“It’s not what you think.” And the silence continues. “We’re in love.” That sounded even worse. I’m digging myself a hole so deep they’re going to need a mining crew to find me. “It’s part of my therapy.” And now they probably think I’m some sort of sex addict.
Why?
Why is this my life? I turn to glare at the man who’s silently laughing a few feet from me.
“Vex was the same way. He felt the need to be nearby to protect me.”
And that’s why Dahlia is one of my best friends.
The world starts talking a mile a minute.
Emilia leans over and whispers, “It seems you’re doing very well on your own. Welcome to the family.”
That’s it?
***
“Your family is crazy.” I turn down the blankets as Max changes Dash’s diaper.
“And?” He puts a sticker on Dash’s tummy.
“What’s that?” I walk over to his side.
“Just a monitor. So I don’t have to worry about him at night. It feeds all his vital signs into my phone and alerts me if something changes.”
“Dash is a healthy baby.” A sleepy one, too, based on those eye rubs.
“I know.” Max zips up his pajamas and walks the baby over to the crib, laying him down gently. “Sweet dreams, Dash. You’re safe and loved.”
My knees go weak.
“You okay?”
I look up to find Max staring at me.
“I can sleep on the floor or on the couch.”
“In your own house? That’s just silly. We’re two mature adults. And you’re a gentleman. I trust you.”
Max stalks up to me. “I told you I’m not that much of a gentleman.” He leans down and brushes my lips with his. “Now go get in bed before I feel the need to remind you of that fact even more.”
“You don’t scare me, Massimo Vincenti.” I climb into bed but sit cross-legged, staring at him as he makes his way over to the bed.
“I should because you terrify me.” He lays on the top of the blankets, then shifts on his side to stare at me.
“No, I don’t.” How could a man like him be terrified of anything?
“Tesoro mio. I’m afraid of your head, your heart, your beauty, your strength, and most of all your bravery. Why couldn’t I have fallen in love with someone who was terrified of her own shadow? Someone who clings to me to protect her? That way, I would always know she’s safe. With you…I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“It’s the best thing in the world. Now come over here and hug me so I can sleep.”
Do I dare do that? I scoot under the cover and over to him, putting my head on the center of his chest. A steady heartbeat and warm body draw me even closer as he wraps an arm around me. “You’re better than a fluffy blanket.”
He chuckles.
“And if you do diaper duty at three in the morning, I might think you’re perfect.”
