I focused on the bright lights of the city, an unwelcome flutter spreading through my heart with every word he spoke. It was stupid to consider his proposal. He would destroy me. Destroy Pippa. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I need to leave tomorrow evening.”
“So soon?” I was beyond shocked. He was going to leave his daughter after just meeting her. Yes, he never wanted children, but Pippa was here. She was his blood, and that had to count for something. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.” I turned away from him and faced the passenger’s window.
“I received a call from an investor just before I got to the bistro. I’ll return to Canada, but I’ll be back in a day or two. Will you stay with me tonight?”
“It would only complicate things.” I couldn’t believe he was rushing back to Canada to deal with a business matter. Couldn’t he handle it over the phone? What about Roman? My will to deny him had been weakening but not anymore.
“Fine.” He took my hand and pressed a kiss on the top. “I’ll stay at your place.”
“Don’t you get it? We need boundaries so the lines don’t get crossed. They can’t even get blurred.”
“Screw boundaries, Isla. I want us to try again. I want to cross the lines.”
“I don’t know.” The words flew out of my mouth unbidden. Clearly, I was already losing the battle, but I had to try… “No, I do know. You don’t always get what you want.”
“Just give me a chance. All I ask is foronechance.” Why did he have to be so persistent?
“You can stay at my place. But on the couch.” Surely, he would hate the idea of being in a place far below his standards.
He growled low. “Fine. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Just like that?” I was stunned.
“Just like that. I’m going to do whatever it takes to prove to you I’ve changed. We belong together. All of us.” He squeezed my hand as if assuring me all would be okay.
Ciro’s declaration was like an answer to my secret prayers. He sounded resolved as he spoke, but I’d heard it all before. I needed to think of Pippa. For her, I would cautiously indulge her daddy’s request.
Maybe he wouldn’t disappoint me this time.
26
CIRO
There wasn’tanything more mesmerizing than watching Isla care for Pippa. The tender kisses she placed on our daughter’s head while nursing her melted me. Her dulcet voice as she talked to her during bath time warmed my soul… And turned me on.
Finally, the contented expression on her face while humming Pippa to sleep was positively angelic.
I’d never loved Isla more than I did at this moment.
“Kiss her before I lay her in the crib,” Isla whispered.
I leaned in, pressing my hand to the small of Isla’s back, the other to Pippa’s, and kissed my baby girl. And then, without giving Isla a chance to move, I kissed her forehead and lingered for a long second. I inhaled her seductive scent, one that reminded me of vanilla and berries. So sweet and downright addictive.
“Ciro, please.” She stiffened and pulled away.
Instantly, a lump appeared in my throat, filled with embarrassment at her rejection.
Isla put Pippa in the crib, tucking a blanket around her little body. She waved me to follow her out of the bedroom, leaving the door cracked.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Her cheeks were pink, eyes everywhere but on me. “Water, wine, a Coke… breast milk.” She giggled with her head in the fridge.
I wanted to touch her desperately, taste her lips, and ravage her body. Mostly, I wanted to make love to her. But I couldn’t do any of it until she gave me the green light.
One thing about Isla, which was different from any woman I’d ever met, was how she wouldn’t give herself to a man if she didn’t feel valued. She had high expectations and ironclad requirements. She wouldn’t bend during a weak moment.
I came in behind her and put my hands on her hips. “Water would be great.”
