“We could have just eaten on campus tonight.” I drop a quick kiss on her cheek. I’ve never seen her cook before, but I honestly like this side of her.
“I know, but lately, we’ve been having dinner with your family on Friday nights. I thought it might be nice for me to try to cook us a real dinner instead of having the same stuff at the dining hall. I just hope it turns out.”
“I’m not worried. It looks good.”
“It’ll look better when it’s done in the oven.” She puts the vegetables in first and sets the timer on the stove.
“What can I do to help?” I ask.
“Would you mind watching Zeke for a bit? I’m going to have him all weekend. It’d be nice to have a few minutes’ break.”
The words come out before I even think about what I’m saying. “You could come with us and stay at my parents’ this weekend. They have a room for Zeke. Mom could help you with him? She loves him so much.”
Harper inhales sharply and forces a smile. I see the hesitation, and I should know better than to suggest visiting my parents.
They’re mafia.
Dangerous.
Deadly.
Even suggesting that she come to stay is a terrible idea.
“Sorry,” I wince. “I wasn’t thinking.”
Harper’s forced smile weakens, and she steps forward. Standing on her tiptoes, she presses a kiss to my lips. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to have to pass. I’ll stay here this weekend.”
“It’ll be quiet; it’ll just be Nova, Liam, and you two.” I nod toward Zeke.
She smiles and shakes her head. “Nothing is quiet with this guy.” Bending down, Harper scoops Zeke up into her arms, giving him kisses.
He pushes her away and then throws out his arms for me.
I hesitate, not because I don’t adore the kid, but because I’m afraid to get too attached. He’s Harper’s son. I don’t want to destroy him.
There are flashes I get, memories of my father, and I see myself in him more and more. I don’t want to be like Dante, and I certainly don’t want to hurt Zeke. But being forced to work for the man I despised all my life, how can I not become him?
“Luca?” Harper’s voice jars me as she sees Zeke trying to reach for me and my hesitation.
This time, I’m the one forcing the smile as I take him in my arms. “Take a break. I’ve got him.”
Her brow furrows as she rubs Zeke’s back. “Are you sure? If he’s too much, I can take him back.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think the kid comes with a return receipt.”
Her nose crinkles, and Harper smiles. This time, it’s genuine.
I love her laugh. I adore that smile with her dimple on her left cheek. Her dark eyes glisten, and I swear there are gold flecks that shimmer from the sunlight cast in through the window.
“We are definitely past the return window,” Harper jokes and then crinkles her nose at the scent wafting from the little man in my arms. “Oh no. Diaper duty. Here, let me take him.”
Zeke giggles like he’s proud of the smell emanating from him. It’s grotesque, but when does that ever smell pleasant?
“It’s fine. I know how to change a diaper. I’ll handle it.” I carry Zeke to his room, and Harper follows.
“Are you sure?” she asks, watching me from the doorjamb.
Does she not trust me with Zeke?
