Page 13 of Melody’s Little Secret

“Dulcita. Little treat.”

It was the cutest nickname I’d ever heard and if I wasn’t already lying on the ground I might have melted to my knees. I kept my eyes shut, refusing to look at Bosco while he gently lifted me off the sidewalk all the way up into his arms, carrying me princess style. I was not used to being carried by anyone. “Thanks.”

“Your knees are bleeding and you’re favoring your wrist. We should get you to the doctor and get you looked at.”

“I’m not going to a doctor. It’s fine. I’m fine,” I insisted, but my left hand throbbed. If I hurt my wrist too badly to bake, what would happen to my shop? Bubbling sobs broke out of my mouth, and tears poured down my cheeks.

“Let’s get you home and clean you up. I’ll check out your wrist and we can discuss options after that.”

I didn’t like the sound of that, but I reluctantly directed Bosco to the door of my apartment. It was better than going back to the restaurant and having to face Enzio again.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a brother?” I asked quietly as we made our way to my apartment.

“I did try to talk to you, but I think you had already made up your mind about me,dulcita. It feels like you were pushing me away before we even had the chance to get to know each other. Enzio is four whole minutes older than me. He brags about it all the time.”

“So, when I thought I was talking to you the other day, it was actually Enzio?”

“Yes,dulcita. Zio told me about your conversation, but when I saw you at the park and tried to explain, you seemed so angry. I couldn’t figure out if I’d genuinely upset you or if it was something else.”

“I bailed on Laney.” I changed the topic to something more comfortable. My wrist was throbbing, and my brain was bursting with everything that had happened. I just couldn’t process it all.

“Your friend is fine. My brother will keep her occupied.” Bosco adjusted me in his arms. “Back to the topic at hand. We’re not done talking about your behavior at the park.”

“You and I don’t have an agreement on what my behavior should look like.”Oh no.Why had I said it like I wanted him to keep an eye on my behavior? Not every sexy man with a growly voice and bossy edicts was automatically a potential Daddy.

“Perhaps not, but you’ve been feeling pretty out of sorts. Haven’t you?”

Fried pistachio popovers.

He read straight into things I didn’t want him reading into. Well, that wasn’t quite true. I hadn’t realized how observant Bosco was when I hadn’t shared my thoughts. All of a sudden, my wondering about him being a Daddy seemed ripe with possibility. He sure talked and acted like one. Carrying me up the stairs had me dreamily fantasizing what it would be like to be in his arms all of the time. I did not want to add fuel to the fire and confirm his observations.

“Ignoring my question isn’t going to change the answer,dulcita. Your lack of a response speaks volumes.”

“You might be right, but I’m not talking about it. Listen, I’ll find a way to make up for my attitude. You and Enzio must think I’m awful.”

“No one thinks you’re awful, Melody. Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Likely not taking very good care of yourself. Your forgetfulness is the biggest indicator to me. Forgetting to submit an order for supplies is one thing, but charging your cell phone? Leaving your doors unlocked? Those are dangerous things to forget.” He glanced around my apartment before settling me onto the couch. “I’d like to help.”

“I don’t think you know what sort of help I need,” I stated simply.

“Give me a chance, Melody. If what I’m offering doesn’t resonate with you in any way, then we can part ways amicably. Are we on the same page,dulcita?”

“I’m way too stuck in my head to answer you, honestly, but I hear you.” Thinking about a relationship when I was freaking out about my injuries would further overwhelm me. I tried to get up, but the tiny amount of pressure I put on my hand to help scoot me off the couch made me wince in pain. Something was definitely wrong.

“What are you doing?” he asked as he watched me try to get up.

“I can’t think. I need Band-Aids.”

Standing, he helped me up. “Why don’t you tell me where they are and let me get them?”

Ignoring his suggestion, I limped around him and headed to the bathroom. My knees burned as I tried to put a little bit of distance between us, but he followed me. Searching for my medical supplies, I noticed my first aid kit was lacking. One measly package of Band-Aids would be useless against the scrapes and cuts on my legs. I slammed the cupboard door in frustration.Can just one thing go right, please?

Chapter Seven

Bosco

“Oh,dulcita.” I leaned against the doorjamb watching her rummage for supplies. I made a mental note to pick up an extra first aid kit. Despite the situation, she looked so adorable standing there with her pouty lip and her skinned-up knees. A sad Little girl who needed a Daddy. “You’ve banged yourself up pretty good, I think you need to see a doctor.”

“I’m afraid of doctors. I’ll just figure it out myself.” From the way she said it, it was obvious she was used to fending for herself. It was also obvious that she didn’t like it very much. It was the perfect opportunity for me to step in and help like I’d wanted to for what seemed like forever, but I’d need to tread carefully so as not to send her running.

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