molly ready for school tomorrow.” Ryan said giving me a knowing look. “Don’t work too late.”
“Goodbye, Auntie Celeste!” Molly said, squeezing me in a hug.
-11 the warmth with them when they left.
Chapter Fifty Four
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Sighing heavily, I pulled out the necklace I’d made for Bonnie. The sterling silver and opal stones I’d lovingly arranged were scratched and dented.
Damaged goods–like me.
I’m not your daughter! I want Auntie Vanessa to be my mom.
With a trembling hand, I placed the pendant in the display beside Molly’s trophy. Then I leaned wearily against my desk and screwed my eyes shut.
But Bonnie’s hateful rejection played at the back of my eyelids–haunting me.
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Chapter Fifty Five
