Page 100 of 4th Degree

Maria waves him off. “Oh, please, ma’am makes me feel old. Just call me Maria.” But she gives him an appreciative look as she moves toward the steps to our house. “But your manners are impeccable. I like you more and more by the second.”

I could swear a blush warms Dominic’s cheeks. He seems almost…eager as we all walk into the house.

“Where’s Mom?” I ask as I start to unpack the bags of groceries.

“She had just laid down for a nap when I left,” Maria answers as she does the same. “She said it was her first one today, so I’m expecting her to be out for a while.”

My head snaps up. “Her first one? What did she do all day?”

A smile tugs at Maria’s lips. “Read a book, crocheted a bit, met a friend for coffee. The usual.”

“She what?”

Maria stops trying to hide her excitement. She looks up and meets my gaze, and we share a silent moment of surprised glee. Because even though Maria’s been an incredible help these past few months, Mom’s disease unfortunately still gives her more bad days than good ones. Which means this news has me wanting to both scream in excitement and break down sobbing in Maria’s arms.

“I was going to let her sleep,” my little miracle worker says, turning back to the ingredients in front of her. “Meanwhile, I figured I’d whip up a little dinner so Joey has something he can grab before his work shift tomorrow.” Her eyebrows rise in Dominic’s direction. “Unless I can interest you in staying for dinner? I assumed Skylar would be at work tonight, but since you’re here… You look like you’d appreciate some homemade gnocchi.”

Dominic lets out an appreciative groan. “I haven’t had homemade gnocchi since I was a little boy. My grandmother used to make it.” His eyes brighten when he turns to me. “I haven’t made any family recipes in years. We should stay in one night, and I’ll cook for you.”

“Ah, and he’s Italian.” Maria looks to me, nodding her approval. “I told you I liked him more by the second. You should definitely ask him to stay for dinner.”

Dominic looks like he’s already salivating over the offer, but all I can think about is how badly I want to be alone with him tonight. Maria, bless her heart, sees right through me.

“Listen to me, trying to take over your whole night.” She waves me off. “Ignore me. You kids probably already have plans.”

I chew on my lip, debating how much to reveal. But when I lock eyes with Dominic, I find myself admitting, “I was actually thinking of staying at Dominic’s place tonight. Since Joey will be home.”

Maria’s smile takes over her face. “I think that’s a great idea! You’re long overdue for a night off. I’ve been telling you that you need to take time for yourself.”

Dominic gives me a look that screams I told you so.

In answer, I send him a playful glare. But when that makes him chuckle and press a kiss to my temple, I can’t stop the giddy, girlish smile from appearing on my face.

“Get out of here, you two, we’ll be just fine here,” she says. Then she points a finger at Dominic. “But I’m going to make enough gnocchi to feed an Italian family, so I expect you to take some of it the next time you’re here.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Dominic says with a grin. “Can I help you while Skylar packs her bag?”

Maria doesn’t seem surprised by the offer; she just points at the pot on the stove. “You sure can. You can start by boiling those potatoes.”

While Dominic sets to work, I hurry upstairs. I grab a quick shower to scrub the sweat from my skin, and the entire time, I can’t wipe the giddy smile off my face.

I’m throwing random clothes into a bag, when my mom appears in the doorway.

“Mom,” I say in surprise. “I didn’t think you’d be awake. Maria said you had a busy day today.”

Her smile is tired, but not in a pained way. I rush over to her and help her take a seat on my bed.

“I heard you come home, and I wanted to ask you how your tournament went,” she says.

“It was great. I won gold in my division.”

Pride lights in her eyes. “That’s amazing, Skylar. Congratulations.” Her focus shifts to my bag. “Are you going somewhere to celebrate?”

Guilt immediately floods my veins. I shouldn’t leave her. I need to be here. She needs me.

Her skin is cold against mine as she takes my hand and pulls me down beside her. I turn my conflicted gaze toward her, doing nothing to hide the war in my eyes.

“Skylar, you should be celebrating,” she says softly. “You just accomplished something incredible, and you deserve to have some fun. You don’t need to take care of me all the time.”

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