Page 32 of The Billionaire Dating Dad

“Maddie doesn't need a nanny anymore,” May said, frowning.

“Maddie doesn’t need a nanny,” he agreed. “But I need her,” he hissed between clenched teeth. “I love her, May. I’m in love with Violet.”

“Why didn’t you say anything this morning?”

He scrubbed his palm down his face. “I was going to.”

“You didn’t want to hurt my feelings?”

Dimitri grimaced. “Not just yours. Maddie’s too. I thought about what you said, but my heart belongs to Violet. I can’t marry you.”

“I understand,” May hugged herself.

“We will always be in our daughter’s life, nothing will ever change that.”

“What are you going to do, she’s gone.”

“She won’t be for long”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Violet

One week later

“What are you wearing?” Juelle shook her head in disapproval.

“Clothes.”

“If you think I’m letting you go to that recital like you haven't been balling your eyes out for days, then you don’t know me.”

“Days?” Violet cringed. She’d cried for two days, three at best.

“Huh-hum.” Juelle pulled out a black one-piece jumpsuit. “This!”

“It’s too sexy for a kid’s rehearsal, Juelle.” Violet’s fingers caressed the soft cotton.

“Negative. It’s just what you need to pretend that you’re over him.” Juelle practically beamed with her excitement. “Get dressed while I grab my red Valentinos.”

“That’s too much, you love those shoes.” These past few days would have been complete torture without her bestie.

Juelle smiled. “I love you more.”

By the time her friend returned with the shoes, Violet was fastening the zipper into place along her ribs. Except for a few evenings with Dimitri, she didn’t get many opportunities to dress up and had forgotten how good the soft material felt against her skin. The jumpsuit followed her curves, extenuating the flair of her hips and slender legs.

Juelle whistled. “Girl, you look good.”

“Thank you.” She slipped on the shoes, sucking in a shuddering breath at the sight in the mirror.

“Here.” Juelle momentarily blocked her view. “Red lipstick to go with your shoes.” Pleased with herself, Juelle stepped back to survey her handy work. “Eat your heart out, Dimitri Popova.” She dropped her car key in Violet’s hand.

Violet rolled her eyes. She didn’t have the heart to tell her friend that running into Dimitri wasn’t part of the plan. But she did agree that she looked damn good. “You’re a lifesaver for loaning me your car.”

Juelle waved away her thanks and slipped out the apartment door. “Don’t forget to walk like you’re on the runway,” Juelle yelled. “And have fun doing it.”

Thirty minutes later,Violet pulled into the parking lot where the recital was being held. The lot already filled with cars was a good sign. Busy meant she wouldn’t be seen. Not drawing attention was exactly what Violet hoped for.

Her palms tingled the closer she got to the auditorium.I’m here to watch Maddie perform.Nothing more. Her bodyhummed at the thought of Dimitri and it would only get worse if she saw him. Stood close enough to inhale his scent.

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