Page 43 of Even Ground

“How about we order this pizza and I’ll talk to your mum about another playdate,” Pania says.

“Maria loves the playdates with Amelia. I’m sure she would love more.” Lorenzo looks between us. “What would you like to order?”

“Pepperoni pizza sounds good according to Amelia, and she said Delaney likes the bread?” I look to him for a hint.

His wide smile tells me he knows exactly what I’m talking about. “The garlic rolls. I’ll bring some of those too. Anything else?”

“I’d love an orange juice.” I look toward Pania and Amelia. “What do you two want to drink?”

“The same as you,” Amelia says.

Pania smiles at Lorenzo. “Three orange juices, please.”

“I’ll get them brought to your table. Your food won’t be too long.” With another smile, he turns and walks toward the back of the restaurant.

“You can be the daddy.” Amelia hands me a napkin, and then passes one to Pania. “And you can be the mummy.”

Pania clamps her lips together and meets my gaze.

“Does that mean I get to eat most of the pizza? Like your dad?” I ask.

Amelia frowns. “No. You can get your own pizza.”

Pania laughs. “You’ve been told.”

“I ordered one pizza. I guess we’ll have to share.” I meet Pania’s gaze. “Unless Amelia eats all the pizza and we’ll just have to go without.”

The giggle that comes from Amelia melts my heart. “I can’t eat a whole pizza. Mummy says the slices are as big as my head.”

Our drinks are delivered to the table, and then it’s not much longer before Lorenzo arrives with a huge pizza and a plate piled with bread rolls.

“This looks amazing.” I meet his gaze.

“Enjoy.”

“The slices really are as big as your head, Melly.” Pania laughs. She lifts a slice of pizza up and places it on Amelia’s plate. “Careful, that’s hot.”

Amelia blows all over her pizza, and I exchange an amused glance with Pania.

Pania picks up a bread roll. They’re cute, the dough tied into a knot, and she takes in a deep breath before biting into it.

Her moan catches me by surprise, making my cock jump to attention, and I can’t stop watching her as she closes her eyes and chews.

After a moment, she slowly opens her eyes and her gaze hits mine. Her lips curl into a smile. “You should try one. They’re so good. All doughy in the centre.”

“Reece. You need to eat the pizza. Daddy likes the pizza.” Amelia pokes my arm with her index finger.

“Okay. You’re so bossy.” I reach for a slice.

She giggles, and then takes a big bite of her own piece. “Yummy.”

“Let me try this.”

I take a bite, and the spicy pepperoni and cheese hit my tastebuds, and I let out a moan before I know it.

Pania’s eyebrows rise and a bemused expression hits her hazel eyes.

“Damn, that’s good. No wonder Delaney and Josh love this place.”