Page 50 of Aldo

“Are you sure?” I asked. “You’ve never—I mean, I didn’t think⁠—”

He smiled and tapped my cheek. “I’m sure, baby. It’s time. More than time, really. I want you to see where I’m just Aldo. See how you feel about him.”

I took his hand, feeling the rough edges of his fingers. The heat of his skin. The way he wrapped his large palm around mine protectively. Carefully.

“I’d like that.”

“Good. I got some of your things brought over. Brian and Fran know you’re staying with me. Your shifts are covered for the next while. I’ve handled everything.” He fixed me with a look. “Even the tip-sharing for Derek. You should have told me about that. I would have helped.”

“It was my thing, not yours.”

“Well, he is covered. Tips and extra hours.” He smiled at me, tenderness softening his face. “You’re too good a person for me, Vi.”

“No. We’re perfect for each other.”

He stood, then kissed me softly. “I’ll tell the doc you’re ready.”

I watched him go, worry and pain battling for dominance. Aldo seemed too calm. Was he really okay?

What did his taking me to his house signify? Was it as important a step as I thought, or was he reacting to my being attacked?

I shut my eyes with a sigh, pain winning out. It was all too much to think about. I would figure it out later.

Aldo took charge, making me realize how powerful he was. In moments, all the equipment was disconnected, discharge papers procured, and before I knew what was happening, Aldo gathered me into his arms and proceeded to walk toward the exit.

“You can’t carry me,” I hissed at him.

“Why?”

“I’m too tall to be carried like a child.”

He laughed. “I think we’re doing just fine. Stop squirming and relax.”

I laid my head against his shoulder. I had to admit, it felt nice being cradled in his arms. I felt safe and cared for—and oddly small held against his broad chest.

I wasn’t used to feeling small.

He held me in the car all the way to his house. I dozed off and on, waking as he stepped from the vehicle. I gazed at the Victorian-style house in awe from the safety of his arms. I was still woozy enough to allow him to carry me inside.

Inside, Aldo set me down, and I looked around in wonder. The rooms were large and filled with sun. Wide planked floors, wood trim, and pocket doors were set off in a soft caramel color. The fireplace was incredible, with beautiful stone and a mantel that gleamed in the light.

I looked at Aldo. “It is amazing.”

He smiled. “Living and dining room. Kitchen and a den. Upstairs, three bedrooms. And my favorite place in the house.”

I walked slowly to the kitchen, marveling at the black cupboards and beautiful counters. The same wooden floors were in every room.

With a smile, he opened a door at the back of the kitchen, and I gasped in delight. “An elevator?”

He chuckled. “The owners installed it when she fell and broke a hip and the stairs were too much. I didn’t take it out. It’s rather fun.”

He took us up to the second floor and waved at the two doors on either side of the hall. “Bedrooms.” Then he led me into the primary bedroom. Spacious, airy, with an incredible view of the Niagara River from the large windows, the room also had a balcony you could sit on and enjoy the view. The whole house was done in simple creams, caramels, and offset by dark wood. A few splashes of color popped up here and there, but for the most part, it was a blank canvas. “Aldo, it is spectacular. Why don’t you spend more time here?”

He shrugged. “I am planning on it over the next few days. You need to get back into bed.”

“Not until I have showered.”

“Vi, you’ve lost the little color you had in your cheeks, and you’re swaying on your feet. Bed. Now.”