“And garlic balls and ice cream!” Elio shrieks. “I want everything! Can I, Daddy? Puh-lease?”
My heart mushrooms with love for my son. “Sure thing, bud.” I lean down and kiss his brow. “It’s a special occasion, and we can’t take Sloane to Mr. Papas and not have garlic balls and ice cream.”
* * *
“This isn’t Mr. Papas,” Elio proclaims as Clint pulls the SUV in front of Saks Fifth Avenue.
“We’re making a quick pitstop, but you can stay in the car. Continue watching your movie, and before you know it, Sloane and I will be back.”
His lip juts out. “I want to come too.”
I press a kiss to his soft cheek. “Next time, buddy.”
“It’s not fair.” He plants his hands on his hips and scowls at me. “I wanna go to the kids’ floor and get a toy.”
“It’s not your birthday or Christmas, and you have tons of new toys. Be a good boy for Umberto and Clint, and I’ll let you get the ice cream sundae at Mr. Papas.”
His brow furrows in concentration before smoothing out. “Okay, deal!”
I trade a smile with Umberto as I kiss my son on the head. “Behave. We’ll see you in a bit.” Clint will drive around while we’re shopping.
“What’s going on?” Sloane asks, looking confused.
“You’ll see.” I gesture toward the door as Umberto swings it open. He steps back to let Sloane hop down, and I slide out behind her.
She blows Elio a kiss. “See you soon, my little prince.”
Elio blows her a kiss in return, and it’s super sweet.
“I think you’ll have quite the little charmer on your hands when he grows up,” she says, waving as Umberto closes the door.
“Don’t I know it.” My hand winds around Sloane’s back as I escort her toward the entrance, my gaze scanning our surroundings as we walk. I keep my hand on her slender waist until we enter the elevator and separate.
“I still have no clue why we are here,” she says in a low voice, keeping our conversation away from prying ears.
“You need a warmer coat.”
Her face drops. “My budget doesn’t stretch to a new coat, and this one is fine,” she says, glancing at the thin woolen coat she’s wearing.
“I’m issuing you a clothing allowance, and this coat is on me.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I insist,” I say, moving my arm around her back again when the elevator opens on our floor. I steer her out toward the section where Kate is hopefully waiting. “You’ll be outside daily with Elio, and the weather won’t warm up for some time. Consider this part of your work uniform.”
She opens her mouth, about to protest again, but she must think better of it. Her slender frame feels fragile against me, and I wonder if she’s this slim because she hasn’t had enough money for food. Spotting Kate up ahead, I walk us speedily in that direction.
“Mr. DiPietro, how lovely to see you. It’s been a while.” The older woman smiles as she extends her arm.
I shake her hand. “It’s great to see you, too, Kate. This is Sloane.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Sloane.” Her assessing gaze rakes over my nanny from head to toe. “You have exquisite skin and a gorgeous figure. There are a few pieces I’ve chosen that I think will look stunning on you.”
“Thank you.” Sloane bites down on her lip. “This is all new to me, and I’m not sure what to expect. Cristian just sprung it on me.”
“Mr. DiPietro is one of the good guys. He knows how to treat his lady friends, and don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll take good care of you.”
“Sloane is my son’s new nanny,” I confirm in a sharp tone, pissed at the insinuation and her indiscretion. She makes it sound like I’ve taken tons of women here when that’s not the case. I hadn’t mentioned who the clothes were for when I called Kate earlier to make an appointment, and I shouldn’t have to.
