Because there are too many unknowns packed into one front door.
Nico comes around the hood and reaches for my hand like he knows I’m going to bolt.
My fingers are cold in his.
He squeezes once, and then we’re walking up the steps.
The front doors open before we even knock.
Warm light spills out. Voices. Movement. The smell of food—real food, not takeout.
A beautiful woman is the first thing I register.
She’s beautiful in the polished, put-together way that makes me stand a little straighter without meaning to. Dark hair pulled back. Nice dress. Earrings. The kind of smile that looks practiced but still genuine and friendly.
“Nico,” she says, and there’s affection in it.
Then her gaze flicks to me.
“And you must be Erica.”
My throat goes dry.
“Yes,” I manage. “Hi. Thank you for having me.”
“Erica,” Nico says. “This is Elena.”
Elena’s smile warms.
“Come in,” she says. “You’re right on time.”
Nico steps in, and I follow, trying not to look like I’m cataloging every room for exits.
The entry opens into a foyer, but we don’t have jackets to take off since it’s summer, so we’re quickly out of the safe foyer and into a big living space. It’s not cold. It’s not sterile. It’s… busy. Lived in. People are everywhere.
And then there’s a loud squeal and a small blur of movement.
A toddler comes barreling across the floor on tiny, determined legs.
“Neek! Neek!”
My brain barely has time to identify her before Nico’s crouching down and scooping her up. He throws her in the air and catches her, and she lets out a huge laugh.
She throws her arms around his neck and gives him a loud, smacking kiss.
“How’s my bambina, huh?” Nico says, tickling her.
Her laugh is bright. Her hands grab at his shirt like she’s trying to climb into it.
Something in my chest tightens.
Because I’ve seen Nico with a lot of faces.
Boss Nico. Stern Nico. Sir Nico. Tender Nico. Even Vulnerable Nico.
I have not seen this.
I have not seen him with a baby hanging off him like he’s a jungle gym, kissing her like he can’t help it.
