Page 65 of Matteo

He tilts his head to study me. “I never thought you’d be one to pay off a judge.”

“I never thought I would be either. Until the moment Amy was a sobbing wreck in my arms—not from the fear I would hit her—because she was relieved that I wouldn’t. When it comes to severing the last tie to that time and keeping Amy and Layla safe, there isn’t much I wouldn’t do.”

Wincing, he nods. “You’re certain Amy is with you for the right reasons?”

I send an eyebrow up at him. “I wouldn’t care if she was with me for the wrong reasons. Once the divorce is finalized and she’s ready, Amy will be my wife, and Layla will be my daughter. As far as I’m concerned, they are already. A piece of paper doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to them.”

“Okay, okay, I get it. All I want is to ensure you’ve thought things through. I care about you and what might come after. Please, simply give some thought to a prenup.”

Shaking my head, “I’m not interested in one. Besides, I’m sure you and Mom will sic lawyers on her the moment I screw up, and she kicks me out.”

He exhales a laugh.

“You good now? Got your big brother's due diligence out of the way? Can we eat, please?”

Rolling his eyes, he opens his own box. “When did you become such a know-it-all jackass?”

“Come on, I’m no Javier with a law degree. I’m worse, a doctor. You just missed out on it because I barely came back for the last twenty years. It’s only been two-minute phone calls for me to diagnose and tell you what to do.” I fork some romaine lettuce with some mozzarella and salami in my mouth. Damn, that’s good. I look up to find Rafe staring into his salad. “What’s wrong?”

Finally, his eyes meet mine. “I’m sorry for letting that be the extent of our relationship. Mom went out to see you. I didn’t even think of it. I should?—”

“Rafe, you called me once a week to check on me during those first years of college when I needed it, and you were busy as hell while doing it. Yeah, sometimes we only talked for five minutes. There were far more times when we talked for hours. Then I thought I was supposed to be a man and didn’t need you. That is on me. I could have picked up the phone.” I refuse to let him blame himself.

“Yeah, but...” His jaw is hard.

“No. Don’t do that. I get it’s taken some time to repair your relationship with Mom, but I had her. If I needed someone to talk to, she was the one I called. She answered every time. We can’t undo what’s happened. We can simply do better now.”

He nods. “Fine. You’re right. When the hell did you become so…smart?”

Laughing, I shrug. “It was all that time in college and med school. Is it okay if I use the jet tomorrow to take Amy to Denver? She’s an artist. And I want to show her as much art as I can. I’m also looking at a three-day trip in a few weeks to Chicago. For her to agree to it, I’ll have to call it a belated birthday. I’m considering two weeks in Europe to see art there for our honeymoon. Mom recommended someone to help me plan everything, and we’re still working out the best way to see the most art.”

“I love the ask, then the tell. There’s no need to ask. I told you when you got here. Check with the office to confirm no one in the company is using it. If not, the jet has your last name on it. You have every right to use it. But you’re the one paying for the fuel, and it isn’t pocket change.”

I nod at his warning. Talking with the coordinator at the hangar where the jet is parked yesterday, he gave me some figures. As far as I’m concerned, it’s worth it to make Amy happy.

Amy

“Why are we up early on a Saturday, Matteo?” I yawn as I head straight for my Moka pot for caffeine.

His chuckle is annoying before coffee. “Only you would find nine in the morning early.”

I give him the stink eye.

“I’m sorry. It is earlier than you’re used to on a Saturday. However, I think you’ll forgive me when you find out what the surprise is. The small issue is you’re going to want to change. As we’re leaving the condo.”

It's a dreary day today. Exactly the kind of day to be lazy and hide in the warmth of central heat. “Do I have to?”

“You’re going to make me tell you the surprise before we leave, aren’t you?”

The caffeine hasn’t hit my veins yet because the Moka pot hasn’t released its life-saving brew. So, I’m not sure how it feels like I’m winning already. Back to the counter, I lean against it and cross my arms. Blearily, I stare down Matteo. He’s looking, per usual, gorgeous in black slacks and a cashmere sweater—this one thick and in navy.

“I mean, Layla isn’t even up yet. There’s something out there about sleeping when she sleeps. I think I earned finding out what this surprise is.”

An eyebrow goes up. He prowls toward me. Those bees are awake and buzzing at the look in his eyes. Heat hits me everywhere, and my lungs are tight, making it hard to breathe deep. The bees are pissed with the need for air. I finally figured out it was never a temperature I was running those first few days—it was all Matteo.

Oh my, they’re turning gold. His hands come down on either side of me, caging me in. I don’t feel trapped—I feel protected with his body all around. His heat warming me from the inside out. A smile is playing on his beautiful lips. Will I finally find out what those lips feel like on mine?

“You are feeling better. This is a different Amy, mouthy in the morning. I like it. Although I think I’ll ensure I have your coffee waiting before I wake you next time.” His voice is low and washes over my skin, turning it hot and tight in anticipation of his touch.

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