“Don’t know. Sounds like work stuff. Everything good at the hotel? You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I’m fine. Just wanted to check in.”
“When will you return?” he asked, sounding slightly uncomfortable. It had to be Alba. She was a pretty woman, but he should be focused on my daughter’s safety, not the babysitter.
“Why? Does Alba scare you?” I’d noticed the brief spark in his eyes when I introduced them. Alba wasn’t at all the kind of woman Paolo was used to. She didn’t charge an hourly rate to be with her. She was engaging and not focused on sex like hookers.
Silence. Paolo didn’t appear amused.
“We’ll be there to get Pippa in a few hours,” I told him.
“And then?”
“Just be ready for anything.”
“I always am.”
“Good. See you soon.” Ending the call, I went into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
I needed to be prepared for anything too. If charming Isla didn’t work, I would have to take more severe action.
25
ISLA
We’d just returnedto West End after a catered event, and I felt so much better. Work did wonders in taking my mind off Ciro. Jon shadowing me also helped. He was going to be a fantastic family doctor. He had all the qualities: intelligence, patience, humor, kindness. And he was easygoing.
Each time I started talking about “my ex,” Jon listened for a bit then redirected me in a smooth, seamless fashion.
Doctor Jon was one of the good ones. It was a shame I didn’t want anything more than friendship from him. I needed to clear the air. Stringing guys along wasn’t something I did.
“I like catering gigs better than working in the restaurant,” Jon said as we packaged the leftovers for the homeless shelter Falina donated to.
“Yeah? Why’s that?” I asked.
“Because I get to talk to you more.” His gaze dropped to mine. “I like you,Isla.”
“Oh damn…”
The way he looked at me told me I’d said that out loud.Shoot.
A wry grin played on his full lips. “What? Am I not your type? Too tall? Too handsome? Too funny?”
“Yes. You’re too tall.” I snorted, then turned serious as his eyes remained locked on mine.
“I know my height can be overwhelming,” he said, teasingly. His gaze lowered to my lips then flitted back up to my eyes. He repeated the action several times. It made me more than a little nervous.
“You’re a great guy. Truly. It’s just, well, I’m not over my ex. It wouldn’t be fair to you.” There. I said it. Honesty to the hilt.
“Oh.” He took a step back. “I just thought all that talk about your jerk of an ex was you hinting you were available.”
“I am available. Technically. I’m just not over him. I feel like a fool for saying this, but I’m in love with a man who won’t ever love me back.” Oh, the embarrassment of admitting something so private and personal.
“Well, he’s the bigger fool.” Jon shook his head as if shocked.
I giggled a little. “The biggest damn fool. But he’s the father of my daughter and we’re forever bound by her. I might’ve gotten over him if it wasn’t for her.”
His dark eyebrows shot up. “You have a child?”
