Page 104 of Just Like That

I grinned. “I did my research.”

Her eyes narrowed at me, and I sighed. “A weekend getaway to Italy is impressive, but Italy with witches?” I shrugged. “Come on.”

A light laugh escaped from behind her fingertips.

“Are you impressed?” I asked.

“Very.” She laughed and my chest swelled with pride.

“Good.” I enjoyed how perfectly Hazel fit into my side as we walked. “I like taking care of you.”

She sighed and I hoped it was a happy one. “Did you ever think this would be your life?” she asked.

I smiled and looked at her. “Did I think a wild, cheerful woman and a cute, quirky kid would fall into my life and make me realize just how stuck I had been?” I shook my head, laughing. “No. I can’t say that I saw that one coming.”

“He is pretty cute.” She bumped into my arm. “Kind of looks like his dad.”

My chest pinched. We hadn’t gotten the paternity results back, but it was hard to deny the fact that Teddy was like a mirror image of me.

It struck me that I hadn’t grown the balls to tell her just how deeply I’d fallen for her. I hadn’t even alluded to the fact that I was just as enamored with Teddy too. I turned in the middle of that cobblestone road to face her.

Hazel gazed up at me as I dragged my thumb across her eyebrow and cupped her face. “I’m glad you brought him into my life. I’m better with him ... and with you.” I pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Thank you.”

When I looked at her again, fresh tears were shimmering against her lashes. She swiped them away. “I don’t know why I’m crying. I had this plan where I was going to show up and face the jerk who’d broken my sister’s heart. I was going to demand you sign over your rights. Then we’d leave and I would never look back.” She laughed and shook her head. “Now look at me ... I’m running away on a holiday to the Amalfi Coast with the guy.”

I smirked, knowing full well how I had also done a complete one-eighty in regard to her when she’d shown up in town. “Now here we are.”

Her hands slipped into mine. “Here we are.”

I looked over her shoulder, spotting the apothecary boutique I’d found for her. I leaned in to whisper in her ear. “How about you spend some more of my money.” I flicked my chin in the direction of the store.

Hazel looked over her shoulder and grinned. “I could put a spell on you, you know.”

With a swift kiss, I sauntered ahead of her. “Already have, Hex.”

THIRTY-FOUR

HAZEL

JP

I’d like a status report on Teddy.

MJ

You’re such a robot sometimes. Just say you miss your kid.

Abel

He’s good, but damn it gets loud with three in the house.

Sloane

Get used to it, big guy. And yes, Teddy’s great! Such a little gentleman.

JP

Thank you for taking him for a few days.

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