Chapter Eight #4
More than I should, considering my life.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, pulling my attention away.
I glance at the screen, then answer quickly.
“Don,” Luca says. “We have a situation.”
“Regarding?”
“The twins.”
I sigh. “Explain, Luca.”
“Well, sir,” Luca says, his voice unusually unsure, “I can’t really explain why, but they’ve got a Shadow tied down to the kitchen table. They’re both seething with rage, but the Shadow is laughing so hard there are tears running down his face. It’s all rather odd.”
It takes every ounce of control I possess not to react, especially with both Amelia and Olivia watching me closely.
“Which man?” I ask, already trying to figure out how to keep Spike from having my cousins killed.
“Foster,” Luca says. “But he doesn’t seem worried or hurt. Maybe it’s a kink thing.”
“I doubt it,” I sigh. “Foster’s most likely done something to piss them off. I’ll be home shortly.”
I end the call and slide the phone back into my pocket.
“Everything okay?” Amelia asks as I grab my suit jacket where I deposited it earlier.
“I have to go,” I admit. “Something came up that needs my attention.”
“Oh.” Her face falls just slightly before she catches it.
I notice anyway.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening, bella.” I hold out my hand. “May I have your phone?”
She hands it over without a second thought.
Then her eyes widen.
“I don’t know why I just did that,” she murmurs. “He could turn on my tracking. Or steal my bank information. Although, if he wants the bills that go along with that, he’s more than welcome.”
Olivia looks up at her. “Mama, you’re talking out loud.”
“I am?” Amelia asks, horrified.
My mouth twitches as I add my number to her contacts and hand the phone back.
“I’ve added my number,” I say. “But I’ll leave it up to you whether you return the favor.”
She looks down at the phone in her hand, then back at me.
“I would like to get to know you better, bella,” I continue. “You and Olivia both. If that’s something you’re open to, send me a text, and our line of communication will be open.”
Olivia tilts her head. “Does that mean you’re asking my mama to text you?”
“Yes.”
“Like dating?”
Amelia makes a strangled sound.
I look down at the little girl and answer honestly. “Eventually, I hope so.”
“Oh my gosh,” Amelia whispers.
Olivia nods, clearly approving of my directness. “Okay. But she forgets to charge her phone sometimes.”
“Olivia.”
“And sometimes she reads messages in her head and forgets to answer.”
“Olivia Marie.”
“What? You do!”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell her solemnly.
Amelia covers her face with one hand.
I lean slightly closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear.
“No pressure, bella. No expectations. Just an open door.”
Her hand drops from her face, and something soft moves through her eyes.
“Okay,” she says quietly.
I nod, then glance at Olivia.
“Be good for your mama, piccola.”
“I’m always good.”
Amelia snorts softly, causing Olivia to turn an offended look on her mother. “I am.”
“You are,” Amelia says, smoothing a hand over her daughter’s hair. “Mostly.”
I smile, then take a step back before the need to stay overrides the responsibilities waiting for me at home.
Not to mention the fact that I have a set of deranged twin cousins who seem determined to start a war between us and the Shadows.
“Goodnight, bella.”
“Goodnight, Maverick.”
I turn to leave, and for one brief, dangerous second, I think I might make it out with my composure intact.
Then Olivia’s voice rings through the barn.
“Hey, Rory! Mr. Moretti wants to date my mama!”
“Olivia!”
Amelia’s horrified gasp follows me like music.
Rory’s laugh echoes from somewhere behind us. “Does he now?”
“He said he wants her to text him,” Olivia announces.
“Olivia Marie Moore!”
I pause at the barn doors because I may be a powerful man, but I am not strong enough to walk away from this.
Slowly, I look back.
Amelia has both hands over her face.
Olivia stands beside her, completely unbothered, clutching her ever-present clipboard like she’s just delivered an official report.
Rory leans against a stall door, grinning far too widely. “Well, Ms. Moore, that sounds serious.”
“It’s not serious,” Amelia says from behind her hands.
“Oh, it’s very serious,” Olivia says.
Amelia drops her hands and stares down at her daughter. “You’re grounded from announcing things.”
“That’s not a real punishment.”
“It is now.”
Olivia considers this, then looks back at me. “Are you still gonna text her?”
“I’m hoping she texts me first.”
“Oh.” She nods, satisfied. “Good. That gives her choices. Mama likes choices.”
Amelia closes her eyes. “I’m gonna pass away in this barn.”
Rory laughs harder.
I should leave.
I truly should.
Instead, I meet this beautiful woman’s gaze and allow myself one small smile.
“No pressure,” I remind her.
Her cheeks are bright pink, but she smiles back anyway.
Small. Embarrassed. And so damn beautiful.
Then I finally turn and walk out into the evening, the sound of Olivia asking Rory if he thinks “date my mama” should go on my final grade following me all the way to my car.