Chasing Hearts

H E R A

Addison looks up at me with those big green eyes, just like her father's. She drops her colored pencil and asks, "Mommy, can I have a muffin?"

I finish wiping down the counter and shake my head. "Sorry, sweetie. You already had one."

"Please," she pouts, trying to win me over.

I stand my ground. "No, darling. Finish your dinner first, then you can have another muffin."

She slumps in her chair, crossing her arms and pouting even more.

"Pouting won't work, Addie," I tell her.

She turns her back to me, giving me the silent treatment. As she grows older, her sassiness only seems to increase, and I wonder where she gets it from.

The bell rings, and my smile fades when I see who's at the door.

His smile still has the power that weakened my knees. It's hard to resist him, even after all these years. I remember meeting him at the club, and his scent and elegance drew me in.

Although he never said it, the money he sent me that night helped me through a tough time. I kept it untouched f