“Sweetheart, wanting someone in your life as your daddy must come from your heart.” He pointed to her chest then flicked the tip of her nose with his finger. “Not because of what your friends say. Does that make sense?”
Her head bobbed in acknowledgment. “Yes. But, you also make my mommy happy.”
“I do?” He stole a look at Aria. Her baffled expression showed her surprise. “How do you know?”
“Uh-huh.” Prisha cupped a hand over her mouth and giggled. “Don’t tell Mommy but she smiles lots more, now.” His brow shot up for Aria’s benefit, and she blushed. “And making my mommy happy makes me happy too.”
Her soft declaration sent his emotions into a tailspin. One stolen kiss had brought him two princesses he’d be proud to call family. “And you, sweetpea, make me happy too.”
At the use of her pet name, she glanced up from her doll and giggled. Then she leaned forward, slid her hands around his neck, and kissed him on the cheek. Reece scooped her up in his arms and walked toward Aria.
Prisha reached out, circled Aria’s neck, and pulled her close. “Reece is going to be my daddy now, Mommy.”
Aria placed a soft kiss on Prisha’s cheek and leaned back. “Really?” Although she asked the little girl the question, Reece caught her raised brow and tensed.
“Uh-huh.” Prisha nodded. “I want a daddy like my friends, Mommy, and Reece is the bestest.” She slid out of his arms and darted toward the kitchen.
When she was out of earshot, Aria looked up. Her smile replaced by a glare. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. I don’t want my daughter hurt in any way,” she said and turned away.
Impatient, Reece snorted, gripped her by the waist, and pulled her back into his arms. He linked his fingers with hers. “Give me a chance, Aria. Don’t make assumptions before you’ve had the chance to get to know me,” he whispered into her ear. “It’s not just sex I want.”
She turned in his arms. “And what if that’s what I only want?”
Her question wedged a lump in his throat. “Are you serious? Am I only good for sex?” he couldn’t keep the irritation out of his voice.
“Who said anything about you being good?”
“Wha—” He caught the glint of mischief in her eyes before her smile gave her away. “Wench.” He stopped her laugh with a hard kiss.
“Eew. Gross.” Prisha’s voice filled the silence. Reece drew back. “Why do big people like to kiss?” Her hands on her hips, she looked disgusted.
He laughed. “When you love someone, sweetpea, you want to kiss her often,” Reece explained. Aria’s shocked gasp told him she hadn’t prepared for his answer. Avoiding her gaze, he let go of her waist, reached for Prisha, and began a slow tickle of the child’s sides. Amid giggles, Prisha raced away. Avoiding Aria’s probing, he was sure to come; Reece followed the child.
His evasion didn’t last long, though. Later that evening with Prisha tucked in bed, Aria cornered him while he washed the dishes, and she dried.
“What did you mean earlier when you mentioned love to Prisha, Reece?”
He closed the tap, turned away from the sink, and leaned back against it. Aria’s questioning gaze searched his face. In there he read a simmering panic. “Babe, I know you don’t believe in fairy tales. You’ve been through a lot, who could blame you.” Hesitantly, he took a step forward. “But, if you ever did, I wanna be your prince on a white horse, and show you the world is still full of good men.” He closed the gap and took her hands in his. “I’m in love with you, Aria—”
“I—”
He placed a finger on her lips. “No, babe. Don’t say anythin’. Just listen.” She lifted her gaze. Moisture rimmed her dark lashes. “I can’t explain it, but here goes. Call me insane or call it love at first sight, I’m not sure. What I do know is somethin’ happened the first night we met, and I can’t describe the emotion. Yeah, it’s been three years, the feeling is still the same though. Hell, babe, when I’m away from you for more than a minute, I can’t stop thinking about you. Your smile alone lights up my world, and you make me so damn happy, I can’t breathe. You’re everythin’ I want in my future. You and Prisha. I love you.”
“Reece, I...I...how...I don’t know if...” The first tear rolled down her cheek. Reece’s chest tightened. She bit her lower lip, and he prayed for her acceptance. Instead, she turned, walked away, and stared out the window. He wondered if he messed up.Dammit.Every cell in his body sparked with impatience. Not with Aria but with himself. His hastiness might’ve just caused him a relationship with this beautiful woman. With a soft sigh, he raked a glance over her rigid form. No. He wasn’t giving up on her so easily.
Determined, he neared her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and turned her to face him, glad she didn’t resist. “Hey.” Gently, he wiped her tears, then held her chin lightly. “I’m not asking for anythin’, and you don’t need to say it back.”
She looked up, her brow creased in deep concentration. “Prisha’s my life, and she’s filled the space in my heart right now. If I don’t allow anyone else in, no one will hurt my daughter or me. We have each other, and that’s what counts.”
“If you don’t allow anyone else in, how would you know if someone’s going to hurt you or love you.”
“I’m not ready for love, Reece.”
“And I love you enough for both of us.” Reece heaved another lengthy sigh. “Jay robbed you of the chance to truly love, and you’ll never be ready unless you try. You’ve surrounded yourself in anger. Not because its the right thing to do, but its easier to handle.” He ran a thumb down her cheek. “Aria, you’re tough, I get that. You were hurt, I understand, and I know you’re afraid. But, you need to take a leap of faith, babe. Just this once. And believe me, the trust will come naturally. Could you do that?”
Her gaze roamed his face as though mentally searching for some blemish in his words. Reece almost stopped breathing while he waited for her response.
Then she inhaled deeply. “Yes,” she finally whispered. “I can’t promise, but I’ll try.”
