Chapter 1
I’m just finishing up my breakfast before I have to get ready to go watch Katya today. That little girl has stolen my heart right from day one. It’s been a few weeks since I was invited to go to the zoo with them. It was the first time I officially met Victor and Katya. Oh, I’ve seen him in passing coming in to get coffee and the pink frosted cupcakes Katya likes so much. I was always too chicken shit to say hi. So I would peek my head out of the kitchen door so I could watch him. I stood there and fanned my face with how hot I thought he was. Tall at 6’5 with ice blue eyes, a lean build with tattoos running all up and down his arms. Every girl's fantasy, including mine. To see him stretch out his police uniform, holy hell, it’s a sight to be seen. The day we went to the zoo is something I’ll never forget. The way he dotes on Katya paints a picture of how he will be as a father one day. He’s so patient with her that it doesn't matter how many times she asks a question, he gets down on her level and answers every single one of them. The whole day I felt his stare. It's like he was trying to look into my soul. It was so intense. Anytime he touched my lower back, his touch would brand me, burning from the inside out. From those looks alone, it lit my whole body on fire and he’s the only one that can put out the flames. I still remember everything he told me while he dropped me home that day. For once, I saw a vulnerability in his eyes and not the cold steel that’s normally there. We had just pulled to a stop outside my place and I started taking my seatbelt off. I turned to say bye to Katya but she was sound asleep and I smiled. All that walking must have worn her out. Turning back around I’m face to face with Victor. Jumping back because I wasn’t expecting that, I go to open my mouth and before I can say anything he speaks.
“I just want to thank you for coming today. I know you didn’t have much of a choice with how much Kat begged you. I don’t think I’ve seen her this happy in a long while. I think you will be good for her, she needs a woman in her life. It hasn’t been easy since her parents died. She might not fully remember them but she knows something is missing. So thank you for today, making it special for her. I'll see you next week.”
Not knowing what to say to that, I got out and thanked him. Every day that I’ve watched her since has been amazing. She's smart, polite, and takes direction well. Even if she did drop that bomb on us at Skylar’s wedding. You could hear a pin drop the moment she blurted out her Uncle Victor likes me and how I liked him too and that we were getting married. I felt my face go up in flames while trying to hide behind a laughing Rhylie. I avoided all eye contact for the rest of the night. But boy did I feel his stare. It was almost like he was silently begging me to look at him. Even when he did manage to get me to dance with him that night, I felt all of him. Looking at the clock, I see it’s time to get ready. Draining the last of my coffee, I take my dishes to the sink, rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher. Walking towards my room, it’s one place where I feel at peace. I live in a one-bedroom apartment. It's not bad but it’s also not my forever home either. I haven’t bought one yet because I haven’t found the perfect one. My bedroom has light blue walls that give off a tranquil vibe with white furniture and lots of big fluffy pillows. When I'm not baking, I like to spend time here curled up reading. Walking towards my closet, I pull off a pair of leggings and a shirt and change into them. I’m sure by the end of the day I’ll be covered in flour and pink frosting. I told Katya the next time I saw her I would bring over my baking supplies so she can make cupcakes. My grandma taught me how to bake at a young age and my love for it grew there. She’s the one who raised me when I was little since my mom didn’t want me. I didn’t fit into her lifestyle or some shit like that. She dropped me off one day and never looked back. I don't understand how parents can do that to a child. My grandma was my rock and best friend. She always made sure I followed my dreams. I went to school to perfect my craft and started doing orders on the side. Now technically I don’t have to work since Grandma left me a sizable inheritance. So the money I do make, I donate it to charities Grandma always donated to. When I applied at Naughty Beans Cafe, I was upfront with Rhylie about it. She thought it was the best thing ever. Grandma never lived a lavish lifestyle because she never saw the point after witnessing what it did to people like her daughter, my mom. So I choose to live as she did. My baking is something I take great pride in, I love watching people's faces light up taking the first bite. Most of my recipes are mine and Grandma’s that we perfected over the years when I was younger. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her but I know she’s watching over me. Slipping on a pair of tennis shoes, I grab my phone, bag, and keys and head for my door. I already packed the car with my supplies earlier. Locking up, I walk towards my car and get inside, starting it up. Damon only lives ten minutes away from me in a beautiful house he had built once he got out of the Army. He has an amazing kitchen I fell in love with. It’s a baker's dream with a massive island and double ovens and all appliances in stainless steel. Pulling into his driveway, I see them both sitting outside on the stairs with a very excited Katya waving at me. Waving back, I shut the engine off and opened my door. Before I can even step foot out of the car, Katya comes running over, talking a mile a minute.
“Hi, Auntie Bella. I’m so excited for today! We’re going to have sooo much fun! Did you bring all the sprinkles with you?”
Laughing at her excitement, I tap my finger on her nose. “I sure did Princess Kat. I bought every color of the rainbow.”
“Yay I can’t wait! When I grow up, I’m going to be the best baker just like you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. You can be anything you set your mind to.” Then I hear the sexiest voice ever, which always sends shivers down my spine. It doesn’t go unnoticed the way he tracks my every move.
“Hi, Isabella. How are you doing today?”
Getting out of my car, I look up into his eyes and lick my top dry lips. Hot damn. He’s in his uniform. The way it molds to his body shows his definition and other areas I'm trying really hard not to look at. “Hi Victor, I’m doing okay, and you?” My voice sounded breathless even to my own ears and if the smirk he’s sporting is any indication, he heard it as well.
“My day has just gotten much better now that you're here. Where are your supplies? I'll carry them inside before I head to work.”
Ya, I’m not sure how to respond to that one. What did he mean now that I’m here? I so want to ask him but with Katya standing right beside us looking back and forth with a big smile on her face, that’s not happening. No need to give this little girl any more hope that her uncle and I are getting married. I mean I might have dreamed about it but it doesn't mean it’s going to come true. “It’s in my backseat. Thank you.”
Watching him bend in the back seat, I know it's time to turn around and go into the house. Grabbing Katya’s hand, I head towards the front door with Victor trailing behind us. Walking inside, It always takes my breath away with how beautiful it is. It’s an open floor plan. It's light and airy and the back wall is nothing but windows with a massive backyard. We walk towards the kitchen with Victor placing my supplies down. Pulling out stuff just to make sure I have everything, I can hear Kat giggling beside me. Looking around to see what’s so funny, I spot Victor with his arms folded across his chest with a smile on his face directed at me. “What’s so funny? Do I have something on my face?” I wipe my face off just in case.
“No Malen'kiy, you're perfect the way you are. I called your name three times but it seems you were lost in baking supplies. I’m leaving now. If you need anything text or call me. Hopefully, I’m not late again but you can never be too sure with all the idiots out there. Katya, be good and listen to Isabella. I’ll see you ladies later.”
“Hey, I’m always good.” Kat is standing with her hands on her hips, giving her uncle an offended look, making me laugh. She runs over and hugs him. “Love you, Uncle Victor.”
“I love you too.” He’s saying that to Katya but he’s looking deep into my eyes, as if it’s meant for the both of us. Not knowing what to make of that, I just stand there staring until I hear the front door close. What I wouldn’t give to hear those same words spoken to me. Shaking myself out of these thoughts, I turn to Katya. “So Kat, are you ready to get baking? But first I think this is for you.” I’m holding up a pink apron like mine with her name stitched on the front. “What do you think?”
“Oh my goodness! I love it so much! Now I’m going to look just like you. Thank you Auntie Bella.” God her manners are impeccable. Victor is teaching her so well. Tying her apron on, I help her on her little stool.
“Your welcome sweetheart. Now let’s get down to baking.”
Over the next two hours, we bake to our heart's content laughing and joking and just having an amazing time bonding together. We made chocolate, vanilla, and marble with the leftover batter. Every color frosting and sprinkle you can think of, Katya used. Since we have so many, she asked with the leftovers if she can bring the rest to class tomorrow since it’s her teacher's birthday she wanted to do something nice for Mrs. Rose. It’s a good thing I brought cupcake boxes with me. I had a feeling we would be going overboard today. I just finished cleaning up the kitchen and turned to see that Kat just finished with her lunch.
“See? I finished all my lunch like Uncle Vic said. Now can I have my cupcake please?”
“You sure can Sweetie. Now, which flavor do you want?” She looks over all her options though I know she’s going to go with chocolate since that’s her favorite. She picks one with rainbow frosting and sprinkles, making a mess of her face. Laughing, I hand her a napkin. Picking up my chocolate one, I take a bite.
“We did good, didn't we? Maybe next time we can bake some cookies. Those are Uncle Victor’s favorites. He likes the chocolate chip ones you make.”
Huh, I wonder what else she’s willing to share about Uncle Victor. Should I be ashamed of myself for even entertaining this? Yes, I should but I’m not. A girl’s gotta get her information from somewhere. “So what else does your Uncle Victor like?” She’s smiling so big as if she knows exactly what I’m doing. I don’t know if this was such a good idea.
“Let’s see. He likes your cookies, watching sports, and he likes to color with me. He's not very good at staying in the lines but don’t tell him I told you. Oh! and he likes you, I heard him talking to Uncle Mason one day. They thought I wasn’t listening but I was. Uncle Victor always tells me not to listen to people talk, that it’s not nice but if they don’t want people to hear they shouldn’t talk so loud. Right Auntie?”
Nodding my head, yes because I’m at a loss for words right now. She goes back to eating her cupcake like it’s nothing and here I am dying to find out more. Just when I’m shamelessly going to ask her for more, I can hear my phone ringing. Grabbing it, I see it’s a private number.
“Hello. Yes, it is.” What the person on the other end tells me makes my heart stop. I can feel the blood rushing and ringing in my ears. Looking at Katya, I plaster on a smile. One I don’t feel but not wanting to worry her. Hanging up with shaking hands, I send a quick text to Skylar, needing her over here fast.
Isabella- I need you at Victor’s to watch Kat for me. The hospital just called. Victor’s been shot and they won’t tell me how bad it is.
Skylar- OMG!!! I’m on my way with Damon. Be there in a few minutes.
“Are you okay Auntie? You don’t look so well.” Trying to get myself under control so I don’t scare her, I put a smile on my face I don’t feel and tell her,
“I’m a fine Sweetheart but Auntie Sky and Uncle Damon are coming over to watch you. I have to leave for a bit to do something but I’ll be right back. Is that okay?”
