“You eat a lot of it?”
He shrugged. “Sometimes. It’s budget-friendly and a nice change from peanut butter.”
Even his smile couldn’t stop my gut from clenching at the thought of him eating that. I fought the urge to pick up my phone and order him a massive amount of groceries. But he wouldn’t like that. I would make sure we ate every time we spent time together.
Chapter 11
Luca
My brain was swimming with questions for Axel. Even though we came from different worlds, life had dealt each of us a hand we had no control over. But the more I got to know about him, the more I wanted to know about the brooding man with deep-seated pain behind his intense eyes.
When I’d had all I could handle, I pushed my plate away. “I can’t eat anymore.”
I got up from the table to retrieve a paper I’d downloaded from the internet. Curious about something he said earlier, I dove in as he finished his food. “I need to ask you some questions. You good with that?”
Axel’s mouth tipped up on one side. “Depends.”
I ignored him. “What are you thinking about house-wise? Apartment, single-family home, brownstone, or townhome?”
He shrugged. “Depends. I’ll know it when I see it.”
“Okay. I know you’re the consummate bachelor, but do you see yourself owning a dog?”
“I don’t know. I’m gone a lot.”
I checked it off. “Want a long-term relationship? A wife and kids? A husband, maybe? Like your brother.”
Axel grinned. “Is that on there?”
“No,” I paused, “but it can help us narrow down what type of house you want.” I was fishing a little bit.
The transformation of his face was fascinating. His brow drew together as he slowed his chewing before wiping his mouth. “I don’t see why that’s important.”
“Hear me out. As your non-realtor, knowing that is going to help me help you figure out where you want to buy.”
“Still no.”
I tilted my head to look at him. “Why not? I think if you made an effort to find someone to share your life with, you might get what you want.”
Axel put down his fork. “Relationships are a no.”
“But why? You’re a likable guy. Pushy, but you have good teeth.”
My attempt at humor didn’t work. “No, Luca. Just no.”
Curling my lips, I wasn’t sure whether to let it go or continue pressing him to talk. But something told me if I could get him to open up, maybe it would help. “I get it. I’ve never had a relationship either. Every set of foster parents, except one, fought nonstop. It was a playbook on what not to do. Unless I find the right man.”
Axel stared at me for a long moment, making me wonder if I needed to make a run for it.
I took a chance. “Is it because of your parents?”
His eyes weren’t warm anymore. They’d taken on an icy glare that made me regret asking. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”
“My father is a multi-millionaire and had two families on two continents until I was twelve. He would show up once a month for a few days but played the part of her boyfriend. They never told me he was my father. And not a single word about my twin. Lies upon lies. My life is built on them.”
I stared down at my plate. “Have you ever spoken to anyone about it?”
“A shrink, you mean? No fucking way. The ice is my therapy.”
