Seven
Matteo
I look up, already annoyed. “Who says I’m in a funk?”
“Everyone. You’ve been carrying yourself like a man half-buried in his own life. Amelia has changed you. Is she cramping your style?”
My glare sharpens. “Amelia? Never. I didn’t even know I was capable of loving someone the way I love my daughter.”
For the past two months, I’ve been clocking in at nine and out at six sharp. It’s a rhythm none of us expected from me. But I’ve been doing my thing—being a dad, running a company, holding it all together.
“Trixie’s a miracle worker,” I add. “Amelia lights up when she sees her. I watch the nanny cam. She’s always reading to her, singing, taking her for walks. I still work after her bedtime, like every other single parent juggling a career.”
“Really?” Ciro doesn’t quite believe me.
I pause, then grin. “Things are going so well, Trixie even talked us into getting a dog.”
Ciro’s eyes go wide. “What kind?”
“Chocolate lab–German shepherd mix. But I can’t do that yet. She’s working on Amelia’s sleep schedule and she’s up to a six hour stint.”
“She sounds like a miracle worker.”
“She is. She’s amazing with Amelia.”
Ciro raises an eyebrow. “You and the nanny?”
I catch the implication instantly. “No. Never. I still think about Ellory. All the time. I swear, I even dream about her.”
He studies me. “So…what are you going to do about it?”
I sigh and scrub a hand through my hair. “I don’t know. I’ve got so much going on. And Ellory—she’s not the type you pressure. I’m not even sure she wants this life. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to text her every single day.”
“It’ll get easier,” he says, pushing off the doorframe. “The rest of us are grabbing drinks tonight. Think Trixie could work a little later?”
I nod and pull out my phone. “I can ask.”
Me: My brothers want to grab drinks tonight. Can you stay with Amelia?
A moment later, I curse under my breath. I texted the wrong person.
Ellory: Absolutely. I’m glad you asked.
Me: Sorry, that was meant for the nanny. You don’t need to come over and babysit.
Ellory: She doesn’t want me to come over and hang out with her tonight?
Me: How about this, if the nanny can stay with Amelia, you come out with me and the guys for drinks?
A pause. The bubbles appear and then stop.
Ellory: I suppose I can make that work.
A grin spreads across my face as I type.
Me: Moongate at six. Might turn into dinner too.
Ellory: On Waverley?
Me: Yep. Want me to pick you and Richard up?
Ellory: We’ll meet you there. I’m in jeans—need to stop home and change.
Me: It’s California. Jeans are practically formalwear. Come as you are. I just want to see you.
Ellory: See you soon.
Me: Can’t wait.
I let out a slow breath. She said yes. Now, I’ve got to figure out coverage for Amelia.
Trixie answers instantly. “Yes, boss?”
“Any chance you can stay a little late tonight? The guys want to go out. If it’s too much, I can call my aunt.”
“We’re good. Pipsqueak and I are having a blast. But she’ll be mad if you don’t do bedtime.”
“Should I come home early?”
“That’d be perfect.”
“I’ll be there by four-thirty. You can hang out or take off, your call.”
“See you then.”
I hang up and glance at the time. “I’ve got thirty minutes. Then I’m heading home to be with Amelia.”
Ciro nods. “Good. You need this.”
When I get to Moongate, it’s just past six. I step inside trying not to look too eager, but I know I’m scanning the room anyway. Ciro and Gianna are already at a table, drinks in hand. Gianna pops up to hug me.
“I can’t believe you left my niece at home tonight,” she teases.
“I went home early to hang out with her,” I admit, pulling out my phone before I can stop myself.
“She’ll sleep well tonight. Want to see the video?
” I tap play, and her little face fills the screen—toothy grin, arms flailing, babbling through a bedtime story.
Her tiny voice hits me square in the chest every time, like I’ll never get used to it.
Gianna laughs. “She’s obsessed with you. Look at that face.”
I can’t help grinning. “It’s mutual.”
Ciro lifts his glass, eyeing me. “You’ve changed.”
“I know.” My tone softens. “She changed me.”
Dante arrives just in time for Ellory and Luca to walk in together.
Time slows. She’s luminous—blonde, hair curling over one shoulder, her perfume cutting through the din.
Tight jeans hugging long legs, stiletto boots, a deep blue sweater, and jewelry that could be straight out of our flagship store’s display.
I forget to breathe. Introductions are made, drinks are ordered, and of course, Ellory asks to see the video.
She settles beside me, and I swear I’m vibrating from the nearness of her.
Luca smiles at her. “What made you fall in love with that Night to Remember dress?”
She smiles back. “The diamond buttons caught my eye. But the color? That sealed the deal. I knew if I hesitated, someone else would snap it up.”
“You bought it before the model finished her first walk,” Gianna adds.
“I might’ve had a signal worked out with my buyer,” Ellory admits. “She knew to make a strong offer if I gave the nod.”
Gianna hands her a purple drink. “Totally worth it. I bet it looks unreal on you.”
Ellory grins. “I’m actually working with Dante to build a rough diamond collection around it.”
Gianna’s eyes light up. “God, I wish I were running the PR for that.”
“You do PR for Luster?” Ellory asks, surprised.
“Not yet. I have a marketing degree from Berkeley. I figure these guys have all the flashy jobs, I should find my own way to contribute. And it was our PR agency that talked Felicity Ford into taking a meeting with us. I’m learning from the best in the business, though.”
Ellory leans in. “If this collection takes off, I might need help.”
And just like that, the two of them are off—creative sparks flying, energy buzzing between them like a live wire.
Dante leans back and lifts his glass. “Guess we better finalize the jewelry so you two can do your thing.”
Ellory rests a hand on my thigh. “I think you're right.”
I shift in my seat, jaw tight. I’m trying to play it cool, but one more inch, and I’m toast.
As the night winds down, people peel away one by one until it’s just Ellory and me left at the table.
“I’m glad you texted me,” she says softly. “Even if it was by accident.”
“I’ve been meaning to for weeks,” I admit. “I just didn’t want to push. My life’s…complicated.”
“She’s beautiful,” Ellory says. “And you’ve got your hands full.”
“I do.” My voice softens without me meaning it to. “But I wouldn’t trade a second of it.”
She twirls her empty glass between her fingers. “My dad and I are close too. His girlfriend? Not so much.”
I raise a brow. “Why not?”
“Heather Brooke,” she says flatly. “Two first names. Instant red flag.”
I chuckle.
“We went to camp together when we were thirteen. She was a mean girl then and still is today. But instead of still being awkward, she’s stunning and gold-digging. I just know it.”
“Hard to trust people when there’s money involved,” I say, nodding.
Ellory leans in, voice sharpening. “Exactly. My father has gifted her some of our best pieces. Last week, she wore a bracelet meant for our Honolulu store. Two-carat F1 studs in her ears.”
I watch her, smiling. And damn if it isn’t magnetic.
“That’s got to be what…half a million in earrings alone?” I ask.
She shrugs, tight. “Yeah.”
“What does your dad say?”
“That I’m not ready for him to retire.”
My smile fades. “Wait. So every time you bring up a concern, he spins it like you’re just trying to get him to retire?”
She nods once, jaw clenched.
“That sucks,” I say honestly.
“It does. He should retire. Honestly, I’m hoping a few of his board members go with him. They’re clinging to old ways and ignoring our aging demographics.”
She glances at her watch, and there’s a weight behind her eyes—caught between loyalty and ambition. I know that feeling. The only difference? Tom Caruso who runs Marion Holdings for us, gives us room to grow. Her father still has his hands wrapped tight around the wheel.
“I should let you get back to your little girl,” she says, sliding her phone out of her bag. “I’ll call Richard.”
“I can drive you home,” I offer, quick but gentle.
She hesitates, fingers hovering over her phone. “Isn’t Coit Tower out of your way?”
I place my hand over hers, stopping her. “This city’s not that big. And I’d really like a little more time with you.”
She exhales, almost a sigh. “Okay. I’ll text him so he doesn’t freak out when I leave without him.”
While she messages Richard, I flag down the server and settle the tab. A few minutes later, we step out into the night. There’s a crisp bite in the air, so I lace my fingers through hers and gently tug her closer.
She slides under my arm like a final puzzle piece, and God, she smells incredible. Warm, floral, with the faintest trace of spice. I want to bury my face in her neck and never come up for air.
“I’m really sorry for freaking out before,” she murmurs. Then, with a nervous little laugh, she adds, “It’s okay if you’ve changed your mind…about me. About this.”
I shake my head. “I haven’t changed my mind.
If anything, I’ve fallen harder. You’ve got me under your spell, Ellory.
” And I’m close enough to feel the heat of her skin.
My pulse kicks. This isn’t just about attraction.
It’s about finally exhaling after weeks of tension. I’ll do anything to get another kiss.
She relaxes into me, and I feel her soften, like she’s been holding herself tight for too long.
“We’ll go at your pace,” I tell her quietly. “All of it. I’m not pretending my life is easy. There’s diapers and teething rings and bedtime routines, but I’m here. If you want me, I’m all in.”
She rests her head on my chest, and I press a kiss to the crown of her hair. I lower my voice, rough with need. “I promised to take you home…and I will. But before that, can I kiss you? I’ve been dreaming about this.”