Page 42 of Always You
Lunch with Dominic felt familiar and comfortable, but we’re not eighteen anymore. He asked me when Dante’s birthday is, what he likes to play, and the school he attends. He offered to pay his tuition. I refused. I need to see how things go first—time passed too quickly. Both of us had to return to work.
“I wish I could spend the day with you. I’ve missed you so much, Mila. God, you have no idea how good it feels to be here with you today.”
I know exactly how Dominic feels because being in his presence feels like a dream. I’ve missed him so much. The way he drinks me in as if I’m the ocean he deeply wants to get lost in.
“I missed you too,” I murmur faintly.
Dominic walks me to my car. I lean my back against the window of my car. He runs the pad of his thumb along my cheeks.
“Thank you, Angel, for meeting me today.” He licks his lips. “I want to kiss you, baby, embrace you in my arms, and never let you leave. However, I intend to respect your decision to take it slow, and I want you to trust me. If I have to spend the rest of my life making it up to you, Mila, I will. You’re the woman my heart desires.”
My eyes flutter at the sight of his soft lips. My heart deflates. Maybe I do want him to kiss me. Hold me in his arms and never let me leave. Although he is right in front of me, there remains space between us, despite the years of yearning for his touch.
His betrayal comes to mind as I recall he chose to believe what his family insinuated about me. I shiver at the brush of his lips along my cheek. I close my eyes, savoring his touch. When I open them, he steps back.
“I’ll see you soon, Mila… lunch on Friday?”
I nod. I’m flustered by his touch and terrified of giving in.
* * *
Dante and I sit watching Spiderman. We have watched Spiderman a gazillion times. I chuckle as I observe Dante sitting next to me, wearing his Spiderman suit. He’s rehearsing every line; he has them all memorized.
“Mommy, did you see I want to be like Spiderman?” One eyebrow rises as he watches me.
“You’re so strong, like Spiderman,” I tell him. “I bet It’s because you eat your vegetables.”
He flexes his muscles, giving me a wink.
I giggle. I love my little guy. He makes every struggle I’ve endured worth it.
“Yup, I strong. All the girls at school like my muscles.”
I bust out laughing. This kid makes my heart so full. “You’re a silly boy.” I tickle him, and his big dimples pop out.
The front door opens, and Sophie walks in with Ryder. Dante runs to her. She swoops him into her arms and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
“Auntie Sophie, I missed you.” He frowns at her.
She had been staying at Ryder’s these past couple of days. She still denies anything going on between them.
“I’m sorry, buddy, I missed you too. How about we hang out today? I brought you cookies.” She knows how to butter him up with cookies.
He reluctantly takes the box of cookies, the anger temporarily forgotten.
“Aha, you sure know how to win his affection.”
She throws her hands up, laughing.
“Hey, sweets make you forget anything.” Ryder stares at Sophie, then he lets out a husky laugh.
“I’ll remember next time you’re pissed at me.” She narrows her eyes at him.
“Oh, you’ll need more than sweets to make me happy.”
She gives him a soft smile.
I’m glad Sophie found Ryder. He may serve as a diversion from her ex-boyfriend, but he’s good for her.
