Page 5 of Always You
“No, Mommy, you’re a girl.” He stares at me incredulously, his mouth forming a perfect 'O' of surprise.
I can't help but smile; my boy was too adorable for words. Just then, the corners of his lips turned up in a smirk and I know he knows he’s being cute. When I look at Dante, I see so much of Dominic: his facial expressions, his smile, and his attitude. I recall the day I met Dominic.
It was at my father’s diner. He had closed it for a Christmas party for his employees. Dominic’s mom had worked there for six or seven months before my dad’s passing. Rachel oversaw accounting/payroll for the diner.
The night Dominic strolled in the front door with his brothers, I stood frozen in place like an ice sculpture. But more like an ice sculpture being melted under Domonic’s gaze. Taking a deep, steady breath, my heart raced, galloping out of my chest. He had gazed into my lust-filled eyes, taking my breath away. Ogling his six-foot-tall frame, olive skin, sharp jaw, broad shoulders, muscular, and the most beautiful brown eyes, I had whispered to myself, “Oh my God.” Before I knew it, he was standing in front of me.
“Hi,” he says breathlessly, as his eyes trail down my body.
My entire body heats at his appraisal. I’ve never been the type to want a guy’s approval, and, well, I’ve never had a boyfriend. I stand there like a complete idiot. I can’t get the damn words out of my mouth.
“Hi,” I sputter out. His smile is the size of Texas, which shows his perfect white teeth and big dimples.
“So, do your parents work here?” he asks, then bites his lip.
“My dad’s the owner.” Heleaned his hard, sexy body on the counter.
“Oh yeah, Leo’s your dad? He’s really cool. I’ve met him a couple of times when I drop in.”
“Yeah, he’s a great dad,” I murmur and smile nervously, thinking I might throw up.
He keeps his gaze on me as if he can’t peel it away. He breathes out, “I’m Dominic, Rachel’s son.”
Dominic fits him perfectly.
“And you’re?”
Oh God.Like a complete fool, I’m still staring at him. “Mila,” I say, feeling my cheeks grow warm.
“Mila,” he repeats softly.
Ahh, and the way he says my name has my insides burning. Dominic is so handsome I can’t seem to peel my eyes away. My cheeks go hot with scarlet when Dominic catches me gawking and drooling—sliding a hand into his soft brown hair.
“Uhmm, do you want to get out of here and go for a walk?” he asks, nervously chewing his bottom lip. He’s fidgeting, eyes darting around the room, unsure of how to take the conversation forward. “We can stay here if you want. I was asking because it’s getting crowded.” His voice catches in his throat, and he scratches the back of his neck absently.
We wander around the pier in comfortable silence, the breeze ruffling his hair as it blows in from the ocean. I can feel his eyes on me every now and then, studying my features with shy admiration.
“You’re very beautiful,” he breathes, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Dominic asks, and his voice is heavy with anticipation.
I shake my head.
His shoulders slump with relief. His smile grows wider, and he moves closer to me, slipping his hand over mine. “Good, because you're mine now.”
In this instant, I feel a jolt of electricity run through me. The connection between us is electric, our chemistry undeniable. I know at this moment he is the one.
A smile stretches across my face as I recall he had kissed me then. It was our first.
“Mommy, why you smile at?” Dante scrutinizes me with a frown.
I chuckle. “Come on, little Dominic, bedtime.”
He laughs. He knows he looks a lot like his father.
After a leisurely shower, I put on shorts and a tank top and pull my long black hair back into a ponytail before going to bed. I slide into bed, praying the nightmares won't come to haunt me in my sleep. Sometimes, they bring pleasant dreams of Dominic, though not as often as I’d like; no matter how much I wish it were possible, he never lets me dream of him.
Dominic and I are walking back to the house hand in hand. I see the large flames heating the night. The fire truck’s sirens piercing my ears. I run to the house screaming, “Dad, my dad! He’s in there. Did you get him out?” I’m screaming so loud I can’t hear anything else. I'm desperately searching for him, but I can't seem to find him anywhere.
