“Oh! I figured you…well, never mind,” she says, blushing the prettiest shade of pink I’ve ever seen. “It’s just, you’re pretty muscley, so I didn’t pin you as a computer guy.”
“What do you do? Other than hold babies?” I ask, changing the subject, because I am, in fact, not a computer guy at all and would have no clue how to answer any further questions she might have.
Not that I would mind for Ellie’s primary job to be babies. Specifically mine. And she doesn’t have to just hold them. Not that she isn’t great at that, but I think the “making them” aspect of the job would be where she really shines.
“I volunteer!”
Wait, did I say that out loud? And holy shit, did she agree to it?
“Really? You want to make them? We can’t do it here for obvious reasons,” I say, gesturing my chin toward the two bundles in my arms. “But we can go back to my place.”
“I guess we can, but all my supplies are at my house.”
“Oh, um, sure, we can go back to your house, but what kind of supplies are we talking about here?”
“Well, there’s a whole tote of different-sized needles, then there’s the baskets of—”
“Excuse me, did you sayneedles?”
“Yes! Knitting needles!”
“Uh, why do you use those?”
“To make the hats for the babies. What did you think I meant?”
“No, no, that’s what I thought. So, um, what else do you do other than babies and hats?”
“I spend a lot of time with my family. My nonna and I knit the hats, which you know, and I enjoy cooking and baking with her as well. I was fortunate to be born into a very well-off family, and my passion has always been to give back.”
Damn, now I feel like an asshole for lying about my job. “That’s beautiful.”
“Thanks! What about you? What do you like to do?”
“I enjoy photography. I’ve been meaning to make it to the beach for a photo shoot.”
“You haven’t been to the beach yet? But that was one of your favorite places!”
“I know, I just haven’t found the time yet. Do you like the beach?”
Ellie uses her free arm to flip her long hair back. “Of course I do. I’m a Florida girl born and raised! I go all the time. I know all the best beaches around.”
“Would you like to show me your favorite spot sometime?”
Did I just ask a girl out? Holy shit, Thatch isn’t going to believe me when I tell him.It’s been years since I’ve had the nerve to even go on a date. Everything about Ellie screams sincerity, though, and I get the sense she’s definitely not interested in my money.
“I would absolutely love to show you around!”
“I’m going to be gone this weekend, but I’ll be back next week. Would next Wednesday evening work?
“Yes, my Wednesday evening is yours,” she says with a grin.
It’s the most intoxicating picture I’ve ever seen, and something shifts within me as she gazes at me with soft eyes. I’ll do whatever it takes to see this woman smile.
Chapter 6
“I think youshould wearthe dress, tesoro. All this ‘it’s a casual date,’ blah, blah. Do you think Sophia Loren would have worried about being too much on a casual date? No! She would have everything out in all its glory. You know I just told you the other day—”
“I’m only young once. I know, Nonna, it’s just that I told himcasual, so if he shows up in gym shorts and a tank top, and I show up inthe dress…”
